28/03/2008 2:28:31 pm
Improvements. Visiting Tblisi and Georgia is really very interesting. My schedule remains intense, with some five lectures or speeches every day - for politicians, students, politicians. And media and dinner with former ministers. But I get to meet many different people and see various places.

Tblisi is beatiful, but in great need of renovation (which was prohibited during the Soviet Union). But things are happening, renovations take place, streets are repaired, restaurants are opening. Old wine and food traditions are brought to life.

Four years ago, there was still only electricity a few hours a day. Now, it is 24 hours a day. Georgia is booming economically after free-market reforms. Foreign direct investments are rising by some 20 per cent a year, and economic growth is some 10 per cent a year.



Speaking for students at Tblisi State University earlier today