Trade and economic links between Bristol and its Georgian twin city of Tbilisi have been strengthened through a visit by Mayor Marvin Rees and a group of regional business leaders.
The visit was part of a series of commercial, cultural and educational events taking place throughout the year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the twinning of the two cities.
The two cities have enjoyed a range of cultural, educational and commercial initiatives over the three decades, but now Mayor Rees is looking to increase commercial links with the Georgian capital.
Representatives from 80 Georgian companies and the Georgian Government joined the Mayor of Tbilisi at the meeting. The Bristol delegation was looking to build on the current relationship between the two cities and increase the current investment and trade opportunities.
While there, the Mayor took part in a round table summit, and also unveiled a plaque in the newly refurbished former visa offices at the British Embassy in Tbilisi. The Embassy is officially naming the space ‘The Bristol Room’ to mark the 30th anniversary of the city twinning.
Mayor Rees said: “This exchange strengthened our international links and enabled us to share the innovative and creative ways in which Tbilisi and Bristol are redeveloping our former industrial areas.
“Bristol has regenerated the historic Harbourside area by reclaiming old buildings, and transforming them into museums, creative venues, restaurants, bars, hotels and apartments. It now forms the heart of Bristol’s 21st century cultural centre. We hope to share our experiences with the people of Tbilisi, and we can learn from them too as we look to shape development in the Western Harbour and across the city.”
James Durie, CEO of Bristol Chambers of Commerce (Business West) who was with Mayor Rees on the visit, added: “At a time when international trade is at the top of the national agenda I was very pleased to be working alongside Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees in visiting Tbilisi. Our trip presented an excellent opportunity to better understand the potential for developing trade relations between Bristol and the West of England and Georgia and the wider Caucasus region.
“In Bristol, the Mayor, business, the universities and other partners are proactively working together to promote a joined-up offer overseas encompassing cultural, educational and commercial opportunities.”
This trip follows an earlier visit to Bristol by a Georgian delegation led by Ms Sophio Khuntsaria, Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi.
During the visit to Bristol, the Georgian delegates attended screenings at the international Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival, where 10 Georgian film directors showed their work.
They also visited Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, MShed Museum of Bristol, Spike Island Arts Centre and SS Great Britain Ship Museum, to gain an understanding of how Bristol transformed the city’s Harbourside area, and found new uses for old warehouses and buildings.
Pictured, from left: Bristol Chamber of Commerce CEO James Durie, the Mayor of Tiblisi Kakha Kaladze and Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees
