Farmers who came from South Africa up to two years ago share their experiences with other South Africans considering to follow their example. (Photo: Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch – A delegation of South African farmers have arrived in Georgia to check the prospects of taking root here.

Papuna Davitaia, State Minister for Diaspora Issues, opened the conference, which is held at Radisson Hotel, by underlining that business relations began between South African farmers and Georgia about two years ago, a relationship which has has injected several million lari into Georgia’s economy, he said.

A number of Georgians have been employed as a result, and 25 South African farmers currently work in Georgia, Papuna Davitaia adds.

The farmers, who are staying until April 27, today presented plans for future projects to implement in Georgia.

The goal of the congress is to attract South African investments and share their experiences.

The first congress was held in 2010 in South Africa. Papuna Davitaia presented Georgian business environment and investment climate in Georgia then, which caught the attention of African farmers. As a result, a memorandum of understanding was signed.

Then farmers started arriving and bought lands. The government opened a website dedicated to the South African farmers, who can apply online for a temporary Georgian citizenship and also can register online to apply for permission to start as a farmer. http://www.boers.ge/

Within the frames of the visit, the guests will visit the Black Sea port of Batumi. The congress in Tbilisi will last for two days, and continues with the South African farmers already living in Georgia, who will share their experiences so far.

Vera Kobalia, Minister for Economic Development; Malkhaz Akishbaia, Deputy Agriculture Minister; Irina Kurdadze, Deputy Education Minister and Sandra Roelofs, Georgia’s First Lady are attending today’s meeting.