Adgur Ardzinba: 10 years is the time when it is already possible to sum up

The International Conference "10 Years of Recognition: Results and Perspectives" continues.

Sukhum. 22 August. Apsnypress. Within the framework of the International Conference "10 Years of Recognition: Results and Prospects", there was held a round table on the topic "Economic, political and social aspects of the interaction between Russia and Abkhazia". Minister of Economy of the Republic of Abkhazia, Adgur Ardzinba, moderated the round table. 
  
 As stated the message, Adgur Ardzinba noted that the round table was attended by figures who were always "at the zenith of Abkhaz-Russian relations." "10 years is a time when it is already possible to sum up, evaluate what has been done and outline prospects," - he stressed.
  
 Opening the discussion, the minister cited economic indicators: "If we take a retrospective for 10 years, then we can say that during this period, the trade turnover of Abkhazia increased substantially: exports almost 6 times, imports tripled. Accordingly, the revenues of the republic's own budget have grown at times. There is a progressive dynamic on the influx of tourists to the country. "
 
 At the same time, Ardzinba stressed that Russia is the traditional economic partner of Abkhazia: it is about 80% of the turnover, as well as about 97% of all tourists coming to the country. "Russia's main support lies in budgetary financing, which is aimed at increasing wages, paying pensions and so on. Also, within the framework of the investment program, direct investments are made in the objects of education, culture, and infrastructure. This is a great help for us, " - he said.
  
 The minister recalled that during the Soviet Union, Abkhazia was a popular all-union health resort. "The fact is that Abkhazia, among other resorts of the Black Sea basin of the USSR, was in an uncompetitive environment. And in conditions of limited supply and demand, Abkhazia was popular. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Abkhazia, among many was compelled to compete with countries that had gone far ahead. Our situation was aggravated by military actions, the post-war situation. The so-called start-up capital, which was from other players turned out to be canceled and maybe even went into minus, " - Adgur Ardzinba said. We together with the Russian Federation need to learn how to compete not with each other, but with other players who are represented in tourism."
  
 Round table participants discussed successes and missed opportunities, interim results and prospects in bilateral relations of Abkhazia and Russia.