Outside Business Interests Visit Abkhazia

Last week several groups of foreign businesspeople came to Abkhazia.  I met with two Argentines who are working with an Abkhaz businessman to bring sugarcane for processing from Brazil.  A German group visited to vet investment projects and the Israeil security consulting firm, Global CST came to Sukhum, also.   Global CST had been involved in training Georgian troops before the 2008 conflict in South Ossetia.  The visit caused Georgian officials some real heartburn.  Some observers have connected the dots between Georgia's recent harsh treatment and entrapment of Israeil businessman, Rony Fuks, the Elbit Systems case and Global Systems visit to Abkhazia.  After the trip, Georgia's Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeil Ambassador Itzhak Gerberg for talks.  Ambassador Gerberg denied that Israel would supply weapons to Abkhazia, saying that Global CST had talked about other spheres on investment.

A few weeks ago, a western businessman contacted me about agricultural possiblities in Abkhazia.  He specifically mentioned greenhouse building and operation.  Just last week, an Abkhaz businessman connected with me about the same issue.  He has property and funding for the operation, but needs technical expertise.  

It is clear to me that the tide is changing and Abkhazia's opportunities are drawing outside interest.  Like the tide, this economic progress cannot be stopped.  Nor should it.  In my recent conversations with Congressman Rohrabacher, I stressed the opportunities American business has to spread "American" values of entrepreneurship, business ethics and democracy.  In doing so, we can participate in the building of a safer, more prosperous Bllack Sea and Caucasus region.