Page 28 - GEORptMar21

$1.26bn, while in 2019 it edged up by 0.2%. In 2020, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, the investment volume has been further reduced.
5.3 FTAs
Georgia signs MoU with US on 5G security
Georgia and the US have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on strengthening cooperation in fifth-generation (5G) wireless communications networks.
At the core of the MoU is a set of agreed good practices that the two sides should implement in the development of their 5G networks with a view to avoiding security risks. More specifically, the good practices are broadly interpreted as a way of banning Huawei and other companies controlled by Chinese government, defined as “malign actors”, and providing the necessary technology used by telecom operators to develop their 5G networks.
The US and Georgia emphasised a statement from the Prague 5G Security Conference – framing the “Prague Proposals” – as an important step towards developing a common approach to 5G network security, and ensuring a secure, resilient, and trustworthy 5G ecosystem. The Prague Proposals stress the need to develop, deploy, and commercialise 5G networks based on free and fair competition, transparency and the rule of law.
More specifically, under the MoU, Georgia agrees that in order to promote a vibrant and robust 5G ecosystem, “a rigorous evaluation of suppliers [of 5G hardware and software] should take into account the rule of law; the security environment; ethical supplier practices; and a supplier’s compliance with secure standards and industry best practices.”
Specifically, evaluations should be made as to whether network hardware and software suppliers are subject, without independent judicial review, to control by a foreign government.
Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said that “today’s signing is yet another manifestation of the multidimensional strategic partnership’ between Georgia and the US.”
“The signing of the 5G memorandum and its successful implementation serves this very goal and will increase US companies’ interest in Georgia. Moreover,
28 GEORGIA Country Report March 2021 www.intellinews.com