Page 30 - GEORptFeb22

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.”
6.0 Public Sector 6.1 Budget
Georgia revises 2022 budget in line with higher GDP forecast
The government of Georgia has revised its 2022 budget planning in line with higher expected GDP, and also to include lawmakers’ remarks. The revised planning has been submitted to parliament, according to the chairman of the parliamentary committee for finance and budget, Irakli Kovzanadze.
The government revised the budget in line with 10% GDP growth this year, compared to the 9.5% assumed previously. In nominal terms, GDP is expected to hit GEL65bn this year.
According to Kovzanadze, the revised version of the 2022 budget includes an increase in funding in a number of areas.
The government has maintained its growth forecast for next year at 6%.
In the first nine months of 2021, the Georgian economy grew by 11.3% y/y. The general government deficit target is kept at 4.4% of GDP.
The public debt is seen as reaching 52.2% of GDP by the end of 2022.
“The revised 2022 budget draft includes significant changes in the allocation of funds and we have more funding for a number of spending entities. The revised version takes into account some of the remarks and suggestions made in parliament during the review of the initial version,” the chairman of the parliamentary committee for finance and budget said.
30 GEORGIA Country Report February 2022 www.intellinews.com