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The Council

The America-Georgia Business Council (AGBC) is a non-profit business association established in 1998. Based in Washington, D.C., the AGBC encourages activities and policies that promote strong economic ties between the United States and Georgia. AGBC’s membership includes both large and medium-sized U.S. companies operating in Georgia and the surrounding region, as well as Georgian business entities that are beneficiaries of significant U.S. capital, management, and expertise. These members innovate, create jobs, and support communities in both the United States and Georgia. The AGBC relies on a deep understanding of the Georgian political and business landscape, direct access to high-level government officials and agencies, and diverse business contacts to deliver value and maximize opportunities for our members.

What AGBC does:

AGBC’s goal is to support its members in achieving successful market entry and business growth through advocacy, networking, and analysis. The Council’s history of facilitating stronger commercial ties between the United States and Georgia is impressive. It has built a successful track record and legacy of trust with multiple stakeholders that has allowed AGBC to guide businesses as they navigate constantly changing commercial and governmental environments For example, AGBC members benefit from timely access to potential business partners and relevant government agencies and officials in Washington and Tbilisi. The Council enhances its members’ prospects by providing policy analysis, networking opportunities with business and government leaders, and access to resources. AGBC members have a seat at the table and a voice in the discussion, regardless of their location.

AGBC’s Mission:

The relationship between the United States and Georgia has progressed significantly since Georgia regained its independence thirty years ago. AGBC believes building strong economic connections with Georgia and the surrounding region is an important American interest. By collaborating with business leaders, the Council helps to create more opportunities for fair trade policies, industry development, and job growth, ultimately improving the quality of life for citizens of both countries.

AGBC Governance:

The America-Georgia Business Council is overseen by a Board of Directors. Directors are responsible for developing strategy, providing oversight and guidance, and appointing the Council President. The Board is made up of prominent figures from both the public and private sectors with extensive experience promoting stronger business and political ties between the United States and Georgia. The AGBC President is tasked with guiding member companies through complex details of the political and business environment, and with fostering partnerships and collaboration amongst them.

Mamuka Tsereteli

President

Dr. Mamuka Tsereteli is a president of the America-Georgia Business Council. Previously he was a founding executive director of the Council since 1998. Under his leadership, the Council has emerged as a major instrument for the promotion of the US-Georgian trade and investment ties, and the forum for public-private dialog on the issues of bilateral economic relationships. Dr. Tsereteli's commitment to Georgia goes beyond the Council with his work in academia, business, and the non-profit sector. He is a Senior Fellow with the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute at American Foreign Policy Council. He is a senior adjunct professorial lecturer at American University in Washington, DC. Through his public and private initiatives, he has promoted Georgian wines in the U.S. for more then two decades.

strategically located with direct access to the Middle East and Central Asia

transit country with increasing rail, highway, and air links

high rankings in all positive international indices with particular emphasis on low rates of tax, regulation, crime, and corruption

Why Consider Georgia for Business, Trade, and Investment?

  • Georgia is an attractive destination for trade and investment for US companies. First, the country is strategically located with direct access to the Middle East and Central Asia. Entering Georgia offers the potential to reach an exponentially larger regional market, thanks to Georgia’s free trade agreements with Turkey, CIS countries, the EU, and China.
  • Second, Georgia is a transit country with increasing rail, highway, and air links, which provide excellent opportunities for US enterprises in the areas of transportation, telecommunications, hospitality, food industry, and finance. As a mark of this growth, the country boasts a successful track record in completing international infrastructure projects, including energy pipelines and oil terminals.
  • Third, Georgia has attained high rankings in all positive international indices with particular emphasis on low rates of tax, regulation, crime, and corruption. Given this stable environment, the country enjoys strong support from international financial institutions, and from investment promotion agencies, such as OPIC.