Support from the international community therefore is essential. In the meantime, Georgia will continue to work on diversifying its economy. Promoting more exports, especially in the agriculture sector, is likely to produce positive results. For example, because there is no market distribution mechanism for them, fruits end up rotting. One positive impact of the depreciation is that the local market will develop with increased local production, reducing imports of even basic goods such as milk.
Tourism is another potential growth industry for Georgia.
On this issue, clearly the problem with Abkhazia has had a negative impact. More than the Russian state forces interfering in Abkhazia, it is the occasional generals who take matters into their own hands that create the biggest problems. While negotiations will certainly continue in 1999, the situation remains grim.