A Kiwi-Indian businessman has been appointed as the first Honorary Consul of Georgia in New Zealand in a glittering event held on Wednesday, July 14, at Hyatt Regency, Auckland. 

Jagjit Singh, an Auckland based successful businessman with business connections in Georgia - a country located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia - was appointed as Hon Consul by Ambassador of Georgia, George Dolidze. 

Ambassador Dolidze had arrived from Canberra, where the Embassy of Georgia (for New Zealand) is based. 

Hon Consul Jagjit Singh will now oversee all responsibilities for the entire New Zealand region. 

Speaking to the Indian Weekender, Singh said, “It is a matter of great privilege and responsibility to be appointed as the first Hon Consul of Georgia in New Zealand.”

“Personally, I am quite well connected with Georgia in terms of business and people connections, and I am fully committed to contributing in enhancing relations between Georgia and New Zealand,” Singh said. 

The opening ceremony was attended by the Members of the Parliament of NZ, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Executive and Board members of the Auckland City Council, other officials, representatives of the local business and sports and the Georgian compatriots.

Speaking on the occasion Ambassador George Dolidze, emphasised on friendly relations between Georgia and New Zealand and the prospects of its further development.

He emphasised that the opening of the Honorary Consulate will bring the relations between the two countries to a qualitatively new level – a sentiment echoed by New Zealand’s Member of Parliament and Assistant Speaker of the parliament Jenny Salesa who was also present on occasion. 

Salesa pointed out that NZ is currently exploring opportunities to diversify its trade partners. The appointment of the new Honorary Consul is a very good signal for deepening economic relations between the two countries. 

Singh, in his acceptance speech on occasion, outlined his future plans and expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand for the trust bestowed upon him for this responsibility. 

Singh also told the Indian Weekender that they had identified an office space in Auckland CBD, which they plan to open once the Covid pandemic subsides, and more clarity emerges. 

Among the main responsibilities for the new Consul of Georgia, the key is political lobbying, facilitating economic and trade relations, business relations, cultural relations, education and scientific relations and organising new events.