"Georgia is successful in terms of olerance, openness, and the ability to learn from the past," - Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said at the meeting with students in Tbilisi on May 20.

She said that she was struck by the magnificent view of Old Town Tbilisi—which has become a “top destination for visitors from across the globe.”

The IMF Managing Director said that after regaining independence, Georgia went through an exceptionally challenging period, including a sharp drop in living standards and a collapsing manufacturing sector. “These painful economic scars marked the beginning of a new chapter.”

“Over the past generation, Georgia has written a remarkable story of transformation—by shifting the economy from a heavy reliance on agriculture towards service industries, lifting average incomes, boosting tourism and trade, and creating one of the world’s most welcoming business environments,” she said.

Christine Lagarde gave some advices to the Georgian students.

“If you want to be seen, stand up. If you want to be heard, speak up If you want to be appreciated, speak briefly," the IMF Managing Director said.