In Georgia, the Economy Ministry announced on Monday, March 28, that Japanese electronic commerce and online retailing giant, Rakuten, will establish a Tbilisi-based office to develop mobile applications for its Viber messaging product.
Moreover, among other areas, the Tbilisi operations team of Rakuten Viber will work to develop and refine software compatible with iOS and Android devices, as well as increase their quality.
The company is working closely with the Georgian Government as well as the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development to establish Viber’s legal entity under the terms of the International Company Status, a program designed to attract global technology companies.
“In Georgia, Viber has a significant user base, with 1.7 million active monthly users out of a total population of 3.7 million. Viber plans to expand its community of users in Georgia and create new jobs in the region by establishing a presence in the country,” the company stated.
“We’re delighted to announce this investment in Georgia and its people as the country fulfills its potential as a regional hub for international trade.” We’re grateful for Georgia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development’s assistance. We look forward to the many ways we will grow together in the upcoming years, stated Ofir Eyal, CEO of Rakuten Viber.
The industry profile of the multinational technology company was reviewed in a meeting between Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili and Rakuten Viber CEO Ofir Eyal on Monday.
The opening of the office, according to Levan Davitashvili, sends a “notable message” to other international technology companies regarding Georgia’s business and investment environment.
“The International Company Status program is a worthwhile investment program that will accelerate Georgia’s development.” Global tech companies will be able to establish roots in Georgia and help transform Tbilisi into a new tech hub, according to Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Levan Davitashvili.
Hiroshi Mikitani founded Rakuten Group, Inc. in 1997 as Japanese electronic commerce and online retailing corporation based in Tokyo. With 500 employees worldwide, Rakuten Viber is the market leader in Japanese Internet services.
