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Capacity Building Trainings in Gori, Shida Kartli region

on 01 Jan : 00:00

On April 19-20, 2018 tenth capacity building trainings for regional civil society organizations took place in Gori, Shida Kartli region. The training was led by one of the project implementers, the Association of Business Consulting Organizations (ABCO), whose representative, Konstantin Zhgenti, provided trainees with information about the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), including what DCFTA benefits are available for Georgia, what it offers for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how the latter can engage into the European single market.

The training in Gori was attended by 19 representatives of numerous civil society organizations, small and medium enterprises and public officials, such as Gori Democracy School, NGO Step for the Future and Agency of strategic Development. The purpose of the training was to increase civil society representatives’ knowledge about DCFTA and to involve them into the project by providing capacities to inform Georgian public about DCFTA/SME strategy implementation and to assist local small and medium entrepreneurs that they could use DCFTA provided opportunities and would prepare to export to the European market.

The training included information about the possibility of selling products to the EU single market, instructions on how to meet EU standards and other requirements and how current entrepreneurship could be modernized in Georgia. After the session, almost all the participants expressed their satisfaction with the training process and the information received itself, with most indicating that new information had been delivered to the participants.

The next phase of involving trained civil society organizations in the project activities will be announcing a call for sub-granting, which will allow regional organizations to apply for funds to implement activities related to implementing DCFTA/SME communication campaign and to consult regional small and medium entrepreneurs on DCFTA.

Additionally to the training, an introductory session to the DCFTA Local Advisory Council (LAC) has been introduced as well. Starting from May, 2018, regular meetings of public officials, civil society and SME representatives will be conducted in Shida Kartli region. This session was conducted with representatives of the local governmental bodies and small and medium enterprises. Both the organizers and the participants expressed their positive opinions and future expectations at this session, and believed that this institution would be essential for keeping local communities informed and further develop their knowledge about EU and Georgian markets.

Capacity Building Trainings in Ozurgeti, Guria region

on 01 Jan : 00:00

On April 10-11, 2018 ninth capacity building trainings for regional civil society organizations took place in Ozurgeti, Guria region. The training was led by one of the project implementers, the Association of Business Consulting Organizations (ABCO), whose representative, Konstantin Zhgenti, provided trainees with information about the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), including what DCFTA benefits are available for Georgia, what it offers for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how the latter can engage into the European single market.

The training in Ozurgeti was attended by 30 representatives of numerous civil society organizations, small and medium enterprises and public officials, among which Agriculture Chamber of Ozurgeti, Women for Regional Development and Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The purpose of the training was to increase civil society representatives’ knowledge about DCFTA and to involve them into the project by providing capacities to inform Georgian public about DCFTA/SME strategy implementation and to assist local small and medium entrepreneurs that they could use DCFTA provided opportunities and would prepare to export to the European market.

Training organizers used different information spreading tools and local governmental and media representatives were in attendance. During the session, the trainees discussed possible difficulties resulting from EU regulation and the question of honey export to the EU market. After the session, almost all of the participants expressed their satisfaction with the training process and the information received itself, with most indicating that new information had been delivered to the participants.

Additionally to the training, an introductory session to the DCFTA Local Advisory Council (LAC) has been introduced as well. Starting from May, 2018, regular meetings of public officials, civil society and SME representatives will be conducted in Guria region. This session was conducted with representatives of the local governmental bodies and small and medium enterprises. Those who attended expressed very high expectations to support its aims to increase awareness and support local communities in integrating Georgia into the European market.

Capacity Building Trainings in Batumi, Adjara region

on 01 Jan : 00:00

On April 2-3, 2018 eighth capacity building trainings for regional civil society organizations took place in Batumi, Adjara region. The training was led by one of the project implementers, the Association of Business Consulting Organizations (ABCO), whose representative, Konstantin Zhgenti, provided trainees with information about the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), including what DCFTA benefits are available for Georgia, what it offers for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how the latter can engage into the European single market.

The training in Batumi was attended by 29 representatives of numerous civil society organizations, small and medium enterprises and public officials. The purpose of the training was to increase civil society representatives’ knowledge about DCFTA and to involve them into the project by providing capacities to inform Georgian public about DCFTA/SME strategy implementation and to assist local small and medium entrepreneurs that they could use DCFTA provided opportunities and would prepare to export to the European market.

The training session was well-organized, as information about the training had been been spread using different channels, including social media, e-mail and direct targeting. Trainees were mainly concerned with the existing lack of practical help, general consulting and market researchers in the region. After the training session, the participants also wanted to receive additional information about future activities of this project and about the sub-granting competition.

Additionally to the training, an introductory session to the DCFTA Local Advisory Council (LAC) has been introduced as well. Starting from May, 2018, regular meetings of public officials, civil society and SME representatives will be conducted in Adjara region. The meetings are widely considered by potential participants to be very useful for the region as they will help to provide additional information and raise public awareness about economic opportunities related to the DCFTA.

Capacity Building Trainings in Zugdidi, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region

on 01 Jan : 00:00

On March 29 – 30, 2018 seventh capacity building trainings for regional civil society organizations took place in Zugdidi, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region. The training was led by one of the project implementers, the Association of Business Consulting Organizations (ABCO), whose representative, Konstantin Zhgenti, provided trainees with information about the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), including what DCFTA benefits are available for Georgia, what it offers for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how the latter can engage into the European single market.

The training in Zugidi was attended by 25 representatives of civil society organizations, such as Civic Educational Center, Youth for Samegrelo development, Educational Center of Senaki and others. The purpose of the training was to increase civil society representatives’ knowledge about DCFTA and to involve them into the project by providing capacities to inform Georgian public about DCFTA/SME strategy implementation and to assist local small and medium entrepreneurs that they could use DCFTA provided opportunities and would prepare to export to the European market.

During the training, local CSOs and SMEs representatives, as well as local officials from local governance/municipal authorities, were able to deepen their knowledge about the DCFTA. The participants especially liked that they were informed about practical issues related to the different standard requirements of the EU market and about possible ways to gain access to the EU market itself. After the training session, most participants expressed a strong desire to continue their participation in the project. After the training session, most of the participants believed that their awareness about the DCFTA was raised.

In addition to the training, an introductory session of the DCFTA Local Advisory Council (LAC) was also conducted. Starting in May 2018, regular meetings of public officials, civil society and SME representatives will be conducted in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region. The LAC meetings will provide additional benefits to participants in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti by allowing them to access further information about the structure and benefits of the DCFTA.

Capacity Building Trainings in Rustavi, Kvemo Kartli region

on 01 Jan : 00:00

On March 29 – 30, 2018 sixth capacity building trainings for regional civil society organizations took place in Rustavi, Kvemo Kartli region. The training was led by one of the project implementers, the Association of Business Consulting Organizations (ABCO), whose representative, Konstantin Zhgenti, provided trainees with information about the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), including what DCFTA benefits are available for Georgia, what it offers for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how the latter can engage into the European single market.

The training in Rustavi was attended by 20 representatives of civil society organizations, among which Center for Women union “Ertoba” and Successful Women, String Society, Farmer’s union “LORE”, Center of Intercultural Initiatives and others. The purpose of the training was to increase civil society representatives’ knowledge about DCFTA and to involve them into the project by providing capacities to inform Georgian public about DCFTA/SME strategy implementation and to assist local small and medium entrepreneurs that they could use DCFTA provided opportunities and would prepare to export to the European market.

During the training, the majority of participants expressed that this training program differed from other similar types of trainings that they had attended previously. During the training session, the trainees raised questions mainly related to the export procedures and export potential for various agricultural products (pies, broccoli, potatoes) to enter the EU common market. Prior to the session, less than a half of the participants indicated that they knew about the DCFTA; at the conclusion of the training, over 90% of the trainees stated that they have been provided with new information about the DCFTA and its potential benefits and opportunities. After the training session, an overwhelming majority of the participants believed that their awareness about the DCFTA was raised.

In additional to the training, an introductory session of the DCFTA Local Advisory Council (LAC) was conducted. Starting in May 2018, regular meetings of public officials, civil society and SME representatives will be conducted in Kvemo Kartli region. The aim of the LAC is to provide an environment for regular meetings for the above-mentioned and other parties to discuss DCFTA implementation in Kvemo Kartli region and to work together to let Georgia receive all the potential benefits of the DCFTA. Public officials and members of local small and medium businesses also attended the introductory session and expressed interest to attend future LAC meetings.

Capacity Building Trainings in Ambrolauri, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region

on 01 Jan : 00:00

On March 23 – 24, 2018 the fifth capacity building trainings for regional civil society organizations took place in Ambrolauri, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region. The training was led by one of the project implementers, the Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP), whose representative, Natia Daghelishvili, provided trainees with information about the DCFTA, including what are DCFTA benefits for Georgia, what does it offer for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how the latter can engage into the European single market.

The training in Ambrolauri was attended by 20 representatives of civil society organizations, among which Center for Women right and Gender Equality, Information Consultancy Center of Ambrolauri, Cooperative “Jvarisa” and others. The purpose of the training was to increase civil society representatives’ knowledge about DCFTA and to involve them into the project by providing capacities to inform Georgian public about DCFTA/SME strategy implementation and to assist local small and medium entrepreneurs that they could use DCFTA provided opportunities and would prepare to export to the European market.

During the training session, it was evident that all of the participants were interested in gaining more information about the DCFTA, how to be more involved in DCFTA implementation, etc. In particular, participants were keen to acquire knowledge about certification issues and EU standards. In addition, prior to the trainings, participants indicated that they had some knowledge about potential business strategies for entering the EU common market; however, after the training session, all of the trainees stated that they now had a better understanding of how to enter the EU market. In this case, the capacity building trainings were beneficial in providing the necessary information for trainees.

Additionally, to the training, an introductory session to the DCFTA Local Advisory Council (LAC) was also conducted. Starting from May, 2018, regular meetings of public officials, civil society and SME representatives is to take place in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region. This introductory session was accompanied with 17 various public officials representing relevant government bodies at regional and municipality levels, as well as local business representatives.

Capacity Building Trainings in Kutaisi, Imereti region

on 01 Jan : 00:00

On March 22 – 23, 2018 the fourth capacity building trainings for regional civil society organizations took place in Kutaisi, Imereti region. The training was led by one of the project implementers, the Association of Business Consulting Organizations (ABCO), whose representative, Konstantin Zhgenti, provided trainees with information about the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), including what DCFTA benefits are available for Georgia, what it offers for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how the latter can engage into the European single market.

The training in Kutaisi was attended by 31 representatives of civil society organizations, among which “Associations of Business and Technical Consultants – Imerconsulting”, “Business Incubator”, “Open Society – New Kutaisi” and many others. The purpose of the training was to increase civil society representatives’ knowledge about DCFTA and to involve them into the project by providing capacities to inform Georgian public about DCFTA/SME strategy implementation and to assist local small and medium entrepreneurs that they could use DCFTA provided opportunities and would prepare to export to the European market.

During the training, the majority of participants expressed that this training program differed from other similar types of trainings that they had attended previously. This training provided accurate, practical approaches for applying the acquired knowledge about the DCFTA and concrete future steps taken towards utilizing the opportunities offered by the DCFTA. In general, the participants stated that they were satisfied with all of the provided content, and that they were especially satisfied with the highly practical applicability of the received information.

Additionally, to the training, an introductory session to the DCFTA Local Advisory Council (LAC) was also conducted. Starting from May, 2018, regular meetings of public officials, civil society and SME representatives is to take place in Imereti region. This introductory session was accompanied with 12 various public officials representing relevant government bodies at regional and municipality levels, as well as local business representatives. Participating organizations gave very positive feedback and were supportive of establishing such an institution.

Local Advisory Council (LAC) in Zugdidi, Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti Region

on 26 Mar : 11:33

On May 23, 2018, In frame of the project on “Georgia on European Way: Creation of Effective Model for DCFTA and SME Strategy Implementation which is funded by European Union and is implemented in Georgia by Consortium consisting of international and Georgian organizations, there was held a Local Advisory Council (LAC) meeting in town Zugdidi of Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti region, which was organized by the Consortium member organization –Association “Atinati” and was facilitated by the Consortium member organization – ABCO. Participants of the LAC meeting included representatives of the three target sectors of the region’s society – local CSOs, SMEs and Public sector (represented by officials of local Mayor’s offices and Sakrebulos of different municipalities of the region as well as staff of the municipal Information-Consultation Centers (ICCs) of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia).

LAC event took place in venue – the meeting hall of the Mayor’s office and local Sakrebulo in Zugdidi. Total number of 30 participants attended, including representatives of 10 CSOs, 9 Cooperatives and 11Public sector representatives. According to LAC agenda, participants aimed at accomplishing the following tasks which included 1) Identification and prioritization of economic sub-sectors typical to Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti region that have potential for development and for export-oriented production in frame of DCFTA agreement between Georgia and EU; 2) Identification of the problems and constraints which SMEs and farmers who operate in the prioritized economic sub-sectors of the region are currently facing; 3) Development of recommendations for relevant state institutions and government agencies at local and central levels, regarding possible measures to address problems and constraints existing within the prioritized sub-sectors of economy that aim at improving situation for SMEs operating within these sub-sectors.

The event proceeded during approximately 4,5 hours through facilitation from ABCO’s staff and active engagement displayed by representatives of all three groups of LAC members. In the end, all tasks set by the agenda were successfully accomplished and specific set of recommendations were developed for further submission to relevant governmental institutions and agencies.

Additionally, attending LAC members all agreed to sign a special Memorandum stating their organizations’ willingness to cooperate with the DCFTA project and each other within the given format of LAC.

During the event, participants as well nominated 2 persons among LAC members (one representing SME sector and one CSO sector) as delegates representing LAC of Samegrelo and ZemoSvaneti region in the Central Advisory Council (CAC) to be held in Tbilisi.

"Georgia on the European Way" Project Consortium Represented at the 3rd EU-Georgia Civil Society Platform Meeting in Tbilisi.

on 22 Mar : 20:34

On March 22, 2018, Project coordinator from the consortium organization EESC – Dovilė Šukytė attended the 3rd EU-Georgia Civil Society Platform Meeting as an EU rapporteur on the topic of SME Development in Georgia. During her presentation, Šukytė shared the results of the Initial Study. Participating representatives of Georgian institutions, particularly those responsible for sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, were very interested and expressed a willingness to learn more about the Project’s activities. Representatives of Georgian civil society were also interested, but since a majority of them are based in Tbilisi, they are unfortunately not covered by the Project. However, they committed to disseminate information about the Project so that more regional CSOs could join its activities.

Capacity Building Trainings in Mtskheta, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region

on 01 Jan : 00:00

On March 20 – 21, 2018 the third capacity building training for regional civil society organizations took place in Mtskheta, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. The training was led by one of the project implementers, the Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP), whose representative, Natia Daghelishvili, provided trainees with information about the DCFTA, including what are DCFTA benefits for Georgia, what does it offer for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how the latter can engage into the European single market.

The training in Mtskheta was attended by 17 representatives of civil society organizations, among which were Farmer’s Club of Dusheti, Women Association “Bazaleti”, Union for Civic Development and others. The purpose of the training was to increase civil society representatives’ knowledge about DCFTA and to involve them into the project by providing capacities to inform Georgian public about DCFTA/SME strategy implementation and to assist local small and medium entrepreneurs that they could use DCFTA provided opportunities and would prepare to export to the European market.

Prior to the training, the majority of the participants indicated that they did not have enough information about general standards and quality requirements for exporting to the European Union. During the training session, the practical examples allowed the participants to become better acquainted with the EU standard system, etc. Also, it is worth mentioning that, at the end of the training, almost all of the participants expressed their intention to disseminate acquired information about the DCFTA with different stakeholders.

Additionally, to the training, an introductory session to the DCFTA Local Advisory Council (LAC) was also conducted. Starting from May, 2018, regular meetings of public officials, civil society and SME representatives is to take place in Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. This introductory session was accompanied by 25 various public officials representing relevant government bodies at regional and municipal levels, as well as local business representatives.

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