The memorandum of understanding on co-operation was signed between Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), German International Co-operation Union (GIZ) and the Project “SME’s development and DCFTA in Georgia”. The Memorandum determines main directions of co-operation and it covers the educational and consultative services related to DCFTA and enhancement of institutional capabilities of GCCI.
The project is supporting the establishment of DCFTA info centers in Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Gori and Batumi. This centers provide requested information about DCFTA related regulations. The Memorandum covers the issue of awareness enhancement of SME’s regarding DCFTA and collecting the information about the topics that interests private entrepreneurs in Georgia. The training programs were designed especially for those sectors that were identified before the signature.
The project supports the institutional development of GCCI through implementation of EFQM (European Fund of Quality Management) quality control system. It also serves the goal of achieving “Committed to Excellence” standard by GCCI.
The project “SME’s development and DCFTA in Georgia” runs with the financial support of EU and GIZ program is implementing it under the Federal Ministry of Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ).
The project is the part of the EU initiative of “EU4Business” (SME’s and private sector support). This initiative finances and unites those EU projects that are run in 6 “Eastern partnership” countries. Goal of the “EU4Business” is designed to support and strengthen the business environment for through to providing financial and educational support for MSE’s in Georgia that now have new opportunities with DCFTA agreement. GCCI with support of GIZ have already designed the project “DCFTA Info centers” and opened centers in regions of Georgia.
Experts that will work with SME’s in Georgia info centers have been re-trained under the project and provide all the information regarding free trade regime with EU for Georgian Enterprises. Info center experts have been trained in governmental agencies of Georgia as well.
Project was concluded in July 2019 and currently info Centers are operated by GCCI. Project covered over 6000 enterprises and provided more that 120 trainings.