Georgia on European Way: Creation of Effective Model for DCFTA and SME Strategy Implementation
The project seeks to strengthen the capacities of Georgian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Business Support Organisations (BSOs) in supporting the implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the EU, as well as the SME strategy for Georgia, through capacity building, awareness raising and the creation of advisory councils bringing together representatives of local and central government, SMEs, CSOs, BSOs and international experts.
Objectives
The project focuses on three main objectives:
- Increasing the role of CSOs in raising public awareness, understanding and support for DCFTA implementation in Georgia;
- Building the capacities of Georgian CSOs to assist and consult local SMEs on accessing and benefiting from the EU internal market;
- Establishing comprehensive monitoring and advise-based cooperation between Georgian authorities, CSOs, BSOs and SMEs.
Beneficiaries
CSOs with the capacity to engage in public awareness raising and monitoring of processes related to the DCFTA and SME strategy implementation; CSOs and BSOs providing support for SMEs; SMEs themselves; local and central government institutions; and ultimately the Georgian public benefiting from improved economic performance.
Activities
- Mapping of economy oriented NGOs, and analysis of SME situation and priorities, preparation of training methodologies and information materials;
- Capacity building trainings for CSOs on how to lead community-level public campaigns about DCFTA/SME related affairs;
- Nation-wide DCFTA/SME communication campaign;
- Study trips to Lithuania and Slovakia focused on experiences and best practices when accessing the European market;
- Establishment of Monitoring and Advisory Cooperation Councils with the aim of setting up a structured communication between SMEs, CSOs and the Georgian government to address requests and problems faced by SMEs.
Results
Expected results by the end of the project include:
- in-depth analysis of Georgian CSO capacities and public awareness on DCFTA;
- production of training methodology and materials;
- at least 110 CSOs from 53 municipalities provided with skills to independently lead information campaigns about DCFTA, and at least 70 CSOs and BSOs from 53 municipalities enabled to provide consultative assistance to SMEs;
- 1 million Georgian citizens reached through DCTA/SME communication campaign;
- at least 5,000 SMEs, exporting or with potential to export to the EU internal market, provided with extensive knowledge about DCFTA opportunities, and at least 500 public servants at both local and central level provided with knowledge and skills regarding DCFTA and SMEs;
- constructive cooperation established between local and central governments, CSOs, BSOs and SMEs via 10 local and 1 central council meeting on a regular basis.
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