Ambassador Herczynski’s first visit to Imereti

On 3-5 April, Pawel Herczynski, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia visited Imereti region for the first time. During the three-day trip, the Ambassador visited projects supported by the EU Delegation to Georgia and implemented by local action groups in Kutaisi and Tskhaltubo. The list of projects is diverse and covers such as regional development, economic empowerment, environmental protection, education, skills development, etc.

Ambassador Herczynski formally met Mr. Zviad Shalamberidze, Governor of Imereti. Together they visited Colchis Fountain in the centre of Kutaisi, which has been rehabilitated thanks to the EU funds. The project is part of the joint regional development programme between the European Union and the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia. The objective of the programme is to reduce regional disparities, improve people’s living conditions and develop the economy in the regions of Georgia. In total, over GEL 65 million have been transferred to Imereti in 2021-2022 to develop 71 projects in various municipalities.

More info: https://eu4georgia.eu/regions/

On the first day of his visit, the Ambassador visited the first green waste composting center in Kutaisi, which was established by local authorities with the financial assistance of the EU. The center is the first facility in Western Georgia that composts biodegradable waste and contributes to the improvement of the environment in the municipality.

Ambassador Herczynski met with personnel of employment center, as well as some local young people who have developed new skills and found employment thanks to EU support channeled through Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC).

More information: Skills4Jobs

During his visit in Imereti, Ambassador Herczynski visited Akaki Tsereteli Kutaisi State University, where he met students and answered their questions about EU-Georgia relations.

The Ambassador also traveled to Tskaltubo to meet with the members of the Local Action Group (LAG). This meeting included a discussion of the development of the municipality as well as the rural development initiatives supported through the LAG. The Ambassador and the traveling delegation visited one such initiative, namely “Tetra Cave”, which has received updated tourism infrastructure.

Ambassador Herczynski visited “Herbia”, a herbs and vegetables production company which has received support from the European Union to expand production and introduce international standards, all with the objective to create new opportunities for the local population.