EU Project page - EU for Georgia

CSOs for Sustainable Economic Development - Strengthening Role of CSOs in DCFTA and SME Policy Implementation in Georgia

Project Description

The project is focusing on strengthening the role and engagement of 30 regional civil society organizations (CSOs) from 5 regions of Georgia to participate in policymaking process on the issues of DCFTA/SME. CSOs:
1. play an increased role in the policy and decision-making processes in the areas of trade and private sector development
2. improve their awareness on the implementation of the EU-Georgia free trade agreement and SME development strategy of Georgia
3. engage in researching SME needs and getting involved in policy dialogue forums.
The project is part of EU assistance to the Georgian Government in implementing the DCFTA. EU support focuses on strengthening the capacities of Georgian small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) to adjust to a new regulatory environment, notably by strengthening economic actors and SMEs along the DCFTA process and ensuring the economic integration of targeted groups, such as internally displaced persons (IDPs), returned migrants.
Until May 2019, and with a total budget of 635,414 EUR (75% being funded by the EU), the project will organize trainings and networking meetings, hold business forums and prepare needs assessment studies and policy recommendation documents for the government. In addition, information on the DCFTA will be provided to at least 2,000 SME representatives.

Specific Objective

Strengthened role and engagement of regional CSOs in policymaking process on the issues of DCFTA/SME.

Expected Results

The project is expected to have the following main results:
Result 1: CSOs have strengthened capacities and are organized in a stable network to practice their watchdog function to monitor the policies implemented under DCFTA and SME strategy, they conduct advocacy activities and participate in a policy dialogue. Activities to achieve these results include:
- Contacting and selecting CSOs from target regions; identifying multipliers;
- Development of training manual for CSOs on the issues of DCFTA and SME strategy and policies;
- Capacity building trainings and workshops for CSOs;
- Regular forums and consultations among CSOs.

Result 2: A permanent multi-level platform is established for conducting public private dialogue (PPD) between the CSO network and central government to coordinate strategies for improvement of DCFTA and SME policies to better fit the private sector needs. Activities include:
- Research briefs on identifying local sector needs;
- Analytical research and policy recommendations on DCFTA and SME policy choices;
- Regular dialogue forums in Tbilisi and regions between political decision makers, civil society organizations and SME representatives.

Result 3: Private Sector is aware of government policies on issues of DCFTA and SME. Activities include:
- Production of information video clips and their dissemination in regional TV Channels and social networks;
- Field visits of CSOs and information campaigns on DCFTA and SME policies;
- Final conference for assessing the outcomes and presenting policy recommendations and analytical research on DCFTA and SME policy