Georgia: EU Ambassador highlights regional development projects in Kakheti

On 21 February, EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell and Mzia Giorgobiani, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, visited Kakheti to see several projects implemented as part of the joint regional development programme (PIRDP). 

The EU-Georgia joint regional development programme (PIRDP) 2020-2022 aims to create a favourable environment for business through integrated territorial development initiatives in four pilot regions: Kakheti, Imereti, Guria, and Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti. PIRDP’s budget amounts 220 million laris, of which 186 million laris will be provided by the EU.

Hartzell and Giorgobani visited project sites in the municipality of Sagarejo, Gurjaani and Sighnaghi, and met with representatives of small businesses, farmers and exporters. 

One such project is the improvement of the road and surrounding area near the Manavi fortress, which will create opportunities for around 70 small businesses operating in the area, selling traditional Georgian food and wine.

Ambassador Hartzell also presented new opportunities for businesses in Kakheti within the PIRDP. Three separate grant programmes are now available through the Rural Development Agency, GITA, and Enterprise Georgia.

Find out more

Press release