Supporting local enterprise

We are taking a range of steps to help develop local economic capacity. Some of these are linked directly to our operational activities, while others promote economic opportunity more widely.

To help develop contractor capability, we have launchd a three-year management training initiative. The Project Management College provides local companies with access to high-quality training on core project management performance skills such as cost control and project planning. Training is delivered by ESI International, a leading global training institution and completion of the programme will lead to globally recognized certifications. The college is hosted at the Free University in Tbilisi.

Supporting agricultural development

Given the importance of agriculture to many communities along the pipeline routes, we initiated a three-year programme in 2007 to support business development in the agricultural sector.  The project builds on support already given to farmers living near the pipeline route and is being implemented by CARE International. It aims to bring direct benefit to some 600 farmers in more than 20 communities by improving their access to markets and creating associations and centres in support of their activities.

Promoting enterprise development

The second phase of a project to promote private sector business development in the Greater Borjomi region was begun in 2008. The goal is to develop the milk processing and beekeeping sectors. Seven milk collection centres are being established in the region, and a milk processing factory and honey processing factory are being built in Akhaltsikhe. Cooperatives have been established and veterinary services strengthened.A project under our Community Investment Programme is providing grants and training for women who want to start-up in business. A total of 21 grants have been provided to support young women entrepreneurs.

Promoting trade and investment

We continued to support the EU-Georgia Business Council (EUGBC), set up with BP and Statoil financial assistance in 2006 to develop trade and investment ties between Georgia and the EU. EUGBC activities in 2008 included discussions with Georgian and EU officials on trade and investment issues and support for Georgian exporters and businesses, particularly small and medium sized enterprises. Brochures, trade seminars, workshops and conferences were also supported.

We also continue to support the American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia, the British Georgia Chamber of Commerce in London and the activities of the US-Georgia Business Council in Washington.