USAID Economic Security Program Introduced to Natia Turnava
11-02-2021

Natia Turnava met with the USAID Economic Security Program leadership and was informed about their working plan.

Upcoming and ongoing projects within the frames of the program, as well as the projects planned for the further implementation were also discussed.

Mark McCord, the Head of the USAID Economic Security Program, briefed the Minister on the activities within the program. The conversation focused on the projects implemented in cooperation with the agencies within the system of the Ministry, including in such sectors as tourism, light industry, innovation, etc. The importance of promoting tourism in the post-pandemic period and cooperation in this area was paid particular attention.

According to the Minister, one of the priority directions of the program is tourism and the program helps the Georgian side to develop a strategy for the restoration of tourism in the post-Covid period. In addition, it supports people employed in the sector in overcoming the difficulties caused by the pandemic.

“The US Government, through the USAID Economic Security Program, is assisting the Ministry of Economy of Georgia to make the key sectors of our economy more efficient for foreign investors. As part of the project of accommodation consultants, they will work with global companies to make Georgia a place for their future investment,” – Natia Turnava stated.
Another partner of the program is the Enterprise Georgia Agency. In particular, the program participates in the so-called accommodation consultants project.

As for other priority areas, the Minister focused on the support of the startups that provides Georgian innovators with the opportunity to present their projects to the potential investors in the US Silicon Valley.

Natia Turnava noted that the program also helps the United Airport of Georgia, which is in management of the Kutaisi International Airport. The aim of the cooperation is to turn the airport into a tourist attraction and a hub of western Georgia, where tourists can start their journey around the western Georgia.

Natia Turnava thanked the US Government and the American people for contributing to the development of the Georgian economy through the USAID assistance through the Economic Security Program, and especially to addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Marika Olson, USAID Office of Economic Growth, Irakli Nadareishvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, officials from the Enterprise Georgia Agency, and the National Tourism Administration also attended the meeting.


Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. © 2021