On 26 August, Georgia’s Economy Minister Natia Turnava stated that the  United States Agency for International Development (USAID) would increase support for manufacturing, e-commerce, information and communications technology (ICT), following the meeting with the USAID Georgia mission Director Peter Wiebler, reported agenda.ge.

During the meeting it was noted that the USAID Economic Security Program strives for economic growth and development in value chains and sectors such as light industry, tourism, the creative industry, shared intellectual services and solid waste management. The program also aims to attract investments in the country, creative high-paid jobs and increase sales.

Turnava noted that USAID decided to expand its support and help tourism in Georgia especially after the coronavirus pandemic to support investment policy, training and attract investors. She also added that one of the priorities is privatisation of state property and noted that the program will help the country attract potential investors in this regard.

USAID began operating in Georgia in 1992. For 27 years, the agency has provided over $1.8 billion in assistance to the country. The U.S. Government dedicates approximately $40 million annually to 50 wide-reaching programs that support Georgia’s democratic, free-market, Western orientation. The USAID Country Development Cooperation Strategy 2020-2025 (CDCS) for Georgia  emphasizes on establishing a strategic partnership with the country on its Journey to Self-Reliance (J2SR) while advancing Euro-Atlantic integration and strengthening resilience to malign influence. The three main development objectives of the strategy are: 1) to strengthen the resilience to external malign influence, 2) to consolidate fragile democratic gains through citizen responsive governance, and 3) to provide inclusive high-value employment opportunities through increased economic growth.