Ministry of Economy Holds Entrepreneurial Market at Meidan
The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia arranged a two-day entrepreneurial market at Meidan Square, Tbilisi, on April 28-29.
Around 30 Georgian companies and entrepreneurs, mainly beneficiaries of the state-led program ‘Produce in Georgia,’ took part in the sale-exhibition.
The main goal of the event was to popularize and promote Georgian products made in the country.
The visitors to the market were able to see and purchase various kinds of Georgian products, including: tea, wine, accessories, clothes, books, souvenirs and more.
The First Vice-Premier and Minister of Economy of Georgia, Dimitry Kumsishvili, visited the market, spoke with the entrepreneurs and even bought Georgian products himself.
Kumsishvili stated that the attending companies and entrepreneurs have become popular in Georgia and have created numerous jobs. He highlighted that the state is continuing the Produce in Georgia program to assist more people who need support to start or develop their businesses.
“I met all entrepreneurs presented at this market. They are successful, and we will always help them to promote their production,” the Minister stated, adding that the location of this year’s entrepreneurial market was selected specially to attract more tourists, in order to inform them about Georgian products.
Produce in Georgia is a state-funded program which was launched in 2014 but re-structured in April 2017, to make it more effective.
It unites three state agencies: the Property Management Agency, Agriculture Projects Management Agency and Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency.
It consists of three components:
Business- supporting micro, small and medium sized companies to allow them easier access to finances for starting new businesses or expanding existing ones;
Export- a moderator between foreign investors and Georgian entrepreneurs that helps Georgian producers to enter foreign markets and establish their brands there;
Investment- strengthening relations with investors and offering them specific projects.
Since 2014, Produce in Georgia has supported 344 projects, including industrial, rural, hotel and property directions, with a total investment of GEL 850 million. The volume of loans approved by commercial banks within the project has exceeded GEL 436 million. More than 13,000 new jobs have already been created as a result of the implemented projects.
By Thea Morrison