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Empowering Georgian SMEs: “Trade Fair Assistance for Georgian SMEs” Program was launched at the heart of Tbilisi, Georgia

Author: Tatia Paradashvili

Trade Fair Assistance for Georgian SMEs Program – Opening Event, September 10, 2024

On September 10, 2024, the “Trade Fair Assistance for Georgian SMEs” program officially commenced with an engaging welcome event at the Wyndham Grand Tbilisi Ballroom. This milestone event set a strong foundation for Georgian SMEs seeking to expand their global presence.

The event opened with a warm and encouraging address from Nana Ramazashvili, Project Manager for Economic Development and Trade at the EU Delegation. Her remarks emphasized the critical role of international collaboration and trade fairs in enhancing market access for Georgian businesses.

Giorgi Tsimintia, Project Manager of UNDP’s “Inclusive Access to Markets” initiative, provided a detailed overview of the project’s objectives, highlighting the program’s key benefits and the practical support available to SMEs.

Nika Mamukelashvili, Head of the Export Department at Enterprise Georgia, presented the trade fair calendar for 2024-2025 and introduced the “Individual Expo Grant” program. His presentation outlined essential opportunities for Georgian businesses to participate in global trade events.

Anu-Mall Naarits, CEO of Visionest Institute and a renowned international mentor, introduced the program, offering strategic insights on the importance of trade fairs and providing actionable guidance for navigating international markets.

Anu-Mall Naarits, CEO of Visionest Institute

Anu-Mall Naarits, CEO of Visionest Institute

The afternoon sessions featured interactive workshops led by Naarits, where participants gained hands-on experience in critical aspects of preparing and participating on international trade fairs. Her deep knowledge and dynamic teaching style ensured highly engaging and informative sessions.

The event also included a valuable networking session, allowing participants to connect and share insights. The successful execution of the event underscored the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, marking a key advancement in supporting Georgian SMEs in their global expansion efforts.

This initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by Visionest Institute, a contractor of the Estonian Centre for International Development, with support from UNDP Georgia and in collaboration with Enterprise Georgia, aims to boost SMEs’ exports to the EU and European markets through participation in international trade fairs and B2B events.

Nana Ramazashvili, Project Manager for Economic Development and Trade at the EU Delegation

Nana Ramazashvili, Project Manager for Economic Development and Trade at the EU Delegation

Giorgi Tsimintia, Project Manager of UNDP’s “Inclusive Access to Markets” initiative

Nika Mamukelashvili, Head of the Export Department at Enterprise Georgia

Tatia Paradashvili, Training and Communications Coordinator in Georgia at Visionest Institute

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