UNDP continues economic development programmes in Adjara

Jamie McGoldrick, Head of the United Nations Development Programme in Georgia, pays a 3-day visit to Adjara this week. He will meet people who benefited from UNDP’s economic development projects and will discuss future initiatives with the Autonomous Republic leadership.

UNDP assistance to Adjara was set in motion in 2008. With funds from the Government of Romania and the Government of the Adjara Autonomous Republic, UNDP is promoting economic development in the region and is helping to diversify the region’s economy.

The UNDP-supported business incubator offers entrepreneurial training and other services to emerging small businesses. About 10 start-up companies have benefited from its services since September 2009.

UNDP assisted the Tourism Department of Adjara to launch a digital map and an audio guide of Batumi with the detailed tourist information in different languages.

UNDP’s assistance to the Batumi Vocational Education and Retraining Centre ensured professional training in construction, food processing, tourism and Information Technologies for up to 400 students.

UNDP made an assessment of agriculture development prospects in Adjara and assisted the Autonomous Republic’s Ministry of Agriculture in purchasing a soil laboratory.

In addition, UNDP compiled the Local Economic Development Strategy for Batumi.

UNDP’s programme in the Adjara Autonomous Republic will continue till the end of 2011.