The participants were informed about opportunities offered by the Enterprise Europe Network - information and advice on policy and business opportunities in EU countries, as well as assistance in technology transfer processes and access to European programs for finance, and for research and development and innovation (R&D&I).

The event was organized by the Georgian Innovations and Technology Agency (GITA), Enterprise Georgia, and Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) with support from the “SME Development and DCFTA in Georgia” Project, co-financed by the European Union under EU4Business Initiative and implemented by GIZ.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Mr. Giorgi Cherkezishili delivered opening remarks at the event.

“The Government of Georgia expresses appreciation to the European Union for the extensive support in the process of developing Government’s Four Point Reform Agenda through the various instruments and resources. Enterprise Europe Network is one important instrument that attracts international business partners. It also provides for the private sector development in manufacturing and supports export promotion in line with international standards. I hope that Georgian SMEs, startups, mid-caps, as well as large companies will take advantage of the opportunities offered by EEN, Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency and Enterprise Georgia.” – stated Deputy Minister Cherkezishvili.

In the framework of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, which includes Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), Government of Georgia took the responsibility to harmonize Georgia’s research and innovation standards and programs to EU.  After becoming associated country, Georgia is committed to carrying on more active awareness raising campaign about Horizon 2020 and Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) in Georgia among SMEs, innovation and research community through arranging Info Days.  

 “Georgia has got an access to several EU programs and financial instruments now, including EEN. As Business Contact Points of EEN in Georgia, GITA and Enterprise Georgia can help Georgian companies register business proposals on the EEN platform, connect them with international partners and help them benefit from the great opportunities that international markets offer.” – said Ms. Ana Gugushvili, a Senior Adviser to the Head of GITA’s International Relations Department.

 “The combination of local knowledge and international expertise is the key for the success of the Enterprise Europe Network. A success we invite Georgian SMEs to take part in, too.” – noted Ms. Annette Moritz, a foreign trade consultant, who presented EEN, its membership benefits and case studies.

About SME Development and DCFTA in Georgia Project: “SME Development and DCFTA in Georgia” Project assists Georgian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become more competitive and adapt to the new regulatory environment created under the free trade agreement with the EU (DCFTA). European Union's EU4Business Initiative helps SMEs to benefit from DCFTA by improving business environment, increasing knowledge and skills of businesses, and by supporting SMEs to get better access to finance.

About Enterprise Europe Network: EEN is a network of partners with more than 600 organizations, made up of chambers of commerce, business development agencies and university technology centers. The network offers concrete and effective solutions for companies in more than 50 countries including the 28 member states of the European Union and other associated countries. (More information on een.ec.europa.eu)