100 entrepreneurs from Tbilisi and the surrounding communities participated in a Holiday Fair on December 5, 2021.USAID’s programs have supported hundreds of these entrepreneurs with financing, training, and mentoring. USAID empowers Georgia’s entrepreneurs to build successful businesses and create jobs in their communities. Ambassador Kelly C. Degnan and Peter Wiebler, Mission Director of USAID/Georgia were attending a holiday fair.
In an exclusive comment with Europe Time, Peter Wiebler, Mission Director of USAID/Georgia said that USAID supports democratic development in Georgia through many programs.
„Democratic development and economic growth are connected. So, for example, today we are trying to highlight young entrepreneurs to develop young and small businesses. It is important to help the middle class in Georgia because the middle class is essential in helping to drive democratic values. As you know, USAID also supports democratic development programs in Georgia through a number of programs, including civil society, independent media, helping local Governance, and others. The rule of law is, of course, important. We have been supporting judicial reform and the rule of law in Georgia for many years“, - Peter Wiebler told Europe Time.
USAID began operating in Georgia in 1992. For 27 years, the American people have provided over $1.8 billion in assistance to Georgia through USAID. Building on this successful partnership, the U.S. Government dedicates approximately $40 million annually to 50 wide-reaching programs that support Georgia’s democratic, free-market, Western orientation.
Initiatives stimulate economic growth, develop democratic institutions, enhance energy security, mitigate climate change, improve education, and foster the increased inclusion of minority and disadvantaged people in Georgia, including those living across ethnic and geographic boundaries.
