© Keystone/Ivan Dvovin

Georgia

The economy in Georgia differs greatly in rural and urban areas. The unemployment rate in cities is 16.4%, and in rural areas it is as high as 23.7%. Helvetas is therefore focusing on improving rural infrastructure and empowering marginalized groups.
© Keystone/Ivan Dvovin
  • Capital
    Tbilisi
  • Area
    69,700 km²
  • Poverty rate*
    21%
  • UN DEVELOPMENT INDEX*
    Rank: 63 out of 193
  • Population
    3,989,000
  • Thematic focus
    Education and Vocational Skills
    Gender & Social Equity
    Learning & Innovation
    Partnership & Capacity Development
    Market Systems Development
    Youth
* Source: UN Data

Pursuing Economic Equality in Georgia  

Extensive vineyards in the east of Georgia show the importance of wine for the Georgian economy; it is also very popular as an export product. Besides wine, tea, citrus fruits and other export goods are also shipped across the Black Sea from the port of Batumi. There is also mangan and copper mining and the small-scale production of textiles, machinery and chemicals.  

The growth in tourism in Georgia has caused the unemployment rate to fall in recent years. However, there is still a wide disparity between the capital, Tbilisi, where most business activities are concentrated, and other regions of the country.  

In rural areas there is often a lack of entrepreneurial knowledge and training, as well as limited infrastructure (e.g., poor roads and internet connections, an inconsistent power supply and an unreliable water supply), which makes it difficult to operate a business. 

© istock
Winemakers in the vineyards of the region Kakheti in the east of Georgia. © istock

A more inclusive and greener economy 

Women and youth, including the most disadvantaged and excluded, should be able to participate in economic life – especially following the Covid pandemic, which particularly affected people who were already disadvantaged beforehand.  

Helvetas is supporting Georgia in various projects to boost its economy outside of the capital, Tbilisi. We are also working to improve the digitalization of sectors with unutilized potential such as agriculture, tourism and manufacturing, and to create better economic and environmental values for businesses through an available skilled workforce. 

A lot of these activities are being pursued through RECONOMY, an inclusive and green economic development program that is implemented by Helvetas in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan regions. 

Our projects in Georgia

Would you like detailed information about our work in Georgia? Click on our projects to find out more.

© Helvetas / Arben Llapashtica
Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Montenegro Education and Vocational Skills

Building Economies Where All Can Prosper

© Helvetas
Georgia Private Sector Development

Strengthening Local Economies in Georgia

Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

In many countries where we work, men and women are unable to claim their rights and participate actively in decision-making processes.

Education and Vocational Skills

Lack of education perpetuates inequality because poor countries cannot compete economically without a skilled workforce.

Learning & Innovation

Building the capacities of staff and partners to effectively share what they know, to learn together and create effective solutions is crucial to our success.