Jordanian Delegation Explores Georgia’s Economic Reforms
The USAID Economic Reform Activity implemented a study tour to Georgia for a delegation from the Government of Jordan, with PMCG support, from November 20-23 to share insights on Georgia’s successful economic reforms.
The study tour started with a general overview of the business-enabling reforms conducted in Georgia, presented by Aleksi Aleksishvili, CEO and Chairman of PMCG and Mikheil Janelidze, Trade Sector Lead. In the course of the tour, participants discussed the business environment, issues, and challenges.
“This study tour has been an insightful journey into Georgia’s remarkable economic reforms. We dug deep into topics related to foreign trade policy, economic policy reforms, and other issues related to SMEs’ development. I am excited about bringing the learned lessons back to my country Jordan, and contributing to our ongoing efforts on the economic development journey,“
noted Thamer Krayyem Al-Shoshan, Technical Lead, Reform Secretariat, Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) of Jordan.
Meanwhile, the Jordanian delegation visited the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, engaging in detailed discussion about implemented and ongoing economic policy reforms. This encompassed success stories, current challenges, and an overview of Georgia’s economic landscape. Notably, Georgia’s commitment to liberal foreign trade policies was highlighted. In particular, this entailed showcasing established trade regimes, streamlined customs procedures, low import tariffs, and minimal non-tariff regulations. Furthermore, the delegation also visited Enterprise Georgia, a key implementing partner of the “Produce in Georgia” initiative. This entity plays a vital role in providing business support, promoting exports, and attracting investments across various sectors in Georgia.
“I enjoyed the study tour very much. We learned a lot about Enterprise Georgia, specifically the program they provide for SMEs. It’s amazing. It’s so informative, and hopefully one day we can apply it in Jordan. Another thing I’ve learned is how Georgia conducts economic reforms and how these are coordinated among different ministries and government agencies. A further thing I noticed is that we have some similarities in terms of statistical systems, which is good to know,”
shared Sauwsan (M.H.) Qumhiyah, Researcher, Policies and Studies Directorate, Ministry of Investment (MoIN) of Jordan.
Visiting Jordanian government representatives also gained insights into the Investors Council’s functions, activities, and initiatives. Specifically, the Council is an independent platform for public-private dialogue chaired by the Prime Minister of Georgia. It works to foster dialogue between businesses, international financial institutions, donors, and the government, ultimately contributing to the improvement of the business and investment climate.
Elsewhere, attending the Public Service Hall, operating under the Ministry of Justice, allowed the Jordanian delegation to witness firsthand the efficient provision of the majority of state services. Subsequently, representatives viewed the largest Customs Clearance Zone in Georgia, where they were educated about streamlined customs clearance procedures and electronic services. In addition, the delegation explored other significant entities in Georgia, including the Business Ombudsman of Georgia, the National Agency of State Property, the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat), Tbilisi City Hall, and Tbilisi Municipality LEPL “Tbilisi Architecture.”
“On behalf of the Jordanian delegation, I would like to extend our appreciation to USAID and PMCG for hosting us in Tbilisi. This has been a rich experience, learning from Georgian officials about economic reforms, and their impact on the social and economic growth of Georgia,”
said Nour Salah El Din Shuqair, Head of the Government Accelerators Division, Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit (PMDU).
Ultimately, this initiative served as a knowledge and experience exchange platform. As Jordan is on its own economic reform journey, the insights gained from Georgia’s successful reforms are expected to influence the former’s future policies and initiatives.
