Identifying Key Economic Sectors for Minority Integration via 60 Value Chains Analytics (VCAs)
Under the USAID Unity Through Diversity Program, PMCG has identified the most promising economic sectors in 12 Georgian municipalities with significant ethnic and religious minority populations and presented analyses of over 60 value chains unified into 11 analytical reports based on geographical and thematic criteria. Furthermore, on November 30, PMCG conducted a presentation and panel discussion with participants from the public and private sectors, as well as representatives of small- and medium-sized businesses, industry associations, and experts.
The event covered key research findings and recommendations, exploring value chains in tourism, animal husbandry, and potatoes, as well as the state of professional education in targeted sectors. Moreover, participants addressed decentralization, municipal service strengthening, and emphasized the role of USAID programs in supporting small- and medium-sized businesses. Here, the Unity Through Diversity Program’s contribution to the social and economic integration of ethnic and religious minorities was highlighted. In addition, panelists evaluated the research findings, expressed their opinions thereon, and emphasized the importance of municipal-level value chain analysis when assessing the economic potential of municipalities and future program planning.
Lisa Kovack, Acting Director, Office of Democracy, Rights, and Governance (DRG), USAID/Georgia and David Lezhava, Director, Public Policy, PMCG opened the event and welcomed the participants.
The USAID Unity Through Diversity Program, implemented by PMCG as a subcontractor of UNA-Georgia, is a five-year initiative aimed at integrating ethnic and religious minorities into various aspects of Georgian society. In particular, the program contributes to expanding and strengthening socio-economic connections between majority and minority communities, with the objective of establishing mutually beneficial business relationships.
“It is the first time that VCAs were conducted at the municipality level, especially in municipalities with significant ethnic and religious minorities. Analytical reports provided by PMCG have introduced a much clearer picture of potential sectors and gaps at each stage of production. Solutions for overcoming existing problems and receiving the quality products demanded on the market, proposed by experts, are effective and result-oriented. I think that the results of the provided analyses will be very helpful for planning future activities in the USAID Unity Through Diversity program, as well as for business actors, business and industry associations, and other public and private stakeholders,”
said Grigol Pantsulaia, Market Linkages Specialist at PMCG.
