Elaboration of Regional Development Strategy of the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region

Project Description:

The overall goal of this project was to elaborate a strategic development plan of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region and provide methodological guidelines and expertise in elaborating the strategic vision and regional developmental objectives to the Regional Development Council.

The project was the follow-up of the assistance PMCG has provided to the working groups in developing context analysis reports that represents a major component of the Samtskhe-Javakheti Regional Development Strategy elaboration process. The regional Development Strategy covers the key development priorities of the region:

• Regional Economy: including manufacturing industry, infrastructure, tourism and other services with emphasis on LED support and development
• Agriculture: covering agricultural production, agro-processing industry, viticulture and agro-exports
• Social sector: education, health care, social protection and social services
• Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Environment Protection: water resources protection, irrigation, drinking water supply, sanitation, waste management and all issues of protection of the environment

PMCG’s project team has worked in close collaboration with sector groups and Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure (MRDI) and facilitated involvement of a wider spectrum of stakeholders in development of the strategy. In addition, PMCG on the basis of the SWOT analysis and findings developed the strategic vision of regional development, strategic objectives, results framework and finalized Regional Development Strategy. In addition, the project team formatted the operations plan and RDS Monitoring and Evaluation System.

Background information:

In 2010, with the support of international organizations, the Government of Georgia has finalized and approved the Regional Development State Strategy (RDSS). RDSS for 2010-2017 is a medium-term strategic document, which determines the main principles, objectives and tasks of the regional development policy.

MRDI has also elaborated uniform methodology for elaboration of regional development plans which obliged all 9 regions of Georgia to elaborate Regional Development Strategies before December 2012.

The Regional Governors’ Administrations and Regional Development Councils were responsible for development planning in the regions. The Regional Development Strategy identifies key priorities for sustainable economic, social and human development through a participatory process and will incorporate the views of all stakeholders, including the regional and municipal government, business and farmers community, civil society, and citizens at large. PMCG was contracted by GIZ to support RDC and facilitate the strategy elaboration process.

Follow the links below for more related information

Creating Incentives for Budget Reform: Enhancing Engagement of CSOs and Accountability Institutions for Budget Transparency and Accountability Case Study – Georgia
Assessment of Regional Development Related Statistics in Samtskhe-Javakheti Region
Four Sector Working Papers for the Samtskhe-Javakheti Regional Development Strategy Working Groups