On August 19-21, 2009 the project manager of “Poverty Reduction and Confidence-building in Border Areas of Georgia and Armenia by Strengthening Civil Societies in Sustainable Rural Development” (STAGE II) project Ms Ketie Kheladze visited three project target regions in Armenia: Tavush, Lori and Shirak as well as capital Yerevan. During three-day visit, Ms Ketie Kheladze, and Mr Armen Harutyunyan, coordinator of the project in Armenia, conducted introductory meetings with the local and central government representatives and civil society organizations.
Ms. Kheladze announced the Project star-up, presented objectives and expected results as well as further cooperation perspectives in a framework of the project. The local government representatives in all target marzes (title of territorial form of government in Armenia) expressed their willingness and commitment to endorse the project and appoint contact persons to ensure its smooth and productive implementation. Besides meetings at the local level, the team met with the representatives of Ministry of Agriculture and Armenian Development Agencies who appreciated the visit and expressed their willingness to support and cooperate in project implementation.
During the meetings several problems that will be addressed in the framework of the project were discussed. Particularly, lack of skilled human recourses and cross border trade facilitation was pointed by local government and CSO’s. Local government representatives emphasized the importance of the cross border cooperation between Armenians and Georgians which will greatly support the economic development of both countries.
“Poverty Reduction and Confidence-building in Border Areas of Georgia and Armenia by Strengthening Civil Societies in Sustainable Rural Development” (Stage II) project is financed by the “Austrian Development Cooperation and Cooperation with Eastern Europe” (ADC) (for more information please visit: www.mfa.at/adc, www.ada.gv.at), implemented by CARE Osterreich and CARE International in the Caucasus, along with the partner organizations – Civil Development Agency (CiDA) in Georgia and Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development Foundation (CARD) in Armenia. Total Budget of the project STAGE II comprises 463.980 Euro. The project started on May 1, 2009 and will last till October 31, 2011. |
