On 25.10.-29.10.2022, a study tour of representatives of local companies from the Małopolska region to Georgia took place as part of the project entitled “Economic promotion of Małopolska through the development and internationalization of circular services” subsidized under Sub-Action 3.3.1 “Economic promotion of Małopolska” of the Regional Operational Program of the Małopolska Voivodeship for 2014 -2020. The substantive program of the trip was led by Dr. Piotr Sieniawski of the Institute of Eastern Studies in Warsaw.
On Wednesday, October 26, the delegation took part in a meeting at the Polish Embassy in Tbilisi. The meeting was led by Counsellor Magdalena Wojdasiewicz, who introduced the participants to the determinants of Poland’s economic cooperation with Georgia. Ms. Counsellor also drew attention to the specifics of doing business in Georgia on the basis of several years of experience working in Georgia, and pointed out examples of good cooperation between Polish and Georgian companies. During the meeting, participants asked numerous questions about the possibilities of doing business in Georgia, legal requirements and possible risks.
In the afternoon, the participants met with representatives of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency at the PAIH Office in Tbilisi. The meeting was also attended by representatives of Polish companies in Georgia and local entrepreneurs in Georgia, who run horse farms, hotels and travel agencies. During the meeting, local companies from Małopolska were introduced and opportunities for mutual cooperation were discussed.
On Thursday, October 27, the participants attended a meeting at the Faculty of Business at Ilia Chavchavadze State University in Tbilisi. The purpose of the meeting was to exchange experiences of representatives of science and local business from Poland and Georgia. The meeting was attended by representatives of the tourism industry from Georgia: the owner of a vineyard, the owner of a hotel, a representative of a travel agency, the owner of a horse stud, and two lecturers from the university. Representatives of local businesses from Poland presented their activities and discussed opportunities for cooperation in sustainable tourism.
On Friday, October 27, a trip was made to “Merebashvili’s Marani” vineyard in Kaspi, located about 60 from the Georgian capital. Merebashvili’s Marani winery is an example of a family business that has been producing wine for many generations. The winery is a frequent destination for tourists from Poland and Western European countries. It is primarily famous for its traditional way of producing local wines in the Inner Kartlia region. The representative of the winery, Mr. Lasha Merebashvili, introduced the participants to the history of the winery and the process of wine production. Tour participants learned about the operation of the winery and its tourism potential, and tasted local products.
The Institute for Eastern Studies in Warsaw is making every effort to strengthen cooperation between Poland and the countries of the South Caucasus. The study tour created ideal conditions for establishing cooperation with representatives of the tourism industry in Georgia, which will positively translate into the development of the tourism industry in the Małopolska region, and result in increased awareness of the Małopolska region among business representatives in Georgia.