Press release
21 January 2010
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
New strategy for development cooperation with Georgia
Today the Government adopted a new strategy for development cooperation with Georgia for the period 2010-2013.
"Through this new strategy, Sweden is helping to create the conditions for closer relations between Georgia and the EU, continued democratic development, a better situation for internally displaced people in the country and long-term sustainable development for the environment," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Swedish development cooperation will focus on closer relations between Georgia and the EU. Sida is now being tasked with assisting Georgia in dealing with the challenges connected with adapting laws and regulatory frameworks to EU legislation, and preparing negotiations and the implementation of a free trade agreement with the EU. In the environmental sector, Sweden will contribute to improved water supplies and sustainable systems for waste water and waste management. In its reform cooperation, Sida is to particularly focus on the role of women in society.
"Georgia is an important neighbour of the EU, and the country has an ambitious agenda for developing closer ties with the Union. The armed conflict of August 2008 helped to intensify the economic crisis in the country, while the number of internally displaced people increased considerably. Our support is essential," continues Ms Carlsson.
It is intended to increase Swedish development cooperation with Georgia to approximately SEK 100 million per year. Until 2007, support was no more than SEK 75 million per year. However, in connection with the conflict in 2008, Sweden contributed further funds, primarily as support to the country's internally displaced people. Sweden is thus one of the largest bilateral donors of development assistance to Georgia.
Contact
Peter Larsson+46 8 405 10 00
Erik Holmqvist
Desk Officer
+46 8 405 50 84
+46 73 394 61 26
