Ambassador Kelly C. Degnan visits Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti for the first time
By Khatia Bzhalava
Tuesday, July 14
US Ambassador to Georgia, H.E. Kelly C. Degnan and the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Natia Turnava visited the Region of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. As the Ministry informs, American diplomats as well as female representatives of the business sector also participated in the tour, which aimed to support domestic tourism in Georgia.
Degnan met with the beneficiaries of the USAID project- Zrda that supports economic growth, which is accomplished by assisting small and medium businesses in the region to turn them into profitable enterprises that will enable job provision for the dwellers. Degnan also paid a visit to the Enguri hydro-power plant and other sightseeings of the region. In Svaneti, she saw Mestia, Ipari and Ushguli and visited local churches as well as the museum of history and Ethnography of Svaneti, which according to the statement made by the US embassy in Georgia turned out to be the highlight of her journey. Degnan was introduced to an exceptional collection of ethnographic objects, medieval manuscripts and icons preservation and protection of which was funded by the US government back in 2009.
While traveling with Women for Tomorrow, the ambassador learned about the important work of this organisation, which is implemented by the funding of the United States through the Democracy Commission grant program. As the embassy notes, in the frame of this project, more than 100 women countrywide received education in Management, Marketing and Public Relations via workshops. The participants were also able to access foreign marketing and fundraising.
During her trip, Degnan met Nino Vibliani, the only female deputy governor in Georgia and other local government representatives, including the governor of Samegrelo- Zemo Svaneti Region, Alexander Motserelia.
