Germany’s bilateral support for Georgia during COVID-19
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Thursday, January 14
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all countries throughout the world, but it has been especially difficult for small countries, whose economies mostly depend on tourism and the merits of globalisation. Georgia’s already challenging economical state has been no exception and if it wasn’t for the help of international partners and organizations, be it assistance, loans, or specific products, consequences would have been even harsher.
Among other states that Georgia closely cooperates with, the support of the German government during the 2020 world crisis of Covid-19 is remarkable and numbers make this statement clearer. Approximately Euro2.5 million was spent on technical cooperation and as for financial relations, Euro201 million worth of loans and grants were issued.
In 2020, Germany assisted Georgia with Protective gear, disinfectants, laboratory supplies, and test kits worth Euro89 000. People in need were provided with food and hygiene kits worth Euro20 000. Food parcels were delivered to members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church that were in need and technical equipment was handed for online church services (Euro 2,500). Most importantly, the German government gifted 5 breathing units to the Georgian ministry of health, utilities that have been in deficit since the outbreak of the virus.
The support for internally displaced people and suffering communities was expressed by Infrastructural rehabilitation of IDP settlements and sanitary facilities at public schools and centers for children and elderly people; Distribution of hygienic kits; Capacity development of public actors; Psychological support, COVID-19 awareness-raising campaigns, provision of internet packages for students. Euro 1.2 million were spent on that.
As the country's budget for 2020 was cut due to Covid-19, the German government stepped in to provide funds to support the National Forest Agency with surveillance equipment. Furthermore, Germany financed the agreement for forest protection work and support for the rural population with jobs in forestry, spending Euro440 000 overall.
Euro185 000 were spent on financing agreement for forest protection work and support for the rural population with jobs in study and advice on the disbursement of state social welfare at a municipal level according to the central government's COVID-19 crisis plan. Procurement of computers and scanners for municipalities was ensured to enable the local population to apply for social benefits in a digital way. Women starting businesses as small entrepreneurs were promoted and supported too.
The private sector suffered no less than budget-based organisations and for their development, as well as the support of vocational education, half a million euros were issued by Germany. The fields included IT, transport & logistics, tourism, and wine.
Euro20 000 were allocated for legal advice for companies in the areas of construction and clothing on the consequences of COVID-19. Enabling participation of Georgian clothing companies in international online-trade shows was supported. Small and medium enterprises were provided with consultation regarding the development of online segments.
As for the support of the Georgian economy in general, Euro180 million loans were issued to promote competitiveness and crisis resilience of the economy of Georgia. Euro15 million worth loans and Euro5.8 million worth grants were provided to ensure social assistance to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (unemployed, informally employed, and vulnerable groups).
Besides the bilateral support Germany has contributed also in many multilateral ways, here just a few examples: EU response package for the Eastern Partnership Countries: Germany contributed Euro2.4 billion; UN: additional $530 million humanitarian funding in reaction to the UN COVID-19 Response Plan were provided by Germany; WHO: German contribution of Euro500 million.
