Georgia ranks 74^th (2010) in the HDI (Human Development Index) published by the UNDP, which annually monitors the social and economic development of countries around the world. In 2003, Georgia embarked on a path of democratic reforms which are being continued with extensive financial and technical backing from Western donors. However, the country has been grappling with territorial integrity problems and a partial economic embargo imposed by Russia - previously its largest trading partner. The Russia-Georgia conflict of August 2008  affected the civilian population, partly destroyed infrastructure in the north of the country, and increased the number of refugees and internally displaced persons. Poland supports the stabilisation and development process in Georgia, which has been a priority Polish development aid recipient since 2004.

2010

In the framework of the 2010 Polish foreign aid programme, 18 projects were implemented in Georgia, with appropriations of over PLN 7.5m.  More than half of the projects - valued at over PLN 4m - were implemented by NGOs, while the remaining projects (valued at around PLN 2.5m) were implemented by local government, public administration and research-and-development entities. The main aid areas were: Georgian regional development, the forestry sector, activities to benefit marginalized and socially-excluded communities, and education. Moreover, through the small grants programme, over PLN 1m in co-financing was provided to 8 projects initiated by the Polish Embassy in Tbilisi. 

2009

In 2009, Polish aid focused on the following areas:

• rural and agricultural development,
• decentralisation and local development,
• development of socially-oriented institutions (including those working with internally-displaced persons - IDPs)
• rebuilding small infrastructure (esp. in the field of energy),
• supporting Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

In 2009, 32 aid projects were implemented in Georgia, with appropriations of over PLN 5.9m. Moreover, Poland contributed funds to projects headed by the International Organization for Migration addressed to Chechen IDPs and refugees in Georgia, as well as to the Partnership for Democratic Governance for an advisory programme for Georgia. Poland also financed humanitarian aid for inhabitants of the Racza region.

More information on all 2009 projects can be found in the Annual Report on "Poland's Development Co-operation Programme" (see: Documents and Publications).

2008

Priority development aid sectors in 2008 included:

• rural and agricultural development,
• development of local governance,
• strengthening public administration, esp. support for the border guard and trainings on how to obtain EU funds.

In 2008, 36 aid projects were implemented in Georgia, with appropriations of over PLN 4.8m. Poland also provided humanitarian aid to Georgia for victims of the Russia-Georgia conflict and transferred funds towards IOM and NATO projects implemented in Georgia.

More information on all 2008 projects can be found in the Annual Report on "Poland's Development Co-operation Programme" (see: Documents and Publications).