On October 25, 2021 the representatives of Caucasus Clean Energy Holding (CCEH) and USAID Economic Security and Securing Georgia's Energy Future Programs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) affirming their commitment to advancing hospitality sector across Guria region and improving energy infrastructure across Georgia. The signing ceremony was attended by USAID/Georgia Mission Deputy Director David Hoffman, Economic Growth Office Director Marika Olsen, representatives of USAID Energy Security Program and local municipalities.
Two significant initiatives will be implemented in Guria region as a part of partnership with the USAID Economic Security Program. The first initiative is connected to the creation of the Guria Tea Road, which is aimed at developing tourist products, building tea producers' capabilities, supporting the Guria Tea Road Association and establishing market links with tourism sector so that positioning for tea in the region achieves the level of the wine positioning in Kakheti. The route will connect a number of estates with relevant locations, produce authentic products and most importantly provide proper hospitality services to tourists. Visitors will be able to taste tea, enjoy local cuisine and gain insights into ethnographic particularities of the Guria villages.
As for the second initiative, it envisages the conduct of feasibility study and creation of 36 km long hiking route connecting mountainous areas of Guria, Gomismta and Bakhmaro, with a ski mountain resort of Goderdzi in Adjara region. The partners engaged in the project will ensure the construction of a small residential facility connected with this route. The project will provide a unique opportunity to both local and international tourists to travel during all four seasons and engage in activities they enjoy most.
"USAID Economic Security Program is delighted to cooperate with Caucasus Clean Energy Holding (CCEH) to enhance economic opportunities of Guria region. Through advancing eco-tourism, which is focused on producing tea and enhancing its mountain adventure experience component we will be able to attract high value experienced international tourists who would like to get familiar with tourism and hospitality in Georgia and make them interested in the region," said Mark McCord, Chief of USAID Economic Security Program.
The above projects are focused on supporting development of the hospitality sector in Guria region that will definitely facilitate the economic growth across the region.
USAID Securing Georgia's Energy Future Program will partner with Caucasus Clean Energy Holding (CCEH) to advance the energy sector of Georgia and secure sustainable results in this area. A joint approach to this issue will encourage creative associations and unions in Guria region and facilitate to the growth of private sector investments, thus helping Georgia improve energy infrastructure and build new generation facilities.
„We, as investors, strive to achieve decentralization of hydropower projects that will create opportunities for tangible social and economic changes across the regions. Our ESG policy is primarily focused on the improvement of the quality of life for people. Being aware of local needs, we plan social projects but at the same time we make use of any opportunity to collaborate with international organizations and spare no effort to make Guria region attractive for potential donors and investors. This day is a result of this effort. We are delighted to have this MoU signed today with the USAID Economic Security and Securing Georgia's Energy Future Programs and start cooperation with them to secure development of Guria region and bring about tangible changes with due consideration of the local interests," said Micheil Nibladze, Director of Caucasus Clean Energy Holding.