German Cooperation (GIZ), in collaboration with the Czech Development Agency, has begun implementing the new project QUIS — Better Goods and Services.
The Association Agreement between Georgia and the European Union signed in 2014 includes the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area agreement (DCFTA), which creates favorable conditions for Georgian business to increase exports and open the path to the EU. The DCFTA will allow Georgian goods and services to access the world’s biggest market, which includes 27 countries and more than 500 million consumers, if certain requirements are met. In order to facilitate the entry of Georgian goods and services onto the European market, it is important to ensure access to quality infrastructure, including standardisation, accreditation and metrology. The project’s aim is to help the private sector implement European standards, and improve the competitiveness of businesses by providing access to laboratories and certification services that meet European standards.
The project will, in particular, promote the implementation of European Standards in accredited laboratories and certified body and assist the private sectors in using the services of these actors in the production process.
The project will work with local manufacturers and industrial sectors in the furniture, toys, and other industries. The initiative’s main objectives are:
* Improving the quality of Georgian products, both domestic and export.
* Improve the service quality: Implement and develop quality standards in production and service processes.
* Consumer Awareness: Raising consumer awareness of quality products and services.
* Support for Innovation and Technology : Introduce innovative approaches and modern technology in quality management processes by partnering with the private and public sectors.
The sustainability of a country’s economy is proportionally affected by the quality of its infrastructure. The demand for high-quality, safe services and products will increase with the trust of consumers.
“The European Union has actively assisted Georgia in improving the quality infrastructure for many, many years. The aim is to increase the country’s competitiveness and economic sustainability. The QUIS project, one of the EU’s latest initiatives, will improve quality infrastructure to support local businesses’ development, innovation and competitiveness. This will allow Georgian consumers to access the same high quality goods and services that their EU counterparts have,” said Nicholas Cendrowicz. He is the Head of Cooperation for the Delegation the European Union in Georgia.
The project will include thematic trainings and seminars, technical support, activation of the private-public dialog, development of programs to assist small and medium enterprises, introduction of best practices and standards in quality management systems and promotion of the development conformity assessment bodies. The project budget is EUR 12,025, 000. The project will continue for three years, until January 2027.
The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. This includes the Georgian National Agency for Standards and Metrology (GNAMS), the Georgian Accreditation Center (GAC), the Market Surveillance Agency of Georgia, Enterprise Georgia and the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency.
The European Union
Since more than 30 year, the European Union and Georgia have built a close relationship, supporting Georgia’s development through expertise, innovation, knowledge sharing and financial support. The EU-Georgia relationship is based on the shared values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support in Georgia https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/
The Project
The QUIS project, funded by the European Union and German Government, is dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness of companies through the improvement in Quality Infrastructure. The primary goal of the project is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Georgia.
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