CLDP, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia (MoESD), held a Workshop on Trade Policy Analysis and Negotiation in Tbilisi, Georgia on April 16-17, 2014. Approximately 20 officials from MoESD, the State Chancellery’s Economic Council, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the 2-day training at MoESD. The program focused on (1) developing industry relationships and conducting outreach, (2) issues in trade agreements, and (3) export competitiveness analyses. Kate Mellor, International Economist, at the Office of Trade Negotiation and Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce led the workshop, which featured training modules and practical examples for discussion.

The second phase of this capacity building program will take place in the fall of 2014 and will focus on enhancing the analytical skills of the participants through modules on trade data analysis, industry trade analysis, and services industry analysis. CLDP’s capacity building program will contribute to the improved development of trade policy and analysis, leading to increased trade and investment opportunities, and ensuring Georgia’s global and regional integration and competitiveness. Georgian government officials will be able to more effectively communicate and coordinate with industry and develop objective policy initiatives in line with the national economic interests of its key industry sectors.