The U.S. Government, through USAID, announced that its Economic Security Program is supporting the production of packaging for nearly one million domestically manufactured medical masks to be distributed throughout Georgia. A partnership between USAID, Enterprise Georgia, and private sector manufacturers, this activity is helping protect the health and safety of Georgia’s citizens during the COVID-19 prevention period.
In response to the growing demand for medical masks, Enterprise Georgia launched an initiative to facilitate local production by private sector firms. To assist this effort, the USAID Economic Security Program is supporting the manufacture of packaging for the distribution of the medical masks.
The USAID Economic Security Program engaged local manufacturers to rapidly produce 21,000 small boxes and 10,500 large cartons to facilitate the distribution of these critical supplies. The boxes are being delivered to Enterprise Georgia and are marked with “STOPCOV.GE,” the COVID-19 prevention website established by Georgia’s Ministry of Health.
“We support efforts by our partners in the Government of Georgia and the private sector to keep people healthy and safe,” said USAID/Georgia Mission Director Peter Wiebler. “It’s very encouraging that Georgia’s private sector is able to quickly and effectively produce crucial medical supplies. It shows how far Georgia’s economy has come and how much potential this country has for lasting economic growth and self-reliance.”
Mikheil Khidureli, CEO of Enterprise Georgia, thanked USAID for its support: “USAID has proven its support for the people of Georgia time and again, including since the launch of the USAID Economic Security Program in June 2019. We appreciate its efforts during this prevention period and we look forward to continuing our partnership to foster economic growth.”
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About USAID in Georgia: As the leading development agency of the U.S. government, USAID supports Georgia to build the capacity to finance, plan, and implement its own solutions to development challenges. USAID has worked in Georgia since 1992, supporting the country’s transformation into a developing democracy that is increasingly integrated into Western political, security, and economic institutions. More than 30 USAID programs stimulate inclusive economic growth, develop democratic governance, enhance energy security, and foster social inclusion. For more information, please visit https://www.usaid.gov/georgia.
About the USAID Economic Security Program: a 5-year $17.8 million project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by DAI Global. The program is aimed at accelerating the broad-based growth of sectors outside of agriculture that show strong potential to create jobs, generate investment, and increase micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) revenues.