2024-10-20-亚开行-格鲁吉亚出口和价值链研究（英）_104页_3mb

Georgia Exports and Value Chain Analysis Summary

This report, prepared by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), assesses Georgia's export potential in key sectors and provides strategic recommendations for enhancing export performance. The study utilized a qualitative analytical framework and stakeholder interviews to evaluate four established sectors—pharmaceuticals, apparel, and jewelry—and one emerging opportunity—EV battery recycling. Below is a concise summary of the analysis and recommendations for improving Georgia's export ecosystem.

I. Analytical Framework and Export Promotion Elements

Study Objective

• To identify export promotion elements and programs (EPPs) that can boost Georgia's exports and competitiveness.
• Seven key export promotion elements were defined, addressing challenges in strategy, trade agreements, awareness, market access, closing deals, maintaining relationships, and other value chain supports.

II. Analysis of Sectors with High Export Potential

a. Pharmaceuticals

• Growth: Significant growth in turnover ($127.7M in 2021) and exports ($100M in 2021), driven by phages, herbal products, and generics.
• Value Chain: Upstream (raw materials/imported machinery), mainstream (GMP compliance challenges), downstream (limited export reach due to regulatory barriers).
• Key Challenges: High GMP compliance costs, nontariff barriers (e.g., EU recognition issues), lack of skilled labor and R&D funding.
• Opportunities: EU market expansion, contract manufacturing in GMP-certified facilities, sustainability trends.
• Major Recommendations:
  • Develop a cluster policy for pharmaceuticals.
  • Strengthen R&D support and vocational training.
  • Facilitate market access through tailored EPPs.

b. Apparel

• Growth: Steady turnover ($187.6M in 2021) and exports ($195M in 2022), with major markets in Türkiye and Armenia.
• Value Chain: Upstream (textile imports), mainstream (outsourcing logistics), downstream (limited direct access to retailers).
• Key Challenges: High export costs, low labor skills, weak branding, market saturation in Asia and Europe.
• Opportunities: EU preference schemes, sustainable production, e-commerce expansion.
• Major Recommendations:
  • Enhance design capabilities and digital marketing.
  • Promote "European hub" warehousing to reduce logistics costs.
  • Strengthen industry clusters and branding.

c. Jewelry

• Value Chain: Upstream (gold imports), mainstream (craft-based), downstream (limited international reach).
• Key Challenges: Outdated regulations, lack of branding presence, limited export infrastructure.
• Opportunities: Sustainable trends (ethically sourced metals), premium markets in Europe.
• Major Recommendations:
  • Support R&D for innovative designs and sustainability certifications.
  • Develop specialized export promotion programs.

d. Almonds

• Export Development: Export value growth ($2.2M in 2022) with a focus on the Middle East.
• Key Challenges: High fragmentation, low organic market knowledge, limited processing.
• Opportunities: EU and Gulf market diversification, organic production incentives.
• Major Recommendations:
  • Expand service cooperatives and knowledge-sharing platforms.

III. Strategic Recommendations for Georgia

a. Improve Export Strategy and Trade Policies

• Develop a comprehensive Export Promotion Strategy 2030.
• Create Team Georgia to coordinate government, private sector, and development partners.

b. Enhance Agreements and Regulations

• Negotiate new FTAs with Central Asian and Gulf countries.
• Strengthen implementation of conventions like the Istanbul Convention.

c. Raise Awareness and Build Capacity

• Establish an export academy with specialized courses on trade, sustainability, and digital platforms.

d. Improve Access to Target Markets

• Scale up B2B matchmaking, ensure seamless market information, and update the "Buy from Georgia" online directory.

e. Support Exporters in Closing Deals and Maintaining Relationships

• Introduce trade credit insurance and public export financing schemes.

f. Strengthen Other Support for Export Sectors

• Invest in transportation infrastructure and VET reforms.
• Launch EV battery recycling initiatives with foreign investment incentives.

IV. A Way Forward

The government should prioritize implementing these recommendations under Team Georgia's export ecosystem policy. Key steps include:

1. Adopting a unified Export Promotion Strategy 2030.
2. Developing EPPs for each export promotion element.
3. Leveraging Georgia's geographic location, FTA network, and improving linkages across stakeholders.

This report emphasizes that diversifying into high-value exports and strengthening public support systems are crucial for sustainable economic growth.