UK-Georgia Relations

Over the years, a small Fund grew into an important national player that focuses on the most pressing social problems confronted by Georgian society, having managed to attract support and resources to answer those challenges. In this regard, we are proud and delighted to have built special relationship with the United Kingdom, having benefited from experience, support and know-how of our British friends and partners. We have attracted UK expertise across all initiatives not to mention two distinguished members of the Board of Crystal Fund, who became an integral part of our success.

Since 2015, in cooperation with UK-based international organizations such as Enterprise and Parliamentary Dialogue International (EPDI) and John Smith Trust, and with support of the Georgian Embassy in the United Kingdom, Crystal Fund accomplished various large-scale activities within the initiatives: Policy Dialogue, Youth Entrepreneurship, Peacebuilding and Rule of Law.

With financial support from Crystal Fund and the cooperation of EPDI, the Georgian Parliamentary dialogue scheme, Business and Economic Center (BEC)  was renewed as an independent platform for legislative dialogue. The scheme recommenced its activities in the Parliament of Georgia and international experience sharing programs were launched; In particular: In 2016, African Leaders Program was designed and launched by EPDI and BEC for young African political leaders, with the purpose of becoming familiar with Georgian reforms and experience of democratization; the International Conference – Georgia Reforms: Case for Africa? – was held in Georgia; In 2018, Reception at the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom was arranged to support UK-Georgia technology, trade and investment cooperation; In 2015 and 2018, visits of UK Delegations to Georgia were arranged to support the peacebuilding initiative as well as to examine rule of law challenges in Georgia, the systematic human rights violations and to develop appropriate response policies.

“I think Georgians need to keep concentrating on expanding the economy. You have a lot of poverty here. Georgia is one of the best places in the world to make business now. You must internationalize Georgia; globalize; be ambitious and properly use all the potential for manufacturing or agriculture. Then people will have a higher income and be better able to look after their neighbours. I think there are three aspects of the perspectives of the future of Georgian-British relations: one is that we should increase trade between Georgia and Britain, tourism is also really important; it allows people to people to get to know one another. Georgia and Britain have a long history of friendly relations, so we can be one of Georgia’s strongest allies. I also hope that there can be more British investment in the Georgian economy and far more two-way trade. Georgia is rich nation, with well-known agriculture, an amazing history, and big potential for tourism. So, the future looks very good, through diplomatic relations and people-to-people exchanges. Maybe in 10 years time Georgia will be the primary destination choice for many British tourists.’’

                                            – Fabian Hamilton, British MP, Shadow Minister for Peace & Disarmament