On March 28, USAID Mission Director Peter Wiebler visited Kutaisi International University as a member of the delegation. The delegation got acquainted with the activities of the University, toured the campus, met with students, Rector Alexandre Tevzadze, Chancellor Magda Magradze, Head of the School of Management Natia Zedginidze and Head of the School of Mathematics and Computer Science Ramaz Bochorishvili.
Kutaisi International University with support from the USAID Economic Security Program is implementing a grant project – “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Solutions for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)”. Students involved in the project presented the first results of the project to members of the delegation.
“A delegation from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) visited the University today. Cooperation with the United States, a strategic partner of our country, is very important for our University. The University has won the first grant financed by the US Government and the director of the USAID mission visited us to get acquainted with the progress of the project and our University. The project, which was funded through the USAID Economic Security Program, aims to strengthen the private sector and create new opportunities for it in the field of information technology. The priority of KIU is to work with the private sector, to support micro, small and medium businesses in terms of regional development, and this project serves that purpose,” said Magda Magradze, Chancellor of the Kutaisi International University.
“This initiative will strengthen Georgia’s economic sustainability by providing high-value employment opportunities as well as enhancing the competitiveness of medium, small and micro enterprises. USAID is happy to support cooperation between the private sector and educational institutions in Georgia. The goal of the cooperation is to develop students' skills at the professional level that will meet the needs of businesses in Georgia”, said Peter Wiebler, USAID Mission Director in Georgia.
The goal of the project, "Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Solutions for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises," is to increase the economic competitiveness of businesses operating in various fields by equipping them with knowledge and skills in information and communication technologies. In addition, to offer enterprises innovative e-commerce solutions and approaches tailored directly to their needs.
Kutaisi International University (KIU) welcomed its first intake of students in 2020. The aim of the University is to gradually become the hub of education, science and technology in the region. As a result, Georgia will take a leading position in the international educational and scientific arena.
Currently, KIU offers bachelor's programs in English. In the future the University plans to add professional, master's and doctoral programs.
KIU cooperates with the leading European Technical University of Munich (TUM International GmbH and TUM). The honorary president of Kutaisi International University is the former president of TUM, Professor Wolfgang A. Hermann.
About USAID in Georgia: Over the past 30 years, the American people have invested $1.8 billion through USAID. USAID projects are designed to help Georgia realize the principles of free and developed democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance to more than 100 countries. For more information, visit: http://georgia.usaid.gov.
About USAID Economic Security Program: The 5-year, $23 million USAID-funded program is implemented by DAI Global. The program aims to promote the development of non-agricultural sectors that have the potential to create jobs, attract investment and increase income for micro, small and medium enterprises. https://www.facebook.com/EconSecProgram.
