The research is conducted in the framework of the project “Empowering Modern Research Practices of Regional Agriculture-Related Institutions”, implemented by PMC Research Center and Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University. The project is implemented by Georgian Rural Development Department of Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GRDD of GIPA) in partnership with Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) and PMC Research Center and funded by European Union for Georgia ENPARD: Support to Agriculture and Rural Development. The project targets three direct beneficiaries from three different regions of Georgia: Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, Samtskhe-Javakheti State University of the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region and Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University of the Kakheti Region.

The research is conducted in the framework of the project “Empowering Modern Research Practices of Regional Agriculture-Related Institutions”, implemented by PMC Research Center and Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University. The project is implemented by Georgian Rural Development Department of Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GRDD of GIPA) in partnership with Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) and PMC Research Center and funded by European Union for Georgia ENPARD: Support to Agriculture and Rural Development. The project targets three direct beneficiaries from three different regions of Georgia: Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, Samtskhe-Javakheti State University of the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region and Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University of the Kakheti Region.

Society was always facing material security issue. Conventional approach, market mechanisms were unable to solve all the problems, so the state took responsibility for it. As a result, new challenges raised, that were exacerbated by the latest demographic trends and put under risk future sustainability of the state pensions system. The threat became a basis for the new reforms, including introduction of private pension savings.

Tariff policy plays an important role in providing “right” price signals for consumers, which is a necessary condition to improve the demand side energy efficiency (EE) in terms of the environmental, social and economic benefits. Improving EE is the most effective way to address challenges of energy security, import dependency and climate change. In spite of these benefits EE still remains underutilized in Georgia.

The research analyzes the general difficulties linked with agricultural lands, mostly surrounded with three major issues: large number of unregistered lands; the state as large owner of lands; and the limited right of foreigners to purchase land. The research discusses about the ways of overcoming these issues and gives appropriate recommendations.

During the past decade, Georgia reformed its health sector and achieved a decline in child and infant mortality, a reduction in expenditure of inpatient services, an improvement in accessibility, equity and affordability of healthcare services. However, healthcare still remained unaffordable for almost half of the population, and people were spending a large share of their income on out-of-pocket expenses in comparison to other low-and medium-income countries.

This paper reviews the experience of Great Britain in regulation of the service quality in natural gas sector. In line with British experience, Georgian situation in gas sector is analyzed and comparative analysis is conducted. Based on the analyses different policy options are provided. Based on comparison analyses recommendations how to improve service quality in the natural gas distribution business in the country is provided.

Solar power is one of the fastest growing renewable energy technologies becoming competitive with traditional sources of electricity generation. Its main characteristics are: high initial investment costs, free fuel during the operations period and environmentally friendly nature.

The study showed that a free trade agreement between Georgia and China has great potential. Georgia’s export to China would increase by 9% approximately, in the short-term period including significant growth of wine exports (28.5%) and non-alcoholic drinks (36.7%). On the other hand...

Even if the streets in Georgia are swept and clean, it does not mean that waste is managed in the country. Despite a big interest of the Georgian government, there are still no striking changes in the waste management in Georgia. A considerable step forward might be the “Waste Management Code” that entered into force on the 15th of January, 2015.