On 15-17 April 2024, a delegation from Georgia, comprising representatives from state institutions and startup associations, embarked on a productive visit to Belgium to foster innovative approaches to mobility and entrepreneurship. The mission aimed to explore circular migration possibilities between the two nations, with a particular emphasis on facilitating entrepreneurial ventures.
Throughout the visit, the delegation engaged in a series of working meetings with counterparts from Belgian institutions specialising in migration issues as well as innovation and entrepreneurship in three regional hubs of Belgium: Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia. These discussions centred on the development of frameworks and initiatives that would promote the exchange of entrepreneurial talent and expertise between Georgia and Belgium. By leveraging this approach, both Georgia and Belgium seek to harness the potential of skilled entrepreneurs while simultaneously addressing labour market needs and fostering economic growth.
Commenting on the significance of the visit, the representatives of the Immigration Office of Belgium (IBZ), underscored the importance of collaboration between Georgia and Belgium in unlocking the full potential of temporary mobility for entrepreneurial development.
In addition, as part of the visit's agenda, an information event on Georgia’s Entrepreneurial Landscape took place on April 17, 2024, in close collaboration with the Embassy of Georgia to the Kingdom of Belgium. One of the key objectives of the event was to explore interest and foster support for potential partnerships between the private sectors of Belgium and Georgia. The event aimed to offer a platform for stakeholders’ cooperation and exchange, including representatives from both the public and private sectors, and to foster trust and understanding of entrepreneurial mobility as a safe channel for temporary mobility, with a focus on start-ups and entrepreneurs in both Georgia and Belgium. Through targeted discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, participants had the chance to identify common interests, synergies, and areas for collaboration.
Representatives of the Ministry of Economic and Sustainable Development of Georgia and the Georgian Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA) delivered presentations on Georgia's economic and investment environment, with a focus on entrepreneurial opportunities and the favourable business climate prevailing in Georgia.
Overall, by facilitating direct interactions, the visit aimed to lay the groundwork for future collaborations and exchange opportunities between the start-ups from Georgia and companies in Belgium.
The EMLINK Project is funded by the European Union through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF) and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) on behalf of Belgium.