The article evaluates the importance of trade and economic relations between countries in economic growth. At a time of globalization has been identified the existing problems of the international division of labor for Georgia. Substantiated that the development of trade and economic relations is an important challenge in the condition of a low level of food provision for the population of Georgia. From this perspective, it is relevant to analyse the export-import of agriproducts with those European countries that have similar resource potential, geographic proximity, socio-economic and political characteristics to Georgia, among of which is the Czech Republic. Based on the theories of international trade, in order to assess the trade and economic potential between Georgia and the Czech Republic and to determine trends of development, has been studied main indicators of the above-mentioned countries. Comparative analysis of the data showed that quantitative indexes are similar between these two countries, while the qualitative data in the Czech Republic is higher as compared to Georgia. The paper discusses the agriculture of Georgia as one of the main sources of economic growth, therefore, to increase the resource potential of the sector needs to develop foreign trade and economic relations with the agriproducts. Based on analysis of data on exportimport of agriproducts between Georgia and the Czech Republic, has been concluded that the trade balance between the countries is variable and trade and economic relations are at the development stage. The main challenge in agriproduct trade between the countries is a low level of import-export diversification of agriproducts. At the same time, it is substantiated, that the cooperation with the Czech Republic perspective for Georgia not only in trade but also in the sphere of investments and modern technologies. The article argues the need for an optimal ratio of exports and imports in the development of trade and economic relations. Through the empirical studies the current challenges of export and import of agri-food products between Georgia and the Czech Republic have been identified; export-import ratios have been analysed by product type; and the ways to improve trade and economic cooperation between the two countries have been outlined. Promising areas of economic relations and export-import between Georgia and the Czech Republic have been developed.

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Promoting investments in permanent crops is often considered by the government as a powerful measure to support long-term growth in agriculture. The same attitude is prevalent among agricultural policy makers in Georgia and hence, country’s government and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia initiate and coordinate projects facilitating new investments in permanent crops. The article deals with an evaluation of an impact of “Plant the Future” project in Georgia that provides funds for the potential beneficiaries for planting permanent crops. The structure and scope of the project are discussed in the article, and the relevant data regarding the area planted, financial impact, and beneficiaries for the period from 2015 to 2019 are analysed and the impact projection is made for the period of 2020–2043. Research showed that the target indicators of the project were fully achieved. In addition, there were a high demand from farmers to participate in this project and as a result, the budget spent in 2017–2019 exceeded the planned budget. The project appears to be beneficial in terms of net present values that are positive for all discussed discount rates, meaning that the benefits of the project are greater than costs. The return on investment of the project is around 10%, which is greater than the basic discount rate (8%). Social impact also seems to be high with 1,350 beneficiaries. According to the projection, from 2015 to 2024, around 3,000 beneficiaries will benefit from this project. In the methodology, five evaluation criteria are used, namely, relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. Based on the evaluation, specific recommendations are given.

The main objective of the presented paper is to identify investment opportunities in the apple value chain and also to evaluate the specific apple project using the state programs/projects. The methodological part provides a financial evaluation of a specific business project, taking into account state funding programs/projects. Furthermore, general investment opportunities of apples are analyzed in the paper. In addition, in order to study the investment potential, the investment climate of Georgia and Georgia’s international ratings are discussed. A brief description and analysis of various state support projects are also provided. Additionally, an overview of local apples and the world market is given. Due to the climate conditions and soil types of Georgia, the production of intensive apple varieties has a great potential in the country. Promoting the cultivation of intensive apple orchards through the use of various state supporting programs/projects and full compliance with apple production technologies, Georgia will have potential to increase the average apple yield per hectare. It is important for Georgia to use the existing free trade relations with other countries and to diversify the apple export market, which will further increase its competitiveness. Based on the financial evaluation, key performance indicators are positive and beneficial for the investors, which should give the motivation to the investors to invest in the apple value chain. In the field of agriculture, the continuation of the implementation of various state co-financing projects/programs and their development will give additional motivation to local and foreign investors, which will further increase the competitiveness of Georgian apple value chain.