Success Story: Export Hub Georgia-Winner of the Excellence in Strategic Insight Award

Q: Could you briefly introduce yourselves, share your professional backgrounds, and tell us what inspired you to join this nine-month program?

Ekaterina Meskhidze, Programs Director/Export Consultant at EBA:

“I am a Senior International Development & Governance and business development professional with extensive experience working with the private sector, business associations, and international development organizations. Throughout my career, I have supported Georgian businesses through various donor-funded initiatives focused on competitiveness, workforce development, market access, and internationalization.

Although I had significant experience working with companies on export-related initiatives, I wanted to deepen my practical knowledge of export consulting and international trade. The Export Consultants Mastery Program provided a unique opportunity to learn from experienced international experts and gain a more comprehensive understanding of export development. I was particularly interested in exploring how Georgian businesses can better utilize the opportunities created through Georgia’s Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the European Union and overcome the challenges they face when entering international markets. ”

Lia Kereselidze, Export Support Service Lead at EBA:

“I am a business development and export support professional with experience in working with companies on growth, internationalization, and market expansion initiatives. I am currently involved in business growth and export development services, supporting companies in identifying new market opportunities, strengthening competitiveness, and improving their readiness for international markets.

Throughout my professional journey, I have actively worked with businesses from different sectors, helping them navigate business development challenges and explore opportunities for sustainable growth. My work is particularly focused on supporting companies in expanding beyond local markets and building stronger connections with international partners.

I joined the Export Consultants Mastery Program to deepen my expertise in export consulting, gain practical knowledge of international trade processes, and better understand the full export development cycle. I was especially interested in learning from international experts, exchanging experiences with professionals from different countries, and strengthening my ability to support businesses in accessing European and global markets.

The program allowed me to develop a more strategic understanding of export consulting, market research, export readiness assessment, international business development, and cross-border cooperation. Through the program, I also expanded my professional network and became part of a broader international community of export development professionals.”

Keti Lazarashvili, Marketing Strategist & Content director:

“I am a marketing strategist and content director with over seven years of experience in digital marketing, branding, and business development. Throughout my career, I have worked with companies from various industries, helping them build stronger brands and market positions. I joined the program because I wanted to complement my marketing expertise with practical export consulting knowledge and better understand how businesses can successfully enter international markets. ”

Q: What was your main motivation for participating in the programme, and what expectations did you have at the beginning of the journey?

Keti Lazarashvili:

“My main motivation was to expand my professional expertise beyond marketing and gain practical knowledge in export consulting. At the beginning, I expected to better understand international markets, market entry strategies, and how to support companies in their export development. ”

Q: The programme was highly intensive and brought together experts, mentors, and professionals from different sectors. How would you describe your overall experience, and what were the most valuable lessons or skills you gained?

Eka Meskhidze:

“The experience was both challenging and rewarding. The program offered a unique combination of theoretical knowledge, practical application, mentorship, and international collaboration.

One of the most valuable aspects was learning directly from experienced export professionals and gaining insights into real-world export challenges and solutions. I also greatly appreciated the opportunity to exchange experiences with participants from different countries and professional backgrounds.

Beyond technical knowledge, the program strengthened my analytical thinking, strategic planning skills, and confidence in advising businesses on export-related matters. ”

Lia Kereselidze:

“The Export Consultants Mastery Program was an exceptionally valuable and transformative experience for me. Its intensive nature challenged us to continuously learn, collaborate, and apply new knowledge in practice. What made the program particularly unique was the opportunity to work closely with experienced mentors, international experts, and professionals from diverse sectors and countries.

One of the most valuable outcomes for me was gaining a deeper understanding of the export development process, from export readiness assessment and market research to international business development and market entry strategies. The program provided practical tools and methodologies that can be directly applied when supporting businesses seeking to expand into international markets.

Equally important was the opportunity to exchange experiences with professionals from different backgrounds and cultures. These interactions broadened my perspective on international trade and helped me better understand the challenges and opportunities businesses face in different markets.

Beyond technical knowledge, the program strengthened my strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and confidence in working with companies on export-related issues. It also allowed me to build a strong network of professionals that I believe will continue to create opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange in the future.

Overall, the program was much more than a learning experience, it was a platform for professional growth, international networking, and building long-term partnerships within the export development community. ”

Q: What was the most challenging part of the journey for your team, and how did you overcome it?

Eka Meskhidze:

“One of the biggest challenges was balancing the intensive program requirements with our professional responsibilities. Since all team members had demanding careers, finding time for assignments, meetings, and collaborative work sometimes required significant effort.

We overcame this challenge through effective communication, mutual support, and clear division of responsibilities. Our shared commitment to learning and achieving results helped us stay focused and maintain momentum throughout the program. ”

Keti Lazarashvili:

“The most challenging part was managing an intensive learning process while building effective teamwork at the same time. We overcame it through communication, flexibility, and by learning how to use each team member’s strengths in the right way. ”

Q: Your team was formed within the framework of the programme. How was the experience of working together, facing challenges as a team, and building collaboration throughout the process?

Eka Meskhidze:

“Working with a team formed specifically for the program turned out to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey. Each team member brought unique expertise, perspectives, and strengths.

Over time, we developed strong trust and collaboration, learned how to leverage our different backgrounds, and supported one another through challenges. The experience demonstrated the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and collective problem-solving in achieving common goals. ”

Keti Lazarashvili:

“Our team was formed during the program, so collaboration also became part of the learning journey. We had different backgrounds, experiences, and working styles, but this diversity helped us approach challenges from different perspectives and grow stronger as a team. ”

Q: During the graduation ceremony, your team received a special award recognizing your achievements. What does this recognition mean to you, and what do you think contributed most to your success?

Eka Meskhidze:

“Receiving the Excellence in Strategic Insight Award was a meaningful recognition of our team’s commitment, analytical approach, and ability to think strategically throughout the program.

For me personally, this award reflects much more than a final achievement. It recognizes the effort we invested in understanding complex export challenges, conducting thorough market analysis, and developing practical, evidence-based solutions. Throughout the program, our team consistently focused on looking beyond immediate issues and identifying long-term opportunities and strategic directions for business growth and internationalization.

I believe this recognition was the result of several factors: diverse professional perspectives within our group, openness to learning, and our willingness to challenge assumptions and think critically. Each team member contributed unique expertise, which allowed us to develop well-rounded analyses and recommendations.

The award also reinforced the importance of strategic thinking in export consulting. Successful export development is not only about identifying potential markets but also about understanding trends, assessing risks, recognizing opportunities, and helping businesses make informed decisions based on reliable data and analysis.

We are proud that our work was recognized in this way, and it motivates us to continue applying these strategic approaches in our future professional activities. ”

Keti Lazarashvili:

“The award was a meaningful recognition of our effort, commitment, and growth throughout the program. I believe our success came from persistence, teamwork, and our ability to stay focused even during the most intensive parts of the journey. ”

Q: Throughout the programme, you had the opportunity to learn and collaborate with professionals from different countries and cultural backgrounds. How would you describe this experience, and what role did networking play in your journey?

Eka Meskhidze:

“The international dimension of the program was extremely valuable. It provided exposure to different perspectives, business environments, and approaches to export development.

Networking played a crucial role in the experience. Through interactions with mentors, experts, and participants from various countries, I was able to build meaningful professional relationships and gain access to new ideas, resources, and opportunities for future collaboration.

The experience reinforced the importance of international cooperation in today’s interconnected business environment. ”

Keti Lazarashvili:

“Working with international professionals was one of the most valuable parts of the program. It helped us see export development from a broader perspective and understand how important cultural awareness, communication, and professional networking are in international business. ”

Q: Now that you have completed the programme, what are your next steps as a team, and how do you plan to apply the knowledge and experience gained throughout the programme in practice?

Eka Meskhidze:

“Following the completion of the program, I plan to continue actively supporting Georgian companies in their export development efforts.

Within the framework of the European Business Association (EBA), we have recently started developing a new export support service aimed at helping businesses identify international opportunities, improve export readiness, and access foreign markets.

A key component of this initiative will be the active use of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), which provides access to international business partnerships, B2B matchmaking opportunities, market intelligence, innovation support services, and cooperation opportunities across Europe and beyond.

We also intend to help businesses better utilize the opportunities offered by the DCFTA framework and strengthen their capacity to comply with European standards and requirements.

In addition, we are exploring cooperation opportunities with FAO to establish an Export Policy Facilitation Platform within the framework of ENPARD IV, that will facilitate knowledge exchange, networking, and export-oriented dialogue among Georgian companies, which will be facilitated by EBA. ”

Lia Kereselidze:

“Completing the Export Consultants Mastery Program feels less like the end of a journey and more like the beginning of an exciting new chapter. One of the most rewarding outcomes of the program is the opportunity to continue working alongside fellow program participants and apply the knowledge we have gained in a practical and meaningful way.

I am particularly excited to have joined the European Business Association’s team as Export Support Service Lead, where together we are developing and expanding a new export support service aimed at helping Georgian companies strengthen their export capabilities and successfully enter international markets.

In this role, I will lead the development and delivery of export support services, including export readiness assessments, market research, export strategy development, business matchmaking, and guidance on international market entry. The knowledge, tools, and methodologies acquired through the program will directly contribute to the quality and effectiveness of these services.

We also plan to actively leverage opportunities offered by the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), helping Georgian businesses connect with international partners, access new markets, participate in B2B matchmaking activities, and benefit from valuable market intelligence and business support services available across Europe.

In addition, we will continue promoting awareness of the opportunities created through the DCFTA framework, supporting companies in understanding European market requirements, improving compliance, and increasing their competitiveness in EU markets.

What makes this next step especially meaningful is that we are not only applying what we learned individually, but also building on the strong professional relationships and shared vision that emerged during the program. I am excited to continue this journey together with my colleagues and contribute to creating practical opportunities for Georgian businesses to grow internationally.

For me, the greatest success of the program is that it has already translated into concrete action, new partnerships, and initiatives that will continue generating impact long after graduation. ”

Keti Lazarashvili:

“Our next step is to apply the knowledge we gained in real projects and support Georgian businesses in exploring international markets. We plan to use our combined expertise in export consulting, market analysis, branding, and business development to create practical value for companies. ”

Q: How has the programme influenced your perspective on export development, and how do you see your role in strengthening export opportunities for your country and within European markets in the future?

Eka Meskhidze:

“The program helped me understand that successful export development requires much more than identifying foreign buyers. It involves strategic planning, market intelligence, compliance, business readiness, innovation, and long-term commitment.

I see my role as helping Georgian businesses navigate this process more effectively by connecting them with relevant resources, opportunities, networks, and expertise. Through my work with business associations, international partners, and development projects, I hope to contribute to building stronger links between Georgian companies and European markets. ”

Keti Lazarashvili:

“The program helped me understand that export development is not only about selling products abroad. It requires research, strategy, adaptation, logistics, pricing, communication, and long-term relationship building. I see my role in helping Georgian companies become more prepared, competitive, and confident in European markets. ”

Q: Looking back at the past nine months, how has this experience changed you personally and professionally?

Eka Meskhidze:

“Professionally, the program significantly expanded my knowledge of export consulting and international trade. It also strengthened my confidence in advising businesses and developing export support initiatives.

Personally, the experience reinforced the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and international collaboration. It challenged me to think more strategically and encouraged me to explore new opportunities for professional growth and impact. ”

Keti Lazarashvili:

“Professionally, it gave me a much broader understanding of international business. Personally, it made me more confident in combining my marketing background with export consulting skills. I now see business growth through a more strategic and international lens. ”

Q: Would you recommend this programme to other professionals interested in developing their expertise in export and international business? What advice would you give to future participants before starting such an intensive journey?

Eka Meskhidze:

“Absolutely. I would highly recommend the program to professionals working in business development, consulting, trade promotion, and international business.

My advice would be to approach the program with curiosity, commitment, and an open mind. Be prepared to invest time and effort, actively engage with mentors and peers, and make the most of networking opportunities. The more actively you participate, the more value you will gain from the experience. ”

Lia Kereselidze:

“I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to deepen their expertise in export consulting, international trade, and business development. The program offers a unique combination of practical knowledge, international perspectives, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

My advice to future participants would be to approach the journey with curiosity, commitment, and an open mind. Be prepared to invest time and actively engage with mentors and fellow participants. The more you contribute, collaborate, and challenge yourself throughout the process, the more valuable and rewarding the experience will be. ”

Keti Lazarashvili:

“Yes, I would definitely recommend it to professionals interested in export and international business. My advice to future participants would be to stay open, curious, and active throughout the process. It is an intensive journey, but the value comes exactly from that intensity. ”

Q: Finally, if you had to describe this entire journey in one word or one sentence, what would it be?

Eka Meskhidze:

“Transformative”

“This journey was much more than a training program, it was a transformational experience that expanded my knowledge, strengthened my professional network, and inspired new initiatives that will continue creating impact long after the program’s completion. ”

Lia Kereselidze:

“Empowering”

“A journey of growth, collaboration, and new opportunities that continues well beyond graduation.”

Keti Lazarashvili:

“ I joined to learn about export consulting and left with new skills, valuable connections, and much bigger ambitions. ”

The story of Export Hub Georgia is a testament to the power of strategic thinking, collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping businesses grow internationally. Over the course of the Export Consultants Mastery Programme 2025-2026, the team strengthened their expertise, challenged one another’s perspectives, and transformed knowledge into practical solutions that can support Georgian companies on their export journey.

As part of a fully funded nine-month international learning experience supported by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), the programme brought together 32 professionals from Georgia, Ukraine, and Estonia. Beyond gaining new knowledge, participants became part of an international community where ideas, experience, and different perspectives came together through collaboration, mentoring, and hands-on work with real businesses.

For Export Hub Georgia, the programme became a foundation for the next stage of their professional journey. The experience strengthened their strategic approach to export consulting, deepened their understanding of international markets, and reinforced their commitment to supporting Georgian businesses through practical guidance, market intelligence, and long-term export development initiatives. As several team members highlighted, many of these ideas are already taking shape through new export support services and partnerships designed to help companies navigate international markets with greater confidence.

Their thoughtful approach, strong analytical mindset, and ability to look beyond immediate challenges earned the team the Excellence in Strategic Insight Award at the graduation ceremony in Tallinn. The recognition reflects not only the quality of their work during the programme, but also the mindset they will continue to bring to businesses seeking sustainable growth in international markets.

Through the Success Story series, Visionest Institute celebrates the people behind the programme—professionals who continue to apply what they have learned, strengthen international cooperation, and contribute to building stronger export ecosystems in their countries.

While the programme has officially come to an end, the connections, ideas, and initiatives developed over these nine months are only the beginning.

Stay tuned as we continue sharing the stories of this inspiring international cohort.