Within the Rural SMEs Development Project (RSMEDP), financed by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC), GEC team launched a new project: "Facilitation support to pilot technology/leasing service packages by sectoral association in cooperation with leasing companies."

The project aims to facilitate the cooperation between sectoral associations and leasing companies and enable the structuring of more streamlined and rural SME-oriented leasing financing products. With the objective of making these services more accessible, sectoral associations will provide relevant information and consultations to their members on the best-bet sector-specific machinery and technology options.

To achieve the project’s objective GEC team will:
- Identify and list relevant sectoral associations;
- Identify and collaborate with trusted vendors;
- Empower and support sectoral associations in their efforts;
- Continuously monitor the project's outputs and progress;
- Provide support for knowledge transfer throughout the project.

As a result of this project, rural SMEs will be able to obtain new machinery and technology through leasing services. Moreover, machinery providers will offer maintenance and after-sales services to association members, ensuring the machinery and technology are properly maintained and functioning. 

The Rural SMEs Development Project is financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and contributes to the Swiss Cooperation Programme for the South Caucasus 2022-25.