Policy Reform Process: Georgia Case Study

This case study details the stage by stage process of favorable microfinance policy reform in Georgia. The process starts with institution building, with formation of the following committees:

• Policy Coordinating Body (PCB);
• The creation of a Legal Action Committee (LAC) of experts, for a more informed advocacy, based on recommendation of the PCB members;
• Public Information Advisory Committee for the purpose of promoting values and practice of sustainable microfinance.

According to the paper, the next stage was building consensus among the LAC for seeking amendments, rather than drafting a specialized la, the LAC drafted a Policy Position Paper (PPP) and sent it to three government ministries. Due to lack of support, an awareness campaign was organized for the public and key decision makers. The LAC revised its PPP and involved in building broad base of support in Government and Parliament. Finally, the revised PPP was put on the agenda of Parliament's winter session, and was eventually passed.

The paper enlists recommendations for policy reform based on the learning from the process:

• Educate ministry officials;
• Target ministers and parliamentary committee chairs;
• Solicit input from both government ministries and Parliament;
• Move simultaneously on multiple tracks;
• Identify a champion, in Government, and use his/her position to build broad-based support;
• Stay focused and be persistent;
• Expect setbacks;
• Be flexible;
• Clearly articulate the message to policy makers;
• Have consensus among those proposing the legislation;
• Implement a multifaceted public information campaign.