The NHDR 2000 benefited enormously from a number of people that contributed very valuable background data and analysis. First of all, we would like to acknowledge the immeasurable help provided by the GORBI (Georgian Opinion Research Business International) group and, namely, its Director Mr. Merab Pachulia and Mr. Andrew Barnand. Without asking for remuneration and as part of their contribution towards the process of human development in Georgia, GORBI performed a special household survey that allowed us to build our arguments and justify our statement. We are grateful to GORBI staff and highly impressed by its world class level of professionalism.

In addition, many others contribute generously to this report. Among them were:

Dr. Gia Jorjoliani from Social Research Centre kindly contributed to analysis of human rights in Georgia. Chapter 1 relies heavily on his findings.

Mr. Roman Gotsiridze, Head of the Budgetary Office of Parliament and its staff kindly provided an impressive amount of data and indicators related to movement in GDP and contributors to overall economic activity, budgetary revenues and expenditures, revenues to special State funds and expenditures, volume of the minimum consumption basket, dynamics of consumption prices, cost of life, etc. This report could have not been possible without their generous assistance.

Professor Teimuraz Beridze, Head of the Household Survey, State Department of Statistics, kindly provided us with information on 1997, 1998 and 1999 household surveys.

Mr. Irakli Tugushi, Chairman of the Board, Union of Georgian Trade Unions, who prepared a highly professional 28-pages-long analysis on Georgian trade unions. For reasons of space we have not been able to include the whole manuscript, which stands as an objective analysis of the many ills affecting the Georgian trade union movement.

Professor Alexander Tugushi, Financial Director, Insurance Company Imedi L International, provided us with financial and economic information on the Georgian State and private insurance system.

Academician Roin Metreveli, Rector, Tbilisi State University, who provided all necessary data concerning competition at entrance exams to Tbilisi State University.

Mr. Hans Friedrich von Knobelsdorff, Vice President, International Chamber of Commerce in Georgia, performed an original investigation on clan structures, shade economy and corruption. Chapter 5 has benefited enormously from his findings.

We would like to express our gratitude for the high quality of services provided by Ms. Susan Mesure who edited the English version of this report, Ms. Khatia Katie Chanishvili who translated the text to Georgian, Ms. Leila Iobashvili who was responsible for editing and Mr. Micheil Kochakidze who designed the coversheet of the report.

We are also sincerely grateful to Ms. Kaarina Immonen, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, who provided comments and inputs to earlier versions of the report, and to Ms. Thamar Jibladze, UNDP Programme Analyst, who in addition to give comments and inputs to the report also provided invaluable logistical assistance.

This report is intended to encourage discussion about policy in Georgia rather than provide definite solutions. We are thankful to UNDP for the freedom of thought given to all of us involved in preparing this NHDR. As in previous years, Mr. Marco Borsotti has been the responsible for this supportive working environment. The only boundaries imposed on this report have been those derived by lack of supporting data or inconclusive results. Opinions expressed are those of the editors and contributors, and are not official UNDP views.

Alexander G. Tvalchrelidze
sandro@kheta.ge