The City of Tbilisi, with the co-organization of GIZ (German International Cooperation), has been arranging an annual International Local Economic Development Forum since 2007. During the first three years we focused on three themes – one for each Forum, but since 2010 we changed the stream establishing one umbrella topic covering four key directions and offering several parallel sessions respecti
vely. Besides the partner organizations of the Forum – WB, UNDP, EU, USAID and other international organizations, the City of Tbilisi receives significant support from its twin and partner cities and regions, from local and international media as well. The Forum has thus become a meeting point for local authorities, non-government participants, international organizations, business and academic sectors from Europe and Asia. The significance and caliber of the Forum is demonstrated by the welcomed guests of previous years at which we hosted mayors of European and Asian cities, leaders of various associations, as well as owners of international companies.