PMCG’s CEO Shares Expertise at 10th International Local Economic Development Forum
On September 13, PMCG’s Chairman and CEO, Aleksi Aleksishvili, delivered a presentation to the 10th International Local Economic Development Forum (LED), organized by Tbilisi City Hall in cooperation with international organizations, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Commission (EC), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ).
The forum gathered key stakeholders and actors from local and international society to discuss and share ideas and experiences regarding topics, such as good governance, cities for economic growth, urban resilience, energy efficiency, innovative positioning and branding strategies, open government partnership, and green cities for smart transformation.
Aleksishvili moderated the first panel discussion, dedicated to good governance. In his opening speech, he noted the European Union’s support for LED in Eastern Partnership countries, and provided examples such as the EU project “Mayors for Economic Growth”, which is oriented toward supporting mayors and municipalities at the local level to work in partnership with businesses and civil society to accelerate economic growth, development and job creation.
“A regulatory framework is at the core of good governance. The path to fast and sustainable economic development involves reducing heavy regulations and bureaucracy by transforming public administration, and creating a conducive business environment,” explained Aleksishvili.
Aleksishvili also presented what he considers the necessary elements of good governance for local economic development, highlighting the importance of the efficiency of local administration, transparency and accountability, inclusiveness, vocational education and youth employability, proactive measures to attract entrepreneurs and investors, infrastructure development and stimulating competitiveness through transparent procurement systems.