Tbilisi, Georgia, June 4, 2013
—The Investment Climate Advisory Services of the World Bank Group and Georgia’s Ministry of Justice are partnering to help countries in the region leverage information and communications technologies, to promote a competitive and fair business environment, and support transparent interaction between government and business.
On June 4-6, in Tbilisi, the World Bank Group and the justice ministry are hosting a peer-to-peer workshop for 100 representatives of more than 20 countries in Europe, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa. The event will showcase how governments can use online information and service delivery mechanisms, commonly known as e-Government, to reduce the cost of doing business, increase transparency, and improve access to government services, particularly for small and medium enterprises.
Participants will also learn how these innovations can increase efficiency, improve accountability and services, broaden the reach of public service delivery, and begin to adapt these pioneering solutions to their own country.
“Our efforts aim to build upon our global experience and local knowledge to help governments in the region better use modern technologies to create a more transparent and effective regulatory environment for business,” said Lisa Kaestner, IFC Regional Manager for Investment Climate Advisory Services, Europe and Central Asia. “This sharing of experiences will contribute to improved government services for businesses, supporting the growth and competitiveness of the private sector in the region.”
The event brings together regional policy makers and practitioners involved in investment climate reform and e-Government services, as well as representatives from leading technology firms and specialists from the World Bank Group. The participants will also have an opportunity to learn about innovative online services operated by the government of Georgia, a recognized leader in e-governance. They will also learn from Georgia’s experience in tax and customs electronic services.
The workshop is being supported by the Ministry of Finance of Austria.
About the Investment Climate Advisory Services of the World Bank Group
Investment Climate Advisory Services of the World Bank Group helps governments implement reforms to improve their business environments and encourage and retain investment, thus fostering competitive markets, growth, and job creation. Funding is provided by the World Bank Group (IFC, MIGA, and the World Bank) and the Ministry of Finance of Austria.
