The well organized ECONOMIC FORUM of the European Economic Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry EEIG in Tbilisi/Georgia (from September 21 st till 25 th, 2003) was attended by about 160 participants, among them the Georgia-accredited ambassadors and representatives of international organizations. The purpose of this economic summit was to connect business people from all over the world to improve business relations and to conclude new commercial contracts.

The members of delegations were accomodated in the Krtsanisi Governmental Residence in Tbilisi where only guests of the Georgian government are hosted.

The ECONOMIC Forum was chaired by the EEIG-President for Georgia, Mrs Irina Tevdoradze. There were speaches of the Deputy State Minister Mr George Isakadze, Deputy Minister of Economy, Industry and Trade, Mrs Natia Turnava , and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Mrs Tamar Beruchashvili .

In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Heinz Helmut Vejpustek, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the European Economic Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry EEIG stressed the importance of the single market of the European Union as a future union of 25 countries with a total population of 450 million people as a counterpart to the U.S. market and to Free Trade Associations in Latin America, Africa and Asia. He continued: "It will be a commitment for the future to think about a global monitary system because not all of the 195 members of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) belong either to the euro or the dollar zone. They, too, need a reliable monetary system."

"Freedom in trade, in passenger service, tourism, exchange of goods and ex-perience will only be reached when bilateral treaties will be repleced by multilateral and international agreements- with only one or two currencies to handle for the whole world," said Prof. Vejpustek .

The highlight of the ECONOMIC FORUM in Tbilisi was the reception by the President of State, Mr Edward Shewardnadze. He outlined the importance of the famous "Silk Road" which links the neighbouring countries in Asia and Europe.
Prof. Vejpustek replied that he was convinced that Georgia as a member of the Community of Independent States will prosper under the wise guidance of its experienced Head of State and be an interesting partner for the European Union.

During the ECONOMIC FORUM the members of delegations had occasions to talk with the Chairman of the State Department of Tourism and Resorts in Georgia, Mr Vazha Shubladze , and Mrs Alla Kugusheve from the Standar-dization Department of Georgia, Mrs Alla Kugusheve , and with representatives of embassies, national chambers of commerce, and business people of Georgia .