The first Italo-Georgian Energy Business Forum was held in Tbilisi. Participants included over 40 Italian and Georgian firms. Discussions underscored how, despite the fact that energy production in Georgia only accounts for 3% of GDP and 11% of employment, the sector offers major investment potential thanks, not least, to some of the country’s peculiarities. These include a strategic geographic location and a topography dotted with numerous rivers, the simplicity of its administrative procedures and a favourable business climate. Growth in domestic demand and increased development of renewable sources should also lead to a 65% rise in hydro-electrical energy production by 2020.