The USAID/Caucasus Mission partners with Georgian and Azerbaijani counterparts to develop a prosperous and peaceful region based on democratic principles, market economies and civic participation at all levels.

The vision of the USAID/Caucasus Mission programs is to support a stable, more prosperous market-oriented economy that empowers citizens, is governed by the rule of law and promotes the basic welfare of the population.

The USAID/Caucasus Mission builds on the foundations established by USAID regional programs since 1992, while adopting a new strategy that addresses the current needs of both Georgia and Azerbaijan.

PA Government Services Inc. (PA) is retained by the US Agency for International Development to undertake energy sector reform programs in Georgia to promote a series of reforms focused on both the electricity and natural gas sectors. The activities continue to build upon earlier work completed by PA under the sponsorship of USAID.

Private Sector in the Energy Sector: USAID provides technical assistance and training to GOG ministries and regulatory bodies to support continued privatization of the energy sector. USAID also assists investment-banking firms selected by the GOG to facilitate privatization. To improve the international investment climate for petroleum and transit pipeline privatization, USAID provides technical assistance and training to ministries, Parliament, and local oil companies to draft appropriate laws and regulations.

Legal and Regulatory Environment Supporting Private Investment in the Energy Sector: USAID assists in drafting laws and regulations on energy privatization and energy conservation, and supports training and expert consultations to build the capacity of ministerial, parliamentary, and regulatory bodies' management and staff to implement these laws and policies.

Environmentally Sound Laws in the Energy Sector: To ensure that oil pipelines and offshore Black Sea exploration and development are conducted in an environmentally sound manner, USAID supports the Georgian State Agency for the Regulations of Oil and Gas Resources through training programs and technical support. Through the Caspian Environmental Partnership Program, USAID provides environmental assistance to local regulators in a partnership program with regional organizations and counterparts in the U.S. regulatory system.

Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Water Management: USAID provides technical assistance and training to ministries, state-owned electricity and gas transmission enterprises, electricity and gas distribution enterprises, and the Electricity and Natural Gas Regulatory Commission to facilitate conservation and rehabilitation of electricity generation and distribution systems, and gas transmission and distribution systems.

For more information, please visit official web site of USAID - Caucasus Mission http://www.usaid.org.ge