Tbilisi is hosting the annual conference of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN), bringing together more than 100 delegates from 50 countries.

The conference is organized by the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA). Paata Salia, Minister of Justice of Georgia, addressed the participants and congratulated the Agency on a major international achievement — its presidency of ICPEN for 2026–2027. According to the Minister, Georgia’s ICPEN presidency is not only an achievement for the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency, but also an international recognition of the trust placed in Georgia and the progress the country has made in protecting consumer rights.

Paata Salia emphasized the importance of consumer protection for the development of the modern economy. He noted that strong consumers and strong businesses are not competitors; on the contrary, protecting consumers strengthens trust, trust promotes healthy competition, and strong competition drives investment and sustainable economic development.

“One of the key priorities of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia is to provide effective, fast and reliable public services. Our approach is simple: citizens should not have to adapt to the state system; the state system should adapt to citizens. We apply the same principle in our work with businesses. Today, entrepreneurs can access the services of a personal ‘Business Assistant’ at Public Service Halls, carry out important transactions more easily through ‘Smart Contract’, and make use of enforcement and notarial mediation services. Nearly 500 Public Service Hall services are now available across Georgia, while the customer satisfaction rate stands at 95%. For us, this is more than just a statistic — it represents citizens’ trust and, at the same time, a great responsibility.

“At the same time, we continue to develop digital services and new mechanisms for digital identification so that we can offer citizens and businesses services that are even simpler, faster and more secure. That is why, for us, fair competition and consumer protection are not merely legal principles — they are essential conditions for building a modern, inclusive and citizen-centered state,” Paata Salia said.

The ICPEN annual conference brings together representatives of executive authorities and consumer protection agencies, international organizations and experts in the field. The conference provides a platform for sharing international experience, discussing challenges in consumer protection and strengthening cooperation.