Charge d'Affaires Bridget Brink will open the U.S. Department of Commerce two-day program on business development and franchising for Georgian business representatives March 14-15 at the Tbilisi Marriott Hotel. The program will involve 30 business leaders as well as representatives from government agencies and business associations. This event is open to the press.

The "Doing Business with the USA" program is designed to equip Georgian business people with the tools and knowledge they need to develop trade and investment relationships with U.S. businesses. This program is part of the United States' larger commitment to Georgia's economic development and corresponds with President Obama's and President Saakashvili's agreement to conduct a high-level dialogue on trade and investment.