Wages and productivity levels differ across countries. For instance, in 2011 the average yearly income in the US was about $53 000, whilst the same indicator was $250 in Madagascar.

“Don’t rush to judgment on Georgia” was the title of a recent article by Michael Cecire in Foreign Policy (FP). Written in an apparent reaction to “Georgian Dream shows its dark side” (FP, November 29), and “Georgia’s government takes a wrong turn” (Washington Post, November 28), Cecire’s piece attempts to provide a more objective account of the situation.

Poverty and income inequality are two of the top concerns for the newly elected Georgian government. Indeed, despite impressive growth performance (annual growth rates have averaged more than 6% since 2005), Georgia remains a poor country.

ISET is pleased to announce that from October 30 through November 12, 2012, it will host a number of seminars on topics related to energy markets. Professor Einar Hope, a visiting faculty member at ISET, will deliver this seminar series, which was organized by students and professors of ISET’s Concentration in Energy and Natural Resources Management. The seminars will be open to students, graduates, and ISET faculty.

Supported by the German development organization, GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit), ISET-PI conducted a training program for participants from Georgian government organizations, the national bank, and think tanks.