A group of Georgian officials visited Norway on 18-21 February 2019 for an in-depth look at inter-municipal cooperation between local governments in Norway. Mr. David Melua, executive director of NALAG, Ms. Natya Ghvinashvili, deputy executive director of NALAG,  also representatives from MRDI and representatives from Guria, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli and Mckheta-Mtianeti attended study-tour.

During the visit participants met Mr. Bjoern Rongevaer, Senior Advisor of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) international projects, Ms. Maia Kipshidze, Ambassador of Georgia to the Kingdom of Norway. Participants visited Ministry of Local Government and Modernization.

Throughout the Study-Tour participants learnt how inter-municipal cooperation is organized and managed in Norway. Georgian guests understood how inter-municipal cooperation can contribute to transferring more powers to Georgian municipalities. Participants assessed opportunities of decentralized cooperation and partnership between Georgian and Norwegian municipalities.

During the meetings participants also discussed the role of central government in the process of decentralization and the issue of financial support from central government for inter-municipal cooperation.

Members of Georgian delegation shared the new decentralization strategy for 2019-2025. They discussed its objectives, goals and activities.