In pursuance of the objectives of the “BSEC Economic Agenda” of particular relevance is its Goal 14 on “Higher Standards in Education and Training”, that focuses, inter alia, on supporting the exchange of information and experiences with regard to the modernization of the educational systems in the BSEC Member States aimed at increasing sustainable growth and the establishment of knowledge based societies and building stronger regional synergy between the relevant authorities of the BSEC Member States and their business and academic communities. So, the International Conference ‘Professional Education and Economic Needs of the Black Sea Region’ has been timely event, as nearly all the BSEC Member States face the problem of the non corresponding needs of the labour markets and education. This event, has been organized for the first time in BSEC, envisaging brining together the representatives of the governments, academia and businesses (including civil society) from the BSEC Member States, combining both high-level and expert participation, in order to discuss the interrelated issues of education, economy and information and communication technologies.  Besides its educational, technical and scientific aspects, the Conference was aimed at enriching the public-private synergy with a solid academic component and also providing a valuable forum for exchange of experiences and success stories, thus leading to a better understanding of the significance of formal education and identifying the most important areas of research related to the connection between education and the labour markets.  The International Conference “Professional Education and Economic Needs of the Black Sea Region” aimed at attracting theoretical and empirical research which will offer scientific insights. In order to cover all relevant issues, four main themes have been discussed within the following panels:  Panel 1: “Quality Issues in Formal Education”  Panel 2:  “Education and the Role of Information and Communication Technologies”   Panel 3: “Linking Science and Education with Market Demands”  Panel 4: “Key Values and Priorities of Education in the 21st Century”   The Conference has been co-chaired by the Secretary General of the BSEC Permanent International Secretariat and the Rector of Academy of Economy Studies of Moldava. During the Opening Session, a number of distinguished high-level personalities from governments, international organizations, academia and businesses have addressed the Conference, thus contribuiting to its high standards.