AJARA BUSINESS WEEK #12 by Caucasian Business Week

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BUSINESS WEEK September 28, 2015 #12

September 28, 2015, Issue 12

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Batumi Seaport’s Cargo Turnover Hits 10 Years’ High Jannat Kusainov Pg. 3

Zaur Putkaradze: Citrus Season Will Be Success in Ajara Pg. 5

Georgian Regions with Dominating Agriculture Products

Hotel Industry’s Leading Brand Enters Georgia Archil Khabadze: “After completion of the complex construction works the Ajara Region will Acquire 500 New Job Places”. Armeridans company has introduced the White Sails major project in Batumi. The Ajara government chairman Archil Khabadze and Georgian Economy Minister Dimitri Kumsishvili, the Ajara Supreme Council Chairman and the council members, top ofﬁcials of the legislative body, Batumi Mayor, the Batumi council head, repre-

sentatives of the departments and businessmen attended the presentation. The White Sails project is Batumi’s grand development project calling for constructing two 5-star hotels and 6 apart-hotels on 120 000 square meters. The complex territory will give room to outdoor and indoor swimming pools, entertainment centers and shopping malls, restaurants and lounge bars. For the ﬁrst time, the hotel industry’s leading company Interstate Hotels and Resorsts

has entered the Georgian market (starting 1960 Interstate has been managing a network of hotels such as Starwood, Intercontinental, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Marriott and so on). Interstate, a network of international hotel operators, will carry out the management of the White Sails complex. Having delivered a speech at the presentation, Armeridans and Interstate companies signed an agreement. Pg. 2

Ajara Government to Finance Tourism Sector Promotion Campaigns by 6 million GEL The Ajara Region’s tourism infrastructure is growing and the budget of the Ajara Tourism and Resorts Department is increasing too. The department will reportedly spend 1.326 million GEL on implementing tourism and resorts management development projects. The regional budget will spend 3.777 million GEL on the Ajara tourism sector marketing projects on domestic and international level. A total of 864 800 GEL will develop tourism products and services. The information was unveiled at the

public discussion of the Ajara tourism Department’s 2016 program budget. As a whole, roughly 6 million GEL will be spent on the tourism promotion campaigns in 2016. It is worth noting the 2014 budget was 3.308 million GEL and the current year’s budget was 4.582 million GEL. “AD campaigns in target countries will be ﬁnanced by extra 1 million GEL to make the 2016 AD components stronger and more comprehensive. Besides traditional marketing instruments,

the department will intensely continue the region’s AD promotion (Turkey, Israel, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia) through social media instruments and information technologies (240 000 GEL). Expenses for advertising the Region’s tourism potential on the domestic level also increases. This direction will be ﬁnanced by 384 000 GEL in 2016”, the Ajara Tourism Department Chairman Mamuka Berdzenishvili said.

The recent research has showed the Shida Kartli Region is famous for apple and cherry production, while the Kvemo Kartli produces a plenty of onion, tomato and cucumber. The Kakheti Region is a leader in peach production and viticulture. The Imereti Region is famous for dairy products and greenery. The Samegrelo Region also produces a huge volume of greenery, but the Region is leader in term of tea and ﬁlbert production. The Guria Region also produces a huge volume of ﬁlbert. As to Ajara, the Region produces a big volume of mandarin, while the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region makes accent on growing carrot. Pg. 4

New Methodology to Count Ajara Guests in 2016 The number of the Ajara visitors will be calculated through a new methodology in 2016. Both registered and unregistered hotel assets and accommodation places will be described and the number of visitors will be assessed in this way. The new methodology has been already developed, the Ajara Tourism Department Chairman noted. “ We have already developed a new methodology and it embraces two directions: 1) conducing statistics and 2) research of visitors, that is, collecting information on the so-called preferences of visitors. Pg. 4

PMC Research Center was Awarded List of Top Ten Most Expensive for the Highest Level of Transparency Watches In The World

Pg. 4

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MAIN EVENTS

2 NEWS

Hotel Industry’s Leading Brand Enters Georgia

CHAIRMAN CONGRATULATES LOCAL MUSLIMS ON BAYRAM

hairman of Ajara AR Government Archil Khabadze congratulated local Muslims on Kurban Bayram from the village Tskhmorisi, Keda Municipality. Governor of Keda Municipality David Dumbadze and clergy also attended ceremony. „Celebrating traditional events of all ethnic minorities living in Ajara is very important for our multi-region. This is the interdependence that brings together each person living in Ajara. I wish warmth and kindness in your families,” – Archil Khabadze said. Kurban Bayram is one of the main holidays in Muslim calendar. They sacriﬁce cattle and then meat is distributed to the poor families.

AJARA GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN MEETS WITH AZERBAIJANI AMBASSADOR AND NEW CONSULAR GENERAL

oday the Ajara Government Chairman Archil Khabadze met with Azerbaijani Ambassador to Georgia Azer Huseyn and recently appointed consul general in Batumi Rashad Fail Oglu Ismayilov. At the introductory meeting, the parties discussed bilateral relations enhancement perspectives. Archil Khabadze updated the Azerbaijani Ambassador and the consul general on the Region’s tourism potential and investment environment. For the past years Rashad Fail Oglu Ismayilov has worked as SOCAR’s deputy director general.

September 28, 2015 #12

ajara business week

“After completion of the complex construction works the Ajara Region will Acquire 500 New Job Places”

ters. The complex territory will give room to outdoor and indoor swimming pools, entertainment centers and shopping malls, restaurants and lounge bars. For the ﬁrst time, the hotel industry’s leading company Interstate Hotels and Resorsts has entered the Georgian market (starting 1960 Interstate has been managing a network of hotels such as Starwood, Intercontinental, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Marriott and so on). Interstate, a network of international hotel operators, will carry out the management of the White Sails complex. Having delivered a speech at the presentation, Armeridans and Interstate companies signed an agreement. The project is of crucial importance in terms of investments volume and the fact 300 local residents will be employed during the construction works, Dimitri Kumsishvili, Georgian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, noted. “The project is important in terms of investments volume. The asset will also employ 300 local residents. The multifunctional complex will unite all services and infrastructure that are characteristic to similar assets. The complex will meet international standards. The construction works will end in 4 years and 500 new job places will be created in addition. The project is an estimated 30 million USD”, the Economy

Minister noted. The construction works will end in 4 years. The building process paces are impressive and the works surpass the schedule in 15 months. Therefore, the company will finish the project ahead of schedule, Khabadze said. “Batumi is indulged by new hotels. We are laying a foundation of the third major hotel in 2015. The company performs ahead of schedule by 15 months. Major interest is expressed in Batumi and the Ajara Region. The new boulevard development is of vital importance for the tourism sector advancement. Investors have intensified their activities in our Region. Expansion of Metro city and entrance of Armeridans is the huge advancement for developing the new boulevard. We pretend to draw more and more new brands to the Region, foster investors, improve investment environment, create new job places, develop the tourism sector and employ local residents in all directions. The project calls for investing 30 million USD in constructing two 5-star hotels with 220 suites. This hotel brand owns 450 hotels worldwide and it has entered the Georgian market for the first time. This complex will include hospitals, nursery school and will exist as a mini city”, Khabadze noted.

AJARA GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT GREEN CITIES PROJECT

he Ajara Government chairman Archil Khabadze has attended a presentation of the Green Cities project at Radisson hotel in Batumi. The project calls for developing integrated sustainable transportation systems (ISTBAR) in Batumi and the Ajara Region. The project will foster a formation of sustainable transportation policy on the national level, as well as an establishment of green urban development policy and mechanisms. The project is ﬁnanced by the UN Development Program and the Global Environment Fund (GEF). The project will be implemented in 20152019 at the head of Lasha Nakashidze in the Ajara Region. The project partners are the Georgian Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Batumi Municipality.

VIEW SKETCHES BY LEGENDARY GEORGIAN THEATRE DESIGNER IN BATUMI

ketches and complete works by the famous late Georgian stage and costume designer Soliko Virsaladze are being exhibited at the Adjara Museum of Arts in Georgia’s seaside city of Batumi. For a week-long display, starting this Friday, the Museum will present pieces of work created by Virsaladze for the Sukhishvilebi Georgian National Ballet. The exhibition, titled The Dancing Colour, aimed to underscore the importance of Virsaladze’s work in developing theatrical design and folk choreography. Virsaladze (1909-1989) graduated from the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts before receiving a Painting and Decoration degree from the Leningrad (now St Petersburg) Academy of Fine Arts in Russia in 1931. Upon his return to Georgia he worked on costume design for Nino Ramishvili and Iliko Sukhishvili - founders of the now-famous Sukhishvilebi Georgian National Ballet – before becoming a Senior Designer for the Leningrad Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Armeridans company has introduced the White Sails major project in Batumi. The Ajara government chairman Archil Khabadze and Georgian Economy Minister Dimitri Kumsishvili, the Ajara Supreme Council Chairman and the council members, top ofﬁcials of the legislative body, Batumi Mayor, the Batumi council head, representatives of the departments and businessmen attended the presentation. The White Sails project is Batumi’s grand development project calling for constructing two 5-star hotels and 6 apart-hotels on 120 000 square me-

Infrastructure Rehabilitation Works Continue

he Head of Government of Ajara A.R. Archil Khabadze and Mayor of Batumi Giorgi Ermakov viewed III phase of works of infrastructure rehabilitation. In the frameworks of III phase of Batumi communal infrastructure rehabilitation project the rehabilitation of Chakvi water system began. In the frameworks of this project, today the construction of Chakvi water reserve vessel begins, what

will provide self-run of water for Chakvi settlement. Project also considers rehabilitation of water supply system for inhabitants of Makhinjauri and Mtsvane Kontskhi. The project is ﬁnanced by EU grant fund and costs 6 million 100 thousand euro. Rehabilitation works will be ﬁnished by II quarter of 2017. On this stage, the tackling of water pipes is being done in Chakvi, after that individual connection will begin. Works began in March, 2015 and will last for 28 months.

New Apartments given to 12 Ecomigrant Families

overnment of Ajara has solved the problem of landslide affected families in the village of Jalabashvili. New apartments were given to 12 so called ecomigrant families in Keda

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AJARA

Municipality. They have been living in damaged places with children for years. Families were chosen by the Governmental Commission and under the decision of Government of Ajara. The owners took the numbers of their apartments from a box. Chairman of Ajara AR Government Archil Khabadze and Minister of Health and Social Care Nugzar Surmanidze congratulated them on new ﬂats. 2 132 934 Gel has been allocated from the reserve fund of budget during last 2 years to assist landslide and earthquake affected families. This amount was spent for construction and rehabilitation of houses. Compensation was given to 1 101 families. The government plans to support families affected by the disaster in the future as well.

197 families affected by natural and man-made disasters have been provided with residential real estates during 2013-15, out of which 48 families were settled in Shuakhevi, 64 in Keda and 85 families in a social house located in Tamari Settlement. 72-apartment residential building will be completed by the end 2015 in the village Vashlovani, Khulo. 50-apartment house will be also built in Kapreshumi. 8-apartment residential building construction started in 2015, which will be completed in 2016. Adjara government continues implementing similar projects for vulnerable people and solving problems unsolved during several decades.

The English-language weekly is distributed to over 1000 assets in Ajara, including, major companies, commercial banks, international organizations, state offices, high-class hotels, shopping malls, Batumi airport, Kobuleti, Sarpi. Businessmen and Managers Read ABW.

Source: www.commersant.ge, www.bpi.ge, www.gbc.ge, www.agenda.ge, www.civil.ge

INTERVIEW

Batumi Seaport’s Cargo Turnover Hits 10 Years’ High September 28, 2015 #12

ajara business week

Transportation of oil and oil products, general and bulk cargoes has transformed Batumi Seaport into a vital hub in the European transportation corridor. Batumi has become one of the important logistics centers in the Caucasus. Currently, the seaport’s turnover has significantly increased and become the largest transit destination for transporting Kazakh and Azerbaijani oil and oil products. Batumi Seaport (hereinafter – Seaport) is the main sea gate of Georgia and its stable operation determines the economic development of the Ajara Autonomous Republic (hereinafter – Region) and the whole country. Namely, thanks to logistics location and various infrastructures, the seaport has become the major transportation destination making huge contribution to the geo-economic development of the Region and the whole country. The Seaport is also a vital hub in transportation corridors promoting external trade and growing the transit function of the Region. The Batumi Seaport director general Mr. JANNAT KUSAINOV talks about the seaport’s plans.

-The seaport is specialized in transshipment of a wide range of cargo consignments. The seaport is the deepest one along the east coastline of the Black Sea and it represents a transportation hub embracing seaborne, railway and land transports. Transit of oil, general and bulk cargoes prevails in the structure of cargo turnover. Currently, an oil terminal operates in the Seaport (berths №1, №2, №3 and loading without berth, that are able to receive 4 tankers simultaneously), multipurpose container terminal (berths №4 and №5), a berth for seaborne railway ferry, dry cargo terminal (Berths №6, №7, №8 and №9) and passenger terminal (Berths №10 and №11). Highest throughput of the oil terminal constitutes 15 million tons a year, the cargo terminal – 2.1 million tons, and seaborne ferry – 700 000 tons. The seaport also brings signiﬁcant ﬁscal effect by making huge transfers to budgets on various

levels. Moreover, the seaport is the Region’s one of the major employers. At the same time, the seaport has made a 100 000 GEL donation to the June 13 natural disaster fund. The money was transferred to the special account of the state treasury designed to assisting the natural disaster victims. In January-September 2015 turnover of general and other cargoes made up 830 000 tons. The plan was fulfilled by 84%. Turnover of oil and oil products marked 2 852 000 tons. The plan was fulfilled by 128%. The seaport has handled 129 ships in the reporting period. For the first time in the history of Georgian seaports, in the third quarter of 2014 the seaport received SOYA MAY, one of the biggest dry cargo vessels with 229 meter in length, 36.8 meters in width and 87 146 tons in deadweight. Moreover, in the third quarter of 2015, the sea-

“

The Seaport is also a vital hub in transportation corridors promoting external trade and growing the transit function of the Region

port handled the ﬁrst consignment of spiral pipes of 188.5 tons. The weight of each spiral pipe marked 31.5 tons with 32 meters in length. It should be noted this is the ﬁrst case of handling similar sort of cargoes in Georgian Seaports.

”

The 100 speciﬁc steps for implementing 5 presidential reforms of the President of Kazakhstan call for integrating Kazakhstan into international transport-communications networks and inaugurating a project for creating multimodal transport corridor of the Eurasian Transcontinental Corridor to carry out free cargo transit from Asia to Europe. The transport corridor will cross: the ﬁrst route will cross the territories of Kazakhstan, Russian Federation and reach Europe. The second route will cross the territory of Kazakhstan from Khorgos to the seaport of Aktau, reach the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan, cross the territory of Georgia and reach Europe. The seaport has concluded memorandums on cooperation with the seaport of Dublin (Ireland), KTZE – KhorgosGateway (Kazakhstan) and Grain Union of Kazakhstan. As part of the TransCaspian international transport route, a number of memorandums and protocols have been signed: a working protocol between Batumi Seaport and Azerbaijan Railways; memorandum on cooperation between Batumi Seaport, Aktau International Sea Trade Port and Baku International Sea Trade Port; memorandum on cooperation between Batumi Seaport and Georgian Railway; memorandum on cooperation between Batumi Seaport and KTZ Express.

Transportation of oil and oil products, general and bulk cargoes has transformed Batumi Seaport into a vital hub in the European transportation corridor

ECONO-MIX

September 28, 2015 #12

ajara business week

Ajara Government to Finance Tourism Sector Promotion Campaigns by 6 million GEL New Methodology to Count Ajara Guests in 2016

T T

he Ajara Region’s tourism infrastructure is growing and the budget of the Ajara Tourism and Resorts Department is increasing too. The department will reportedly spend 1.326 million GEL on implementing tourism and resorts management development projects. The regional budget will spend 3.777 million GEL on the Ajara tourism sector marketing projects on domestic and international level. A total of 864 800 GEL will develop tourism products and services. The information was unveiled at the public discussion of the Ajara tourism Department’s 2016 program budget. As a whole, roughly 6 million GEL will be spent on the tourism promotion campaigns in 2016. It is worth noting the 2014 budget was 3.308 mil-

lion GEL and the current year’s budget was 4.582 million GEL. “AD campaigns in target countries will be ﬁnanced by extra 1 million GEL to make the 2016 AD components stronger and more comprehensive. Besides traditional marketing instruments, the department will intensely continue the region’s AD promotion (Turkey, Israel, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia) through social media instruments and information technologies (240 000 GEL). Expenses for advertising the Region’s tourism potential on the domestic level also increases. This direction will be ﬁnanced by 384 000 GEL in 2016”, the Ajara Tourism Department Chairman Mamuka Berdzenishvili said. The 2016 program budget introduces several

new projects: researches and statistics for outlining the sector needs and development potential, granting the quality sign (“Recommended by the Tourism and Resorts Department”) to tourism assets, nomination/awarding of the supplier of the year’s best tourism services to the tourism industry, conferring suitable proﬁle certiﬁcates to travel guides and awarding the year’s best guide. It is worth noting in 2016 the Ajara Tourism Department will hold autumn and birds festivals again and take part in organizing the season inauguration and New Year events. The increased budget will promote eco and tourism products in rural areas, provide free trainings for the tourism sector staff and use the “secret guest” methodology for regularly monitoring and assessing service quality at tourism assets.

he number of the Ajara visitors will be calculated through a new methodology in 2016. Both registered and unregistered hotel assets and accommodation places will be described and the number of visitors will be assessed in this way. The new methodology has been already developed, the Ajara Tourism Department Chairman noted. “We have already developed a new methodology and it embraces two directions: 1) conducing statistics and 2) research of visitors, that is, collecting information on the so-called preferences of visitors. In case of the statistics, we will replenish our database by the information from unregistered assets. Today we are describing assets in both the registered and unregistered hotels sectors. Finally, we will receive an ultimate picture at the accommodation places, in both registered and unregistered ones, in terms of number of beds. Consequently, in 2016 we will have a complete picture. On the other hand, a research of preferences of tourists implies collecting information from the visitors about the level of tourism products and services in order to assess our planned events and receive remarks and recommendations from them. As a result, we will be able to better plan the future projects”, Mamuka Berdzenishvili said. The collected information cannot be accurate in 100%, but the database will scrupulously reﬂect the reality, Mamuka Berdzenishvili concluded.

Georgian Regions with Dominating Agriculture Products

he recent research has showed the Shida Kartli Region is famous for apple and cherry production, while the Kvemo Kartli produces a plenty of onion, tomato and cucumber. The Kakheti Region is a leader in peach production and viticulture. The Imereti Region is famous for dairy products and greenery. The Samegrelo Region also produces a huge volume of greenery, but the Region is leader in term of tea and ﬁlbert production. The Guria Region also produces a huge volume of ﬁlbert. As to Ajara, the Region produces a big volume of mandarin, while the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region makes accent on growing carrot. The ratio of products in total output due to the Regions is as follows: 1. Kvemo Kartli: The apple production constitutes 4% in Georgia’s total output, while the cherry production makes up 7%. Cucumber production makes up 40%, tomato production is 65%. As noted, the Kvemo Kartli Region is a leader in terms of onion production (31%), beef (17%),

poultry meat (19%), dairy products (17%) and grains (13%). 2. Shida Kartli: Apple (64%), Cherry (57%), Peach (21%), Tomato (25%), Onion (15%), Grain (6%), River Fish. 3. Kakheti: Cherry (7%), Peach (70%), Cucumber (40%), Tomato (4%), Onion (10%), Beef (15%), Pork (21%), Poultry Meat (13%), Honey (15%), River Fish. 4. Imereti: Filbert (14%), Apple (6%), Cherry (9%), Mandarin (1%), Peach (25%), Cucumber (10%), Tomato (4%), Greenery, Beef (18%), Pork (20%), Poultry Meat (19%), River Fish, Dairy Products (21%), Persimmon. 5. Samegrelo: Filbert (52%), Apple (9%), Mandarin (5%), Peach (2%), Persimmon, Greenery, Beef (15%), Pork (23%), Poultry Meat (21%), Dairy Products (15%), Honey (33%), Tea (55%). 6. Guria: Filbert (23%), Mandarin (17%), Persimmon, Tea (12%). 7. Ajara: Mandarin (77%), Persimmon, Potato (4%), River Fish, Honey (15%), Tea (33%). 8. Samtskhe-Javakheti: Carrot (70%), Potato (55%), River Fish.

INTERVIEW

September 28, 2015 #12

Zaur Putkaradze:

ajara business week

Citrus Season Will Be Success in Ajara Citrus Reception-Processing Enterprise to Open in Ajara Region in 2015 Mandarin-picking season will start in several days. Everybody knows how important this fact is for the regions of Guria, Samegrelo and Ajara. Citrus is an only source of revenues for many compatriots. The government has taken no specific decision whether to subsidize the citrus direction this year. The issue is under discussion, the Ajara Agriculture Ministry noted. Nonstandard crops may be subsidized in 2015, the Ministry said. As to preparation works, a new citrus reception-processing enterprise will open in the Region in 2015. The citrus season in the Region starts in mid November, Ajara Agriculture Minister Zaur Putkaradze pointed out.

- Several new enterprises will launch operation in the Region this year, where citrus will be processed in line with European standards. Last year we arranged parafﬁn citrus and this move has brought good results. The citrus sales period was

extended for at least one month. This year several similar enterprises will open in the Region and the season will be a success. - Mr. Zaur, what volume of citrus will be expectedly picked this year? - We expect to pick about 100 000 tons of citrus on season. This year we expect huge harvest thanks to the Ajara Agriculture Ministry efforts for introducing modern agro technologies and upgrading the knowledge and skills of farmers in the citrus sector in order to the boost the citrus production and competitive capacity. - In 2015 Georgia successfully completed negotiations with the Russian party on exports of Georgian mandarin to the Russian market. As a result, after a 8-year break, Georgian mandarin returned to the Russian market. What is situation in this direction this year? What main variants do you consider for citrus transportation to Russia?

- Georgian mandarin will cross the Larsi customs checkpoint to enter the Russian Federation. We do not rule out that Russian companies transport Georgian citrus themselves. Interested bodies will arrive to Georgia on their own vehicles and take the product to Russia. As to seaborne transport, Georgia discusses three seaports for citrus transportation: Novorossiysk Seaport, Gelenjik Seaport and Port Caucasus. - MR. Zaur, we have learnt the Ajara Government has started issuing greenhouse frames to farmers as part of a special subprogram. What would you say about the project details? - As part of this subprogram we will hand over 250 units of 50 square meter greenhouse frames to farmers and agribusiness enterprisers. The val-

ue of a unit is 1915.80 GEL. The ratio farmers will pay 574.74 GEL as a co-financing component. The subprogram’s value is 478 950 GEL. Transmitting simple greenhouse frames to farmers and agribusiness enterprisers will increase revenues to farmers and the imported vegetable will be partly replaced by the domestic products. Vegetable grown in open ground is of seasonal character and is confined by only summer period. Therefore, we must develop greenhouse farms. Today I admit the business sector is independent. Only legislative requirements must be fulfilled. This year the number of mandarin exporters have increased to 80 ones contrary to 3-4 exporters in previous years.

HEALTHCARE

September 28, 2015 #12

ajara business week

WITH THE SUPPORT OF “GLOBAL ALLIANCE” NATIONAL CENTER OF DISEASE CONTROL HOSTED AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

nternational conference – Quality of Medical Products: A key component of the overall quality of care, aims to encourage Georgia’s Association Agreement with the European Union in 2014. This agreement foresees adoption of new regulations. With particular focus on medicinal products, Georgia is expected to adopt amendments to its national law on drugs and medicinal products and other regulations in terms of registering and licensing these products. The event was organized by the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, National Center of Disease Control and Public Health of Georgia in collaboration with international consulting company Global Alliance. David Sergeenko, Minister of Health opened the conference and noted: “This meeting is just one part of the long working cycle we are involved in, with the ultimate goal to implement such regulations that will provide affordable drugs to Georgian pharmaceutical market”. Minister also said, that component of quality control was not available in Georgia’s health care system. To create such system, country should have strong healthcare, I think that quality of medicine is one of the vital factors in healthcare.

Jean-Elie Malkin: Georgia Should Put Few Regulations on Pharmaceutical Issues

Caroline Mascret: Drug registration and licensing should be carried out in accordance with EU standards

aking account these issues president of Global Alliance, Jean-Elie Malkin talked with media. The situation of the pharmaceutical market in Georgia could and should be improved and I know that the authorities, especially Ministry of Health is intensively working for implementing this project properly. Global Alliance supports the Ministry in improving pharmaceutical procedures and regulations. The main issues that were discussed at the conference were the quality, affordable prices of drugs and interconnections between doctor and right prescribed medicines. If you don’t have a good doctor who prescribes right drugs, quality of the drug won’t be efﬁcient. If a medical facility is not good, result won’t be efﬁcient. Quality of drug is vital and quality of the health care service delivery is important as well, we have to interconnect all of these elements.” noted Jean-Elie Malkin. What Georgia could do in order to improve the situation is once again to put little bit more regulations on pharmaceutical issues.

lobal Alliance expert, Dr. Carolie Mascret noted: “If there is will from Georgia’s government to implement EU regulations in order to increase health care quality in the country, I think the process will not be complicated.” Mascaret made this statement at the conference that was held at National center of disease, that was devoted to pharma-regulation issue. Minister David Sergeenko, Dr. Jean-Elie Malkin, Dr. Caroline Mascret, Deputy minister Valeri Kvaratskhelia and other members of regulation agency attended the conference. Her presentation highlighted the tools that will help Georgia to improve drug quality control. “The content of the active ingredients in drugs should be actively checked. There are also other instruments that will allow to check how well a drug works and whether or not it is falsiﬁed,” Carolie Mascret said. The conference and the presentations addressed issues connected to the registration and distribution of medicinal products, adopting EU and other stringent regulator countries standards in terms of registering, licensing pharmacovigilance, GMP, quality control and other issues that will ensure Georgia’s adherence to the commitments undertaken in frames of the relevant agreements.

T “This meeting is just one part of the long working cycle we are involved in, with the ultimate goal to implement such regulations that will provide affordable drugs to Georgian pharmaceutical market”

RESEARCH

September 28, 2015 #12

ajara business week

PMC Research Center was Awarded for the Highest Level of Transparency PMC Research Center (PMC RC) was recently granted a 5 star transparency award. Center was awarded by Think Tank Fund of the Open Society Foundations for setting the gold standard for the field as a whole, by reflecting exemplary transparency in publicly disclosing sources of funding. From 170 major think tanks worldwide, only around 40 were privileged to receive a five-star rating (out of five) in 2015. “We believe that transparency and accountability is not something unique but should be an inseparable part of every organizations nature. We are more than sure that it is the only way to progress and contribute to development”, explains Lasha Meskhia, Executive director at PMC RC.

Rural Development Strategy For Ajara Autonomous Republic 2016-2021 Assessment of the Existing Situation and Development Indicators

The first part of the Rural Development Strategy for Ajara AR analyzes the current situation at the regional and municipal levels and provides indicators, which will be used to evaluate rural development in Ajara in 2021. The strategy will include overview of the current rural development projects, rural development priorities, vision and outcomes. The document also includes coordination, assessment and monitoring mechanisms, which are needed for its impelemntation. The institutional mapping will reflect the role of the main stakholders in promoting the strategy implementation. The Action Plan will be a part of the Rural Development Strategy. For preparing each part of the strategy, meetings with different groups of society will be arranged. Existing studies and papers will be used for strategy development. The stakeholders will be grouped within formalized working groups which will ensure consolidation of the local expertise and priorities. Vision and strategic objetives will be developed for Ajara AR authority and stakeholders and the work plan will consider not only projects of agencies, municipalities and state organizations of Ajara AR, but also projects of donor organizations, businesses and non-profit organizations.

The meaning of the term “Rural Development” has been transformed since the 1960s and today its deﬁnition is in line with the EU LEADER program approach, on which the Rural Development Strategy is built.

The population of Ajara AR has been decreasing since 1989, which is caused not only by demographic factors, but also by migration within and outside the country. Overall, 44.5% of the population lives in 333 villages of Ajara, which is 96.6% of its territory. According to the census data the region’s population has decreased by 9.2% from 1989 to 2015. Population density in rural areas is highest in Khelvachauri municipality with 145 people per square mile while in other municipalities it is lower than 65.

The issues, which are important for rural development, are attributed to special governance and municipal authorities of Ajara AR. Implemented programs in Ajara and the local budget revenues are not sufficient for rural development activities and the qualification levels of officials are inadequate. Cooperation between civil society, business and public agencies is not institutionalized. The population of the municipality is provided with the basic economic and social infrastructure, and also with utility services. Aside from electricity, schools and medical services, satisfaction levels with infrastructure and services are not high among the population.

With frequently intense natural disasters, Ajara is one of the most distinctive regions in Georgia in terms of climate. Ajara faces environmental pollution problems as 58% of arable land is eroded. The average annual temperature has slightly increased in Ajara. In addition, in the coastal areas the number of hot days and tropical nights are expected to increase, which will have a positive impact on the duration of the tourist season. Precipitation has also increased in Ajara. Ajara is one of the fastest developing regions in Georgia, which attracts big share of foreign investments. The share of Ajara in the national GDP has been increasing, as well as employment which Ajaraincreased by 33.5% from 2006 to 2014. On the other hand, the share of agriculture, hunting, forestry and ﬁshing decreased in terms of value added in the 2006–2013 period. The largest decrease in employment (90%) occurred in 2010-2013 in agriculture, hunting and forestry sectors. There was also a decline in the share of jobs created in this sector in the total number of jobs - from 4% to 0.3%. During the same period, agriculture together with education and hospitality sector were the lowest paid sectors in Ajara. In 2011-2014, the average monthly income of households (monetary and non-monetary) has increased by 37.7% and has become 1022.1 GEL; while the average monthly income from agriculture has increased by 159.4% and has become 56.8 GEL. This rate of growth is only bettered by the rate of growth for property income (260%). The share of income from agriculture for households grew and reached 7.3% in 2014, while it was 4% in 2011.

There are ores of peat, clay, magnetic sand, building stone, sand and gravel, sulfur, copper, gold, iron and zinc in Ajara. The region is rich with water resources (rivers, springs,

lakes, mineral and thermal waters). According to water abstraction data, surface water in the region is mostly used for hydro energy (94%), drinking purposes (4%), industrial purposes (1.6%), and the rest is used for irrigation. The location and common economic activities of Ajara can be used for wind, solar and biomass energetic purposes.

The terrain in Ajara, with steep slopes and high levels of fragmentation, hinders the development of agriculture. From 11 types of soil registered in Ajara, Alluvial and red soils areas are most common (coastal zone), as well as grey (mountainous) and mountain-meadow cord (alpine zone) soils. Agricultural soil fills only 25% of territory in the region, and most of it on a more than 100m slope. The main fields of agriculture in Ajara are citrus (mostly tangerines) and nuts; corn and potato production and livestock. Traditional industries are viticulture, fisheries, grain production and bee-keeping, and subsidiary industries are tea, silk, tobaccoand medicinal plants production. Land in the region is small, with difficult terrain and there is high fragmentation of households owned agricultural land. Ajara’s forest area is 153.4 thousand hectares, which is 53% of the entire territory. The largest area of forests is occupied by beech, chestnut, spruce and fir. According to the statistics in 2012, 7.2% of the total area of forest in Ajara was infected. A total of 60% of the region’s forest is degraded or is degrading, as erosion and landslide processes are intense in the forest so the forests have lost a significant element of its natural self-recovery ability. International and local protected areas cover 13.6% of the total territory in Ajara AR.

Enterprises in the region provide various servicies supporting the value chain development in rural areas: sorting, packaging

and warehousing services for farmers and traders. The region has several well equiped storage facilities. Processing enterprises in Ajara are operating in the following sectors: tea leaf production, citrus and fruit processing/canning production, nut processing, production of berries, vegetable oil, wheat processing, production of bread and bakery products, milk and dairy products, meat and meat products, poultry, mineral waters, beer, tobacco products, mushroom production, wine production and greenhouses. Other non-agricultural products and services common in Ajara include the following: tourism related products and services; rootstocks and seed production; production of medicinal herbs; wineries; mineral water production; consultations in agriculture; general services (eg., Journalism, sale and repair of motor vehicles); crafts, toys production; construction; medical, cultural and educational services, etc. An additional source of income in rural areas is so called “Off Farm” activities such as livestock, seasonal activities etc.

Situational analysis was conducted during meetings with stakeholders, civil society and representatives of the business sector. During the meetings, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of rural development in Ajara were identiﬁed. Agricultural production and forestry sectors, residential environment, non-agricultural activities, as well as qualiﬁcations and skills of the residents of Ajara were analyzed. The EU indicators will be used for analyzing the results. As the Rural Development Strategy of Ajara AR will rely on the EU approach, indicators for analyzing the results will be based on EU methodology as well.

RESTAURANT ajara business week

ent interiors and one open-air space. Surrounded by live music you are able to mark birthdays, weddings or have even a working meeting in a pleasant environment. Lizarran actively promotes sports and athletes. This is a wonderful space for fan clubs, where fans are able to watch the most important live matches on big monitors. Lizarran provides goodwill and friendly environment and special services.

Lizarran Batumi

izarran is Batumi’s one of the most divers locations embracing four closed spaces with different interiors and one open-air space. The Europe Square has long become Batumi’s special place for Batumi residents and guests for gathering, having a rest and entertainment. This space acquired additional signiﬁcance in the history of Batumi after a Georgian and a Spanish fraternized in Spain and decided to launch a Georgian-Spanish business on the Europe Square in Batumi. On entering Lizarran, the Spanish Tapas bar and restaurant, pushes you to time travel. Several spaces with different interiors deliver you to the Spanish traditional Corrida Festival and the inspiring Flamenco show reﬂecting Spanish, Mauritanian, Gypsy and American cultures. This is not only a virtual trip. You are able to have the most romantic supper surrounded by the Flamen-

co performance. Lizarran has hosted Flamenco professional signers and dancers from Spain and held mini master-classes for guests interested in this inspiring dance. In the future, the restaurant will arrange intense master-classes in Latin-American dances. Lizarran provides entertainment opportunities for visitors. Georgian and foreign artists perform various live compositions to tune you to a dancing mood. “Spanish Tapas bar and restaurant is unimaginable without Spanish dishes – tapas and pinchos. You will receive information about their history. However, Lizarran is not tied to only these dishes. You are also able to taste various Georgian and European dishes jointly with pleasant drinks. The asset also offers a Lunch Menu. “Lizarran is Batumi’s one of the most diverse locations embracing four closed spaces with differ-

„Pinchos, Tapas y mucho más“ – a motto of Lizarran is: “Pinchos, Tapas and much more”

September 28, 2015 #12

ECONOMY

September 28, 2015 #12

ajara business week

Georgia’s Eight Top Exports Items What products does Georgia export and what is the country’s export potential?

EU Surpasses CIS in Georgia’s Foreign Trade Turnover

bilisiTrade turnover with the EU is increased by 2% year-over-year in January-August, while drop of 23% has been ﬁxed with the CIS countries. According to “Sakstat”, foreign trade turnover with the EU countries has made up 1,982 billion USD through 8 months of this year. However, Georgia made export of 413 million USD in the EU countries, which is increased by 1% i.e. 8 million USD. As for import, its volume has been 1,569 billion USD, the ﬁgure exceeds by 2% comparing to the same period of the previous period. The share of this country in Georgia’s foreign trade turnover is 31%, at that 28% in export and 32% in import. (Respectively, 26,21 and 28% in January-August, 2014).

Whereas, trade turnover is decreased with the CIS countries. Both, export and import are declined. Namely, foreign trade turnover has made up 1,791 billion USD in January - August, 2015, while turnover is decreased by 23% year-overyear. Export is dropped by 45% due to the hard economic-political conditions in these countries and the ﬁgure made up 556 million USD. Import is reduced by 6%, which is 1,235 billion USD as of total data of 8 months. The share of the CIS countries in Georgia’s foreign trade turnover has been 28%, including 38% in export and 25% - in import (respectably 31,52 and 24% in January-August, 2014). To note, 20% of trade deﬁcit has accounted for the CIS countries in January - August, 2015 (9% - January – August, 2015).

s it turned out, the country mostly exports medicine, ferroalloys, cars, nuts, wine, mineral water. The ﬁve largest importers of Georgian products are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine. As of January-July 2015, exports from Georgia amounted to $ 1.268 billion. 11.7% of exports fall on copper and copper concentrates - $ 148, 8 million, followed by ferroalloys - $ 129, 5 million and 10, 2%- fall on passenger cars ($ 110, 8 million) and 8.7% - on medication ($ 76, 5 million), 6% - on nuts ($ 75.3 million) and 5.9% - on nitrogen fertilizers ($ 62, 5 million), and 4, 9% - on mineral and fresh water ($ 54 million) , 4, 3% - on wine ($ 47. 9 million), 3, 8%- on oil products ($ 46.8 million) , 3.7% - on gold ($ 34, 4 million) and 2, 7% - fall on other products - ($ 482 million) and 38% of total exports. According to the expert Soso Archvadze, ferroalloys, which are produced at two large factories in Zestafoni and Rustavi, are in the greatest demand among Georgian products. “Ferroalloys are widely used in agriculture and metallurgy. The demand for them is very high not only in the neighboring countries, but also, for example, in the United States. The advantage of Georgia is that it produces manganese- based

ferroalloys which is also produced here, “- says the expert. He notes it is possible to improve performance of certain export products. “In Soviet times, the demand for the Georgian mineral water was very high and more than 450 million bottles were shipped outside the country. Now the growth of production depends on technology. It is possible to increase the production of nuts, vegetables and fruits that go back to the postSoviet markets ,”- Soso Archvadze explains. In his words, the volume of export of cars has signiﬁcantly decreased in recent years. “In fact, Georgia played the role of mediator between the producing countries and buyers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Russia. After Azerbaijan tightened the requirements for quality of vehicles and Armenia joined the Eurasian Union, exports has fallen sharply. Now car sales are mainly focused on local customers,”- Soso Archvadze adds.

National Bank Increased the Refinancing Rate from 6% to 7% Competition Agency may Examine a Pharma Market

he Georgian Competition Agency may launch a research of the pharmaceutical market. When asked by “Commersant” whether the Agency will become interested in activity of the pharmaceutical market, the Agency’s Director George Barabadze says that the Competition Agency is interested in any commodity market, which is a subject of growing public interest. The Agency examined the oil products market based on the high public interest and imposed a fine of GEl 55 million on the companies among which are “SOCAR”, “company”, “Rompetrol”, “Lukoil”, etc. As for other markets research, in Barabadze’s words, the coffee market is currently being monitored and if it is necessary, a formal investigation will be launched. The CA carried out a flour market survey; however, Barabadze does not discuss the details. He notes that to reveal cartel agreements is quite difficult not only in Georgia, but in the world, but the Agency is actively working on these issues, which resulted in the conclusion made about the violations in the oil market. Answering a question of how he assesses his work, Barabadze says that his activity must be

estimated by the public. Experts believe that the pharmaceutical market will be primary examined by the Competition Agency which has already published the results of the fuel market research. In particular, they say that in a civilized world a constant and vigorous activity of the Competition Agency enables to prevent the emergence of monopolies and cartels. In Georgia the companies operating in many business sectors are seriously suspected in collusion during the formation of prices enabling them to obtain very high proﬁts. The experts unanimously mention the pharmaceutical market among the sectors with respect to which reasonable suspicion exists. However, representatives of the pharmaceutical business refute accusations of cartel transactions denying the existence of monopolies in this market as well. According to the founder of the company “PSP” Kakha Okriashvili, he does not expect that the Competition Agency will examine the pharmaceutical market. And if such a study is conducted, he will regard it as an attempt to free up the market for other players, the authorities intend to bring into the Georgian market.

Demand for Georgian Gold increases Worldwide

emand for Georgian gold increases in export markets. Over a year export of unprocessed or semi-processed gold increased by 70%. According to Sakstat, unprocessed or semi-processed gold worth $ 40.3 was exported in January-August 2015, while in 2014 – this ﬁgure amounted to $ 23.64 million. In the reporting period, the share of unprocessed or semi-processed gold in the total export increased from 1.2% to 2.8% that is included in the top ten export products.

onetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the National Bank on September 23, 2015, decided to increase the refinancing rate from 6% to 7%. A statement released by the National Bank reads that the decision was based on a macroeconomic evaluation showing that inflation expectations increased sharply against the background of the devaluation of the lari exchange rate against the dollar. “In August, the annual growth of consumer prices amounted to 5,4%. According to the current forecast, after a temporary deviation from the target, the inflation rate for the end of 2015 will go down to the projected level,” it is said in the statement. The National Bank also stressed that the devaluation of lari led to an increase in intermediate costs and a rise in prices of the imported goods.

“The rate of inflation was greatly influenced by the growth in electricity tariffs. Rising inflation limits the drop in world prices for oil and food. A difficult economic situation in the region impedes the economic growth which also had a negative impact on exports from Georgia, as well as the inflow of remittances from abroad. With regard to the positive trends, they are expressed in the fact that the impact of the imbalance on the exchange rate is exhausted and import adjustment, which declined 20%, respectively, the pressure on the national currency has reduced,” the National Bank’s a statement reads. The reason that prompted the National Bank to increase the refinancing rate was the desire to deflate the negative expectations. “In order for the negative expectations not to turn into inflation, the National Bank uses all available tools,” the Bank’s statement reads.

ADB Approves 75 million USD Credit Line to Georgia

he Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $75 million loan to Georgia. The funding will be spent on government reforms aimed at increasing savings and domestic resources and creating investment opportunities to address inequality of income. “The program will be supporting the government’s agenda to make more money available for social protection programs and small businesses in the face of economic contraction caused by economic slowdown in the region”, said Tariq Niazi, Principal Public Management Specialist in ADB’s Central and West Asia Department. According to ADB’s press-release, Georgia’s economy grew at an annual average rate of 5.8% in 2004-2014, but the slowdown in the Russian Federation led the government to cut its growth projection for 2015 by more than half to 2%. Kathie Julian, ADB’s Country Director in Georgia declares, that the program will further improve the government’s debt management capacity. This will help develop the domestic debt market to facilitate expansion of Georgian bond and capital markets. To generate more domestic savings, the program

introduces a supplementary pensions system based on deﬁned contributions. The bank regards, that this will streamline the existing pension system—which currently accounts for almost 20% of public expenditure. Finally, the program will enhance access to ﬁnance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, especially those run and managed by women. To remind, as of 2014, ADB assistance to Georgia totaled more than $1.6 billion, including approved loans and technical assistance grants.

WORLD NEWS

List of Top Ten Most Expensive Watches In The World ajara business week

September 28, 2015 #12

In this article, we will talk about top 10 most expensive watches in the world. We all know that time is the numerous important thing in life. Everyone in this world has limited time. Since ancient times, people were fascinating with the passing of time. They used different tools to see time and reach their destinations according to them. Today watches, apart from being practical, have become luxury items. There are many brands making watches that are very expensive, such as Rolex and Hermes. All these expensive watches are beautiful and have unique designs that make them more precious, and some of them are designed with real gold and diamond. In this article, we will specifically talk about top 10 most expensive watches in the world. This watch is considered a masterpiece in the world of watches. It is made with 10,000 hours worth of effort. It is made with 18K gold and sapphire glass. It has many unique features including the calendar, sunset time, minute repeater and some more as well. It is a very complicated watch but is very beautiful as well because of its double face design. The price of this luxurious watch is almost $1,500,000.

10. Breguet Pocket Watch 1907BA/12

It is very beautiful and formal watch. It has gold and white dial with a big strike of 18K gold capsule. It is a very different watch in design that is called Breguet Classic. It is considered as the most expensive watch and stylish as well. It has very beautiful back made with sapphire. It is very comfortable watch as it can be ﬁx according to the wrist. It is also protected from the humidity that is most loved by the people. The price of this watch is almost $734,000.

7. Hublot Black Caviar Bang

The most famous physics theory explaining the world’s creation Big Bang Theory was in the news for many years. This watch is inspired by this theory and is named accordingly. It is made with pure 18K gold. It is also equipped with diamonds and black diamonds which are very rare and are arranged in a very beautiful pattern on the watch. This watch’s design and look are very different; it looks like an exterior of a cage. The price of this watch is almost $1,000,000.

6. Jacob & Co Thirteen Timezone with Rubies

3. Patek Philippe`s Platinum World Time

This watch is best for people who are cosmopolitan and need to check the time across the globe. As the name shows, this single watch will tell you the time in every different continent. In this watch, they have pre-set the time zones of almost 24 different countries. The most astonishing thing about this watch is that it is available in many colors including platinum, gold, white and yellow. People wearing this watch can see the time in many countries without any extra effort. The price of this super watch is almost $4,000,000.

This watch is decorated with rubies and white gold, which makes it look beautiful and different as well. It has a manual time zone that can also store power that is the most amazing thing about this watch. Its buckle is also made with rubies. The price of this pink watch is almost $1,200,000.

9. Blancpain 1735, Grande Complication

It is a very different watch, the best design ever made by this brand. This brand made almost six models, but this watch was a challenge for them to make: it is a more unique and luxurious one. After six years’ work, they made this different and it turned out very successful. It is made up of platinum, and its strap is made with crocodile leather that is very precious. It also has many efforts from the workers as in this watch there are 740 handmade parts used in it. The mechanics of this watch are automatic. It is priced at almost $800,000.

2. Patek Philippe`s Super Complication 5. Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillion

This is the ﬁrst double-faced watch with a view of the sky on its back side. This watch is the perfect combination of traditional design that is transformed into a very modern look. It also shows the movement of stars which is amazing. One can also observe the moon phases on this watch. It is not only very different and beautiful, but also the most complicated watch in the world. The price of this complicated watch is almost $1,300,000.

1. 201 Karat Chopard

8. Louis Moinet Magistralis It is the most unique watch made with very exceptional items. Some people will not believe this, but it is true. This watch is made from the moon particles. It has a blue frame that is very different and also beats about 18,000 vibrations per hour. It is made with 18K rose gold that makes it more precious and beautiful. It also has a calendar in it that is also very useful. The price of this unique moon watch is almost $860,000 which is very expensive to spend only on a single item.

This watch is in gold color primarily because it is made with 18K gold. It takes about ﬁve years to make this watch and it has almost 900 parts that are handmade. It is made with many latest features that also show the sky in the night. It also plays the traditional bells of UK’s Big Ben, which is quite amazing. It is most the complex watch in the world and is now placed in the museum called Masters of Time. The price of this watch is almost $11,000,000, as sold on an auction.

4. Vacheron Constantin Tour de I’ll

Chopard is famous for making the most expensive watch in the whole world. It is full of precious gems such as diamonds, gold, pink diamonds. The watch also has blue diamonds which are very rare and make it more expensive as well. It is so full of stones that the dial of the watch is very small. It is an extremely luxurious watch that can be used formally. The price of this fancy watch is almost $25,000,000.

September 28, 2015 #12

VARIOUS ajara business week

Foodpanda Facts: The Strange Case of Airplane Food

lthough smell is a dominant sense in flavor appreciation, taste is without a doubt a synesthetic (amalgamated) experience. It begins with the smell, as it naturally reaches us first. Then comes sight, the way food is presented; besides, it’s not a coincidence chefs are considered artists. Last come the taste and the texture. But all this time we were missing out on a sense, thinking it doesn’t affect the way food tastes: Hearing If we think about it, there are many occasions we hear someone complain about the loud noises in restaurants, or just bad music. How do you eat when at home? What kind of music do you -subconsciouslychoose? Still, the loudest example for advocating this theory is airplanes. Food delivery app foodpanda (www.foodpanda.ge) is curious to find out more on this mystery. Everyone whines about how much they hate airplane food, but everyone secretly anticipates the moment the cart will arrive at your row and ultimately, everyone actually ends up eating it (or at least parts of it). So what’s really putting us off when it comes to airplane food? The smell when they heat it up that by the way, is identical regardless of the food or airline? The warm, perfectly round bread that once it cools off it you can use it as a tennis ball? The plastic containers that remind us of the 1960’s ‘TV dinners’? The unidentifiable meat served in a science-fiction-looking-sauce? Well, surely all these play a role; but these are

just the obvious reasons. Because, it is not really that airplane food doesn’t taste good; it actually tastes different. As a matter of fact, when your taste buds are way above the clouds, your normal sense of taste has -in contrast- stayed on the ground. Taste buds and sense of smell are the first things to go at 30,000 feet as our perception of saltiness and sweetness drop when inside a pressurized cabin, mainly due to lack of humidity, lower air pressure, and last but not least, the background noise. Many taste experiments have been made and the most surprising finding is that the 85db cabin noise does not affect all 5 tastes equally: Bitter, salty, sour, sweet, and umami, react differently when flying. The most striking results were that saltiness and sweetness declined while umami increased under cabin noise conditions. The experiments suggest that using ingredients or foods with a lot of umami –soy or fish sauce, cheeses, seared or cured meats, tomatoes– can make meals taste better in an airline cabin. Haven’t you noticed how many people order tomato juice (or Bloody Mary) in an airplane? That’s because tomatoes are very rich in umami. Tomato juice, having a strong umami taste, could be more appealing at 30,000 feet because your ears tell you so. Yes, it all comes down to loud noise. So better go for the umami option: go for anything with tomatoes, beef, pork, chicken, mushrooms, carrots, and parmesan. Or perhaps there’s another way to address the bad airplane food problem: earplugs.

The health benefits of beer: 12 reasons why you should drink it!

he 12 benefits of drinking beer: 1. Beer keeps your kidneys healthy A Finnish study singled out beer among other alcoholic beverages, finding that it was better for your kidneys. In fact, each bottle of beer you drink reduces the risk of developing kidney stones by 40%. 2. Beer for better digestion Beer, and especially dark beer, contains up to one gram of soluble fibre* in each 30 cl glass - unlike wine, which doesn’t contain any fibre at all. Fibre plays an important role in intestinal transit (a fibre deficiency can cause gastric and intestinal disorders such as constipation or diarrhoea). 3. Beer to lower your bad cholesterol The fibre in beer can also help reduce your levels of LDL cholesterol, i.e. the “bad” type of cholesterol. 4. Beer can increase your vitamin B levels Beer contains several B vitamins (B1, B2, B6 and B12). A Dutch study found that beer drinkers had 30 percent higher levels of vitamin B6 than their non-drinking counterparts, and levels that were twice as high as those of wine drinkers. Beer is also a generous source of vitamin B12, an antianaemic factor not found in many foods. 5. Beer for stronger bones! A 2009 study concluded that the elevated levels of silicon in beer can contribute to higher bone density. 6. Beer as a cure for insomnia Lactoflavin and nicotinic acid, which are both present in beer, can promote sleep! 7. Beer reduces your risk of a heart attack Beer drinkers have a 40 to 60 percent reduced risk of

suffering a heart attack compared with non-beer drinkers. 8. Beer helps prevent blood clots The ingredients in beer help prevent blood clots from forming. 9. Beer boosts your memory According to studies, beer drinkers are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia than non-beer drinkers. 10. Beer helps combat stress Researchers at the University of Montreal found that two glasses of beer a day can reduce work-related stress or anxiety. 11. Beer as a cold remedy Drinking warm beer is an excellent cold remedy! When barley is warmed up it improves blood circulation and helps you breathe when you feel congested. It also provides relief for joint pain and boosts your immunity. So, how do you prepare it? Heat a bottle of beer in a double boiler and then add four small teaspoons of honey. 12. Beer makes skin more beautiful Good news for women! Certain vitamins in beer can regenerate the skin and have a positive impact on pigmentation. Your skin becomes smoother and suppler. Convinced? Then let’s go! Two beers for memory, two for better digestion, another for better bone density, one for your kidneys and the rest as a cold remedy… Normally this should guarantee good health, right? (smiley). Of course, Doctor “GoodFood” is joking. The idea is not to get drunk every night, but instead to enjoy a nice refreshing beer now and then, without any excess!

DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN BATUMI: • Azerbaijan - 14 Dumbadze street; t.: 0 422 27 67 00 • Estonia - 60 Gorgasali street; t.: 0 422 27 09 10 • Turkey - 9 Ninoshvili street; t.: 0 422 25 58 00 • Iran - 83 Parnavaz Mepe street; t.: 0 422 22 86 01, 0 422 22 86 02 • Armenia - 32 Gogebashvili street; t.: 0 422 21 63 02 AJARA TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES: • Batumi boulevard information centre - 2, Ninoshvili str.; m.: 577 90 90 91; t.: 0 422 29 44 12; w.h.: 09:00-22:00 (Everyday) • Batumi cable-way information centre Gogebashvili street; m.: 577 90 90 93; t.: 0 422 29 44 10; w.h.: 24/7 • Batumi airport information centre - 220, Airport highway; t.: 0 422 29 44 14; w.h.: according to ﬂights schedule • Sarpi information centre - Sarpi Customs; mob: 577 90 90 72; w.h.: 09:00-21:00 (Everyday) • Kobuleti information centre - 642 Aghmashenebeli street; tel: 0 422 29 44 13; w.h.: 09:00-20:00 (Everyday) • Keda information centre - Aghmashenebeli street; w.h.: 09:00-19:00 (In summer) • Shuakhevi information centre - 22 Rustaveli street; w.h.: 09:00-19:00 (In summer) • Khulo information centre 29 M. Abashidze street; w.h.: 09:00-19:00 (In summer) SIGHTSEEING AND CULTURE BATUMI CIRCUS - 13 Services: Parking, Toilet The staff speaks: Georgian, English, Russian Prices; Discounts are available CONTACT • Mob.: 599 68 02 23 PUPPET AND YOUTH STATE THEATRE - 13 Working hours: 10:00-17:00 Services: Parking, Toilet The staff speaks: Georgian, English, Russian Prices; Ticket: 2 Gel Discounts are available CONTACT • Tel.: 0 422 27 62 34 • Mob.: 599 40 45 38 • E-Mail: info@puppet-show.org • CINEMA APOLLO - 13 • Working hours: 12:00-00:00 • Services: Credit cards accepted, Free Wi-Fi, Exhibitions, Cafe, Toilet • The staff speaks: Georgian, English, Russian • Prices • Ticket: 6-10 Gel • Tel.: 0 422 22 72 27 BATUMI BOTANICAL GARDEN - 13 Working hours: 09:30-18:00 Services: Credit cards accepted, Free Wi-Fi, Exhibitions, Guide service, Cafe, Information board, Parking, Toilet The staff speaks: Georgian, English, Russian, German Prices Ticket: 8 Gel Guide service: 30 Gel Discounts are available • Tel.: 0 422 29 49 29 • Mob.: 577 10 16 07 • E-Mail: info@bbg.ge AJARA KHARITON AKHVLEDIANI STATE MUSEUM - 13 Working hours: 10:00-17:00 Services: Free Wi-Fi, Exhibitions, Guide service, Information board, Parking, Toilet The staff speaks: Georgian, Russian Prices Ticket: 2 Gel Guide service: 5 Gel Discounts are available • Tel.: 0 422 27 11 75 AJARA STATE ART MUSEUM - 13 Working hours: 10:00-18:00

Services: Exhibitions, Guide service, Information board The staff speaks: Georgian, English, Russian Prices Ticket: 2 Gel Guide service: Free Discounts are available • Tel.: 0 422 27 38 94 BATUMI ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM Working hours: 10:00-18:00 Services: Exhibitions, Guide service, Information board The staff speaks: Georgian, Russian Prices Discounts are available • Tel.: 0 422 27 65 64 • Mob.: 599 15 41 50 THE NOBEL BROTHERS BATUMI TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM Working hours: 10:00-18:00 Services: Exhibitions, Guide service, Information board, Parking The staff speaks: Georgian, Russian Prices Ticket: 3 Gel Guide service: 5 Gel Discounts are available • Mob.: 599 43 03 68 DANCING FOUNTAINS Working hours: 20:00-00:00 Services: Parking • PricesTel.: 0 422 27 88 08 • E-Mail: info@boulevard.ge Ticket: Free BATUMI ILIA CHAVCHAVADZE STATE DRAMA THEATRE Working hours: CLOSED until late June / early July 2015 Services: Parking for around 15 cars. Accessible for disabled people with 10 wheelchair spaces. Toilets (but not accessible). No theatre bar or restaurant but plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. The staff speaks: Georgian, Russian, English, Turkish • Tel.: 0 422 27 06 14 • Mob.: 555 36 63 99 • E-Mail: info@batumitheatre.ge BATUMI SUMMER THEATRE Batumi Summer Theatre is located in a central part of Batumi Boulevard and is designed for concerts and other entertainment events. An architecturallyunique wooden building is adorned with wooden ornaments and features a ceiling painted in imitation of the sky. The Summer Theatre has a long history. It was renovated in 2013 and has operated since then. • Tel.: 0 422 29 45 24 Adress: Batumi boulevard BATUMI ART CENTER Working hours: 10:30-22:00 Services: Exhibitions, Parking, Toilet, Café, Concerts, Performances, Opera, Traditional Georgian Folk Song and Dance, Orchestra Performances The staff speaks: Georgian, English, Russian, Turkish, French Tel.: 0 422 27 62 40 • Mob.: 555 37 75 99 • E-Mail: info@muscenter.ge ZOO Working hours: 11:00-19:00 (Except for Monday) Services: Parking, Toilet The staff speaks: Georgian, English, Russian el.: 0 422 22 17 30 • E-Mail: ofﬁce@parkbatumi.ge CONTEMPORARY ART SPACE Working hours: 11:00-19:00 (Except Monday) The staff speaks: Georgian, English, Russian • E-Mail: batumiartspace@gmail.com Working hours: 11:00-20:00 The staff speaks: Georgian, English, Russian Prices:Free entrance • Tel.: 0 422 27 97 00 RUSUDAN PETVIASHVILI ART CAFE-GALLERY Working hours: 11:00-24:00 The staff speaks: Georgian, English, Russian • Mob.: 599 74 52 23

PUBLICITY

September 28, 2015 #12

ajara business week

vhvmTfnbuljwsfU!tbrbsUwfmpt!fspwovm!oblsfct!sbhcTj!ijmupoUbo!fsUbe SUPPORT GEORGIAN NATIONAL RUGBY TEAM TOGETHER WITH HILTON BATUMI

damatebiTi informaciis misaRebad, gTovT mimarToT sastumro hilton baTums: +995422 222299

For further information please contact hotel Hilton Batumi: +995422 222299

• 247 guest rooms and suites • Nephele Sky Bar on 20th top floor with open terrace and best views • Pelion Restaurant, Lobby Café and Bar Tandila • Eforea spa, fitness room, indoor swimming pool and open sun terrace • 7 meeting rooms and ballroom • Complimetary Internet access throughout the hotel • Smoking rooms available • 181 car parking spaces