AJARA BUSINESS WEEK #6 by Caucasian Business Week

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BUSINESS WEEK August 17, 2015 #6

August 17, 2015, Issue 6

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BE INFORMED, DO BUSINESS IN AJARA

Zviad Diasamidze: We Aim to be a Leader in the Field of Corporate Social Responsibility ty Pg. 5

Vazha Davitadze’s Winemaking Business in Ajara Highland Pg. 6

GEL Depreciating Factors

to strengthen in the second half of August amid the tourism season activation. “We should not expect sudden effect. Naturally, tourism season makes positive influence on the state economy and currency, but this effect will not be touchable in a short period. The national currency cannot strengthen the next day after the tourists arrive and spend foreign

currency in the country”, AYFB says. Disagreements between the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) and the government’s economic team are further deteriorating the situation. “The national bank could make certain interventions during insignificant fluctuations on the market, but it abstained to take these steps. Pg. 3

Telecommunications Market May Be Officially Monopolized

aucasus Online and Silknet, two major internet providers on Georgia’s electronic communications market, may merge. The Georgian National Communications Com-

mission (GNCC) has inaugurated administrative proceedings to prepare a conclusion on their statement. The procedures call for exploring the market and arguments of companies. On the ground of

Georg gia Gives Preference to Mercedes-Benz amon ng Automobile Brands

the conclusion, the companies may be entitled to amalgamate the stakes. Should we expect a monopoly on the communications market? What should the beneficiaries expect from the merger of the major providers? Pg. 3

Pg. 4

Tourists Inflows to Ajara Grew by 5.8% in July

ourism is growing in Georgia and visitors are flocking to Georgia’s Black Sea coastal city Batumi and the wider Adjara region to spend their summer break basking under the European sun. August, which is commonly known in Georgia as the ‘sea season’, has just started and the country’s seaside resorts have already enjoyed growing visitor numbers. Information about the number of tourists visiting Georgia’s Adjara region was released this morning by the Government of Georgia. Data showed in July 2015 alone the number of tourists in Adjara increased by 5.8 percent yearon-year (y/y). This was also evident in the first seven months of the year; between JanuaryJuly 2015, the region experienced 4.3 percent growth (y/y). Pg. 2

Ajara’s Tourism Summer 2015

Pg. 7

Pg. 8

GOVERNMENT

ajara business week

MAIN EVENTS HEAD OF AJARA AR GOVERNMENT MEETS UNDP ASSISTANT RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE NATIA NATSVLISHVILI

Archil Khabadze Meets with Members of Turkish Businessmen Association

ead of Ajara AR Government Archil Khabadze met the members of Turkish Businessmen Association. The delegation included: owner „TK İNŞAAT“ and head of the Association Halit Tuzcuoğlu, owner of „SPS BARAKA 2005“ Burhan Didnari, owner of „PAŞABAHÇE/GURAL PORSELEN” Japer Janturk, owner of “Turkish Airlines” Deniz Oztirpan, owner of “Metro Avrasya” Galip Ozturk, representative of “Metro Avrasya” Mehmet Ayag, representative of “Ziraat Bank” Onur Felent, general director of “Leogrand Hotel” Mert Bolukbas, owner of “Georgian Textile” Nuri Sari, Consulate General of Turkey in Batumi Yasin Temizkan and

ead of Ajara AR Government AR Archil Khabadze met UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Natia Natsvlishvili. Minister of Agriculture of Ajara AR Zaur Putkaradze, head of economic group Nanobashvili and manager of the project “ENPARD Ajara” Lasha Komakhidze also attended the meeting. The current project of Euro Union and UN financial aid was discussed; sides also talked about “Strategy of Ajara Villages Development”, which is still processing. Realization of the project requires involvement of the local government on the each level and decisionmaking to settle the matter of organizational issues.

August 17, 2015 #6

general secretary of Consulate Salih Ekmekci. The goal of the association is to contribute into development of trade and economic relations between Turkey and Georgia, also the support of Georgian businessmen, exchanging views and bringing them into practice. The association is providing creation of data base for Georgian and Turkish businessmen. Turkish Businessmen Association helps to provide comfort situation in trade and economic issues for Georgian and Turkish businessmen, organizes meetings with governments of Georgia and Turkey. The Association realizes different projects to improve social and economic conditions of society.

Tourists Inflows to Ajara Grew by 5.8% in July

GEORGIA TO COOPERATE WITH TURKEY IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR

Gharibashvili to Attend Business Forum in Istanbul

FINANCE MINISTER EXPECTS SURPLUS REVENUES inance Minister Nodar Khaduri has presented budget fulfillment trends and macro-economic parameters affecting the exchange rate. As Nodar Khaduri said at a press conference, this year’s budget has been amended because of adjustment of GDP growth forecast. The changes ensured maintenance of the deficit within 3%, which was welcomed by the International Monetary Fund. In addition, he said it is expected for tax revenues to be over-fulfilled. According to the Minister, as per the 7-month data of 2015, more than one billion GEL was mobilized in the budget revenues, compared to the last year’s corresponding period. He also promised that the foreign currency inflows will be positive in the country in the 3rd and 4th quarters of the year.

inister of Agriculture of Georgia Otar Danelia and Chair of the supervisory board of Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK) Omar Jihad Vardani considered prospects of tradeeconomic relations in agrarian sphere between Georgia and Turkey. At the meeting, the chair of the board placed his focus on the attractiveness of the country’s agricultural sector and promotion of the regulation of international trade and partnership relations. The Minister Danelia spoke about export potential of Georgian product and importance of new markets diversification. Besides, as it was planned at the meeting, large-scale business forum will be held in Istanbul, planned to be participated by business and governmental delegations.

GEORGIA TO CLEAN UP SEASIDE BY MODERN TECHNOLOGIES

odern machinery costing more than 300,000 GEL his helping to make Georgia’s Black Sea coastline rub-

bish-free. Tourists visiting the Anaklia-Ganmukhuri beach line will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of a cleaner coastline, after Zugdidi Municipality purchased a special vehicle that can clean the beach. The new machine will ensure the AnakliaGanmukhuri coastline is cleaned faster and more thoroughly. The special vehicle will clean the territory over a 24-hour period. The beach cleaning equipment cost 364,000 GEL and was made in Germany.

ourism is growing in Georgia and visitors are flocking to Georgia’s Black Sea coastal city Batumi and the wider Adjara region to spend their summer break basking under the European sun. August, which is commonly known in Georgia as the ‘sea season’, has just started and the country’s seaside resorts have already enjoyed growing visitor numbers. Information about the number of tourists visiting Georgia’s Adjara region was released this morning by the Government of Georgia. Data showed in July 2015 alone the number of tourists in Adjara increased by 5.8 percent year-onyear (y/y). This was also evident in the first seven months of the year; between January-July 2015, the region experienced 4.3 percent growth (y/y). The number of visitors from various coun-

oreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK) invited the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili to business forum, planned to held by the participation of the largest business companies – the mentioned was declared at the meeting of the Premier and chair of the DEIK supervisory board Omar Jihad on Thursday. Business forum is planned to take place in Is-

tries increased this summer. In particularly tourist numbers were higher from these nations: Kazakhstan – 11 percent; Bulgaria – 6.8 percent; Lithuania – 5.5 percent; Israel – 4.6 percent; Poland – 3.7 percent; Ukraine – 3.5 percent; Turkey – 3.2 percent; Azerbaijan – 1.5 percent and Armenia – 0.8 percent. There were several factors that were believed to have encouraged more tourists to visit Georgia’s Adjara region. Firstly, before the summer season began Batumi International Airport increased flight frequencies and directions. More low-cost airlines began flying into and out of the coastal airport. Because of the increased flights, the Adjara re-

tanbul and it will be attended by representatives of leading T7urkish business sector. According to the press service of the Premier, the sides considered prospects of trade-economic relations deepening between Georgia and Turkey. Besides, focus was placed on close partnership of countries and importance of the current projects. Garibashvili informed representatives of DEIK about the Country’s economic reforms and investment environment. Turk businessmen’s

gion expected more tourists this year. Secondly, the Adjara region hosted several musical festivals, with more planned in the near future. One of these festivals was GEM Fest, which entertained Anaklia for about 10 days and hosted many renowned artists, including Tale of Us, Booka Shade, Radio Slave, Petre Inspirescu, David August, Ellen Allien, Whomadewho and many more. Nationwide the number of tourists who visited Georgia in July 2015 was higher than the previous year, statistics showed. Latest data from the Information Analytical Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs revealed in July this year the number of visitors to the country was 9.5 percent higher than in the same month in 2014. In total, more than three million international guests have spent time in Georgia this year.

interest for investments in Georgia is growing, chair of supervisory board of DEIK Omar Jihad said. DEIK represents one of the largest and influential Association in Turkey. It was founded in 1986. It goals promotion of foreign economic relations of Turkish private sector and deepen trade links. DEIK- has 99 founder organizations. It also includes business councils, which unites 900 companies about.

Government Expects $1.186b Investments and Downturn in Current Account Deficit

his year, the government expects foreign direct investments of $1,186 billion and reduction of current account deficit of payment’s balance to $1.419 billion. Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri presented the mentioned forecasts at the briefing on Friday, as respond to the president of National Bank of Georgia Giorgi Kadagidze. Kadagidze suggested the government to produce clear plan of currency inflows in terms to maintain lari rate stability. According to Khaduri, forecasts about $1.186 billion foreign direct investments are based on concrete decisions of the companies. However, the Minister noted that current investments will be less than last, record year ($1,273 billion), however they are still high than in 2012-2013 years. Figures of the 1st quarter investments are known so far, making up $175.3 million, which means that in terms

BUSINESS WEEK

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to fulfill the government’s prediction, foreign capital, invested in Georgia should exceed $1 billion in April-December. It should be noted that NBG’s president said in his interview with Reuters that Georgia needs $1.5 billion foreign direct investments in order to keep financial stability, control inflation and support lari rate. As for current account deficit of balance of payments, it was defined by $1.607 billion last year, while this year the figure will reduce by $192 million to $1.419 billion, the Minister said. In the 1st quarter of 2015, current count deficit was $464.47 million, while year-on-year figure was defined by $359.24 million. This year, donor funding in terms of budget support exceeds foreign loan service and repayment costs by $50 million, unlike previous years, when costs of foreign loan service exceeded revenues received from foreign donors as budget promotion, Khaduri declared at the briefing.

Treasury exchange transactions mobilized more than $81 million in January-July within budget accounts, while until the end of year more $110 million will be accumulated. “Foreign currency inflow will be positive in the third and the fourth quarters of the current year. Forecasted figure of foreign direct investments exceeds deficit of the current account. Besides, there will be other financial inflows” – the Minister said.

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August 17, 2015 #6

ECONOMIX

GEL Depreciating Factors

he last two weeks have recorded a sharp decline in the GEL exchange rate, while the summer period is perceived as the time for strengthening the national currency. The Association of Young Financiers and Businessmen (AYFB) expects the GEL exchange rate to strengthen in the second half of August amid the tourism season activation. “We should not expect sudden effect. Naturally, tourism season makes positive influence on the state economy and currency, but this effect will not be touchable in a short period. The national currency cannot strengthen the next day after the tourists arrive and spend foreign currency in the country”, AYFB says. Disagreements between the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) and the government’s economic team are further deteriorating the situation. “The national bank could make certain interventions during insignificant fluctuations on the market, but it abstained to take these steps. When the currency market faced serious shocks, the NBG started interventions, but these measures turned out delayed and inefficient”, AYFB noted. Meanwhile, economic expert Vazha Kapanadze noted subjective reasons have devaluated the GEL exchange rate. The monthly statistics of the Bloomberg trades can prove this consideration, Kapanadze noted. ‘Currently there is no outer economic factor for the GEL rate depreciation. I do not agree fundamental factors have preconditioned such a change in the rate. If we lie, let the NBG publish

the previous months’ statistics for the Bloomberg trades without naming specific commercial banks. We will see how real the NBG measures were. I can say openly that one of the major commercial banks has got direct alliance with the NBG”, Vazha Kapanadze noted. Economist Emzar Jgerenaia is making more optimistic statements in relation to the currency market developments. He expects the GEL rate to start rising in several days and the rate to strengthen to 2.25 point against USD. “In several days the GEL rate will definitely strengthen to 2.25 point. It is difficult to predict the September developments. The rate will supposedly fall again if the privatization plan fails. If the foreign currency inflows are sufficient,

namely if the Gardabani power station is sold, the rate may increase. The situation worsens because restriction on money transfers from Greece has not been removed yet”, Jgerenaia noted. The NBG ignores the IMF recommendations that would ensure the GEL rate stability. International organizations positively appraise the NBG performance, but in reality the NBG ignores their recommendations and the state economy suffers from negative effects, AYFB says. “National production frustration, devaluation of incomes of businessmen and consumers, deterioration of the credits burden, decline in economic growth, growth in deficit – this is the incomplete list of outcomes of ignoring the IMF recommendations”, AYFB asserts.

Will Caucasus Online, Silknet and Magticom Merge?!

GEORGIA WANTS TO DEEPEN RELATIONS WITH IRAN

Telecommunications Market May Be Officially Monopolized

aucasus Online and Silknet, two major internet providers on Georgia’s electronic communications market, may merge. The Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) has inaugurated administrative proceedings to prepare a conclusion on their statement. The procedures call for exploring the market and arguments of companies. On the ground of the conclusion, the companies may be entitled to amalgamate the stakes. Should we expect a monopoly on the communications market? What should the beneficiaries expect from the merger of the major providers? Caucasus Online and Silknet submitted an application to GNCC on merger of their stakes on July 27. GNCC started public administrative proceedings to carry out research and analysis. GNCC PR Service Head Khatia Kurashvili noted these procedures are necessary to determine the changes that may take place on the electronic communications market after the merger of these two companies. “In line with the general administrative code, the examination work will last 3 months and after the completion of this research, after preparation of the grounded and substantiated conclusion, the commission will discuss whether to let these

ajara business week

companies merge and whether the competition will be restricted. The conclusion will also determine the expected effect on physical bodies and the subscribers, legal bodies. This signifies comprehensive research work will precede this or that decision”. According to the statement of Caucasus Online, no document has been signed by the two companies on merger. Position of GNCC may become a precondition for staring similar negotiations. “In a couple of days Caucasus Online may apply to the GNCC jointly with other domestic operators to receive information on the GNCC position on carrying out joint operation or availability of purchase of assets. It should be noted at this stage an analogical statement has been submitted to GNNC by LLC Magticom too. We explain again the current developments in the telecommunications market are obvious and natural”, the Caucasus Online statement reads. The merger of Georgia’s two major providers will create an only monopolist internet provider on the domestic market that will provide not only internet services, but also television services with the so-called reverse functions. Last period these two companies have simultaneously increased service tariffs and it is less expected the merger of companies will make positive effect on protec-

tion of consumer interests and the service tariffs will decline. Caucasus Online is an influential player on the telecommunications market on the regional level, one of the major providers on both retail and wholesale markets. It also owns a 1200 kilometer optical-fiber cable on the Black Sea bed to bring internet signal from Europe to Georgia. Moreover, Caucasus Online ensures a internet connection in Armenia with an 85% ratio, to Azerbaijan with a 50% ratio and to Georgia with a 55% ratio. As to Silknet, it is an only telecommunication company in Georgia that provides a full package of telecommunications services, including telephone services, television and internet services. Ucha Seturi, telecommunications specialist for the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI), says one thing is what the companies want, but another thing is what steps the state is taking, because, for the last 8 years the number of small internet providers is growing, while their market ratios remain unchanged. There are at least 150 similar small providers, but they seem to be meeting barriers in development, including in the form of wholesale market problems and so on, Ucha Seturi noted. “This policy directly affects investments inflows to the market, damages small companies and hampers foreign companies to enter our market, because new monopolists appear and our market seems less attractive to them. And the main problem is related to the service quality and service tariffs. These companies assert they offer the lowest prices, but this is unreal. Our prices cannot be compared to European prices, because prices are different in various places and GDPs per consumer are also different”, Seturi said. The government also faces problems with controlling monopolies, Ucha Seturi says. The companies offer a package of services, take huge costs and they easily substantiate the tariffs, while high tariffs and low service quality damages the clients, he said. The GNCC will prepare and publish the conclusion in legally determined period of 3 months.

alks are intensified about the launch of a new stage of relations between the sides after the agreement achieved on the nuclear program between the West and Iran. In new reality, accent on the usage of new opportunities has been made during the visit of Georgian parliamentary delegation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to the press-service centre of Georgian parliament, Ali Larijani, Iran’s Majlis speaker, received the delegation and reaffirmed Georgia’s independence and territorial integrity afresh. “Iran has always supported Georgia’s independence and territorial integrity. In the new reality, our countries should increase trade, shipping and transport cooperation. Iran and Georgia can link the ports of the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea. However, cooperation in the issues of regional safety is very important as well”, - Ali Larijani declares. MP Gubaz Sanikidze, head of Georgian delegation noted, that the agreement achieved between Iran and the West, is a mean to improve economic conditions for Iran population. Georgian parliamentary delegation has met Tanalaedin Boroujerd, chairman of the Foreign and Security Committee of the Majlis. “We should use the new reality well, in order to form tight economic relation despite the biggest competition, which takes place in Iran. Our priority will be our friends and neighbors. However, Georgia has been always occupying one of the first place among the friends and neighbors”, - chairman of the Foreign and Security Committee of the Majlis has declared. The delegation includes Shalva Kiknavelidze, Pridan Sayvarelidze, Mirian Tsiklauri, Ali Mamedov, Ruslan Pogosian and Nugzar Tsiklauri, alongside Gubaz Sanikidze.

JULY RECORDS SLIGHT UPTURN IN REAL ESTATE MARKET

umber of registration transactions on Georgian real estate market made up 49 203 in July. According to the Public Register, the figure is by 0, 2% increased year-on-year. While compared to the previous month, the growth makes up 0, 1%. At that, primary registration transactions’ number declined by 1.6%, while secondary transactions were increased by 0.6%. It should be noted that compared to the same month of 2014, secondary transactions increased by 1%, while primary ones increased by 2.6% on Georgian real estate market. In July 2015, primary registration transactions amounted to 9 864, as for secondary transactions, their number made up 39 339. Month index of registration (December 2010=100) were fixed at 0.891 and 1.269 according to the primary and secondary transactions. In July, 80% of registration accounted for secondary registration transactions, while share of primary registrations amounted to 20% (in July 2014 – 79.4% and 20.6% respectively).

FOREIGN TRADE TURNOVER SLIPS 14%

ccording to preliminary data, Georgia’s foreign trade turnover has decreased by 14% in comparison with January-July last year. According to the National Statistics Service, trade cash flow (non-organized trade was not included) comprised 5573 million USD in the first half of 2015. The previous year’s data exceeded this rate by 14%.

SMALL BUSINESS ajara business week

August 17, 2015 #6

Vazha Davitadze’s Winemaking Business in Ajara Highland Ajara-made Pitcher Wines Successfully Sell in Europe

A vineyard of Chkhaveri grapes was organized in the village of Dandalo, the Shuakhevi Municipality, the Autonomous Republic of Ajara. Wines of this special variety of grapes are being made for several years. In his interview to the ABW Marani company head VAZHA DAVITADZE talks about how the Chkhaveri wines business is developed, who the best quality wine is made and what plans the company has.

- Mr. Vazha, when did you start the winemaking business? - I was a young man when I started the winemaking business. Thanks to our diligence and zealousness, we are a success. Everybody who is accustomed to the vine culture cares for it and cherishes it despite difficulties. We know vineyards were extirpated in the Kakheti Region and various other cultures were planted instead of vineyards, but in the course of time they realized their mistake and decided to grow the vine again. Peasants care and pet the vine. They cannot imagine their life without vineyards. I have witnessed when they discerned one plant of vine in Meskheti and you should have seen how they, petted and fondled it. When you care for the vineyard, then pick grapes and squeeze them out, you receive special juice and wine. Having drunk this wine, you move to a different universe. This feeling and pleasure cannot be described verbally. A Georgian man should know this culture very well – this is our duty and this culture is rooted in our genetics. Many people come and ask us what we think about planting this or that variety of

vine in this or that place. Various grapes grow in this or that region. Therefore, farmers should correctly select the varieties in order to receive genuine delight and transmit this admiration to you. Vineyards were planted in many places, but a part of them did not justify. Then the vineyards were extirpated and the huge job turned out vain. Therefore, specific grape verities should be planted in properly chosen soil and climate. At the same time, various squeezing traditions are practiced in various regions. I have taken part in many wine festivals and my Saperavi and Chkhaveri have obtained many awards. We grow vineyard in the Kakheti region too, where we press the grapes and deliver the prepared wine from there. Then we bottle it and sell. We sell about 10 tons of natural wine and receive quite good revenues. Moreover, we have organized Chkhaveri and Tsolikauri vineyards in Shuakhevi and we bottle Chkhaveri wines that are being exported to the European market for several years. - You have bottled wines of the Ajara’s ancient grape variety of Satsuri. - By the way, this is unique wine. When the Georgian Patriarchate representatives visited me, I sent this wine to the Patriarch. When his holiness was said this was an ancient variety of Satsuri, he drank the toast to the bottom. Then the Patriarch used to offer this wine to all guests. This is the most required wine on the market. The main thing is that we make wine by ancient methods and, therefore, the market demand is also impressive. - How much do your wines cost? - Since our wines are made of our own grapes and since we make our wines by the old Georgian method in pitchers, the price per bottle is 2 GEL. We make high-quality wines and therefore, the demand is high. Wines fermented in pitchers require doubled attention and care. Pitchers must be ideally treated. Violation of natural filtration conditions damages the wine quality. - Where is the high-quality wine fermented? - If you want to make high-quality wines, it should be fermented in pitchers and oaken barrels.

- Nowadays wines are rarely squeezed out in winepress by the old method and farmers alleviate job through pressing grapes by hand. Does the juice of hand-squeezed grapes maintain useful and positive characteristics? - The hand-squeezing alleviates the job, but the wine of feet-pressured grapes contains different taste and aroma. What is the secret? If you fix the teeth of a grapes press so as they could not crush the clusters, then the good wine will be made. If the cluster is broken, the wine will be given an astringent taste. Grapes must be pressed without crushing clusters. Many of our compatriots press grapes at home and I would suggest them to squeeze the grapes by hand. The output will be lower, 40 to 50% less, but the wine will be better. Even more so the husks of grapes are also usable to make spirits. Home-squeezed wine should be transmitted to containers and a little yeast should be added to guarantee valuable and full fermentation. - It is said white and red wines must be squeezed out by various technologies and their storage methods are also different. What would you say about this? - Naturally, red wines are made by entirely different technology, while white wines are made by other methods. Red wines are made on husks of grapes. After the wine is boiled and the husks of grape sink down, the wine must be removed to container. As to the white wine, the Kakhetian method calls for making wine on husks of grapes, while the European method calls for making wines without husks of grapes. By the way, all grapes should not be treated by the Kakhetian method. For example, Rkatsiteli may be treated by the Kakhetian method, but the Chinuri variety does not endure the Kakhetian method. When you taste Rkatsiteli wine made by the Kakhetian method, you feel how it fondles you and it rests special aroma. It is a pleasant drinking and perceptible wine. Chinuri cannot stand the Kakhetian method of fermentation. Many winemakers assert they make wines by mixing Rkatsiteli and Chinuri. I tell them this is inadmissible. - Why is this practice inadmissible?

- Because Chinuri is a tender variety, while Rkatsiteli is stronger. If tender and powerful athletes fight, it will be ridiculous, isn’t it? I know the wine of Chinuri and Guruli Mtsvane (Gurian Green)varieties is genuinely beautiful one. The same may be said concerning Kartli wines, for example, Atenuri that cannot stand the Kakhetian method of making on husks of grapes. But it is fermented in a pitcher and it is a pleasant drinking. The Kakhetian method is applicable to Rkatsiteli… There are sparkling wine varieties in Kartli and the European method is useful in this case. Khvanchkara is made in the Racha Region. Rkatsiteli is a strong variety and very good wines are made of it. Rkatsiteli may be mixed with the Mtsvane (Green) or other suitable varieties and its taste and aroma will be refined. Saperavi is also a very good variety, but the demand in Georgia is little and it is less-sellable. It is rather a healing variety, not a festive wine. Previously, even Khvanchkara wines were made of Saperavi. - Is Saperavi made by the European method more expensive? - This is true. Saperavi needs much attention and it may suffer from very bad diseases and it may be soared. Without attention these disease will spoil and soar the best wine of Saperavi. To be frank, Georgians lack for wine-drinking culture. Wine should be drunk in little swigs to receive pleasure. By the way, the mood of an individual is also very important while tasting a wine. The best wine may be tasted by a person with bad mood and in this case the quality and best characteristics of wines are not perceived. Previously the vineyards did not need so much treatment - only once or twice treatment a year was sufficient. Now the soil has impoverished, new diseases have appeared and the vineyard should be treated 15-16 times to save the harvest. Various grape varieties grow in various regions and the soil should be correctly selected, the place should be fertilized and carefully treated. The fact is Georgians know these procedures very well and we pet the vine with whole heart. Giorgi Siradze

August 17, 2015 #6

INTERVIEW ajara business week

Zviad Diasamidze: We Aim to be a Leader in the Field of Corporate Social Responsibility

Adjaristsqali Georgia is developing the Shuakhevi HPP in the highlands of Adjara. One of the company’s priorities is promoting regional development. To accomplish this aim, AGL has chosen three directions for its social responsibility efforts: education and awareness raising, community empowerment, and infrastructure projects. Choosing these directions was done based on a combination of social and economic research which the company conducted, development priorities of local governments, and daily meetings with local residents. The development and implementation of social projects is guided by ZVIAD DIASAMIDZE, the director of land and social affairs at AGL.

- Mr. Diasamidze, are the social projects implemented by Adjaristsqali Georgia an obligatory part of the project or are they voluntary? - It should be noted from the very beginning that any project implemented in the field of social responsibility is a voluntary activity by that company. Social responsibility has been a part of western business culture for a long time. The modern business world has realized that for successful growth an organization must not only support its own growth but also support concerned groups surrounding that organization. This important part of western business culture has also become part of current Georgian private business culture. Steps have already been taken in this direction and the tendency is growing. Adjaristsqali Georgia, LLC tries to be one of the most successful companies in the region from a social responsibility standpoint, and we wish to be leaders of the field in the highlands of Adjara. - Let’s speak more specifically about those projects that are currently running. What kind of projects are planned in the education field? - First of all I would like to note that education is one of the most important priorities for Adjaristsqali Georgia, LLC. Our company tries to implement educational projects that support the growth of education for the next generation of Adjaran highlanders. This is why we established a scholarship program, which we implemented with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. Eight local students from Khulo and Shuakhevi districts were chosen based on an application process. The program which we funded covers expenses for the entire period of undergraduate studies. Recently, we also implemented an educational project for English teachers. This project aims to improve teachers’ knowledge of English and to enhance their professional skills. Over 40 English teachers from the Khulo and Shuakhevi districts took part in the project. We also held English-only after-school activities for gifted and

talented students to develop their English and critical thinking skills in an informal atmosphere and held an essay competition in which 44 local students participated. Finally, Adjaristsqali Georgia, LLC is beginning a student internship program in August in cooperation with Tbilisi State Technical University. Three students were chosen to take part in an internship for two months at Shuakhevi HPP and work alongside Georgian and foreign specialists. I hope that these young people will go on to join the professional team of the future hydropower plant and will be involved in the process of development of their own regions. Our company is planning to perform such internship programs in the future as well. - Let’s focus on infrastructure projects. What kind of projects do you implement? Infrastructure projects are an important part of regional development. We have quite a long list of infrastructure projects which we are implementing in cooperation with local municipal governments. These projects include building road infrastructure, improving drainage systems, and providing local communities with permanent water supplies. This is just a short list of the projects

All of our projects are directed by current needs. The rehabilitation of the Vashlovani school yard has been recently finished. We are currently performing a large scale water rehabilitation project in Makhalakidzeebi village and starting another in Akhaldaba together with the regional government. It is noteworthy that when implementing infrastructure projects we try to employ local residents and give them an opportunity to contribute to the development of village infrastructure. In 2015 alone, up to 150 local residents were periodically employed in our infrastructure projects. - Representatives of your company often talk about the need for developing and reinforcing the local community. What kind of activities do you perform in this respect? - Empowering communities is one of the most important issues for the development of highland Adjara and consequently is a key direction for our company. We have recently started a project of funding startup businesses by awarding grants and promoting household businesses. This project includes training in both practical and theoretical aspects of running a business. We have also launched a beekeeping project

Community Empowerment • •

Business Support Project Agricultural Development Project

Awareness Raising and Education • • • • • • • •

English Pilot Program - Language and Pedagogical Skills Training English Pilot Program - For Students English Pilot Program - English Essay Contest Students Scholarship Program Health Awareness Students Internship Road Safety Awareness Sustainable Use Firewood and Energy Efficient Wood Stoves

Infrastructural development • • • • • • • • which are currently in progress or which have already been implemented. We are also improving school facilities. For example, we have built sports fields, improved school yards, and refurbished libraries. As I have already mentioned, the company, government authorities, and the local population are jointly involved in this process.

in the Khulo and Shuakhevi municipalities. The aim of this project is to improve and restore the livelihoods of affected farmers to pre-project level. Farmers are trained in new trends and modern technologies of beekeeping to acquire the skills for setting up beekeeping enterprises. Apart from training, participants are provided with bee families, beehives, and any other necessary equipment. - I would also like to ask how you communicate with the local population. - First, from moment we began our project, we set up information centers in order to conduct direct and effective dialogue with the local population. The main function of the information centers in Khulo and Shuakhevi is to inform these communities about the development of the project as well as different social projects that we conduct. With the help of these centers we have daily, close connection to local people; quite a few meetings are held here on a daily basis. Permanent communication with the local population, listening to them, and determining preferences together – all of these support important points of regional development and are part of Adjaristsqali Georgia, LLC’s daily work. I believe we can play an important part in the long term development of the Adjaran highlands.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Didadjara village, landscaping of kindergarten yard Makhalakidzeebi village, building of drainage system Construction of gabion on the Makhalakidzeebi village road is finished Village Tsablana, village road rehabilitation Tsablana village, drainage system Rehabilitation of sports playground in the Tsabliani village publicschool Tsablana village public school storeroom construction Kinchauri village school library and classroom renovation Tsablana village school library renovation Tsabliani village (kishla) school library renovation Cheri village school inventory Chapkha village school sports playground rehabilitation Akhaldaba village central road retaining wall Vashlovani village public school yard landscaping Diakonidzeebi village irrigation channel rehabilitation Okruashvilebi village irrigation channel rehabilitation Gurta village irrigation channel rehabilitation Pachkha village mill construction Akhaldaba village drainage system rehabilitation Vashlovani village road rehabilitation Makhalakidzeebi village road rehabilitation

INFOGRAPHICS ajara business week

Most Popular Beers in Ajara Region and their Demographics Natakhtari became the leader in last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s survey

jara Business Week launched a new project together with the marketing research company Market Intelligence Caucasus. Each week we will conduct surveys in Ajara region to identify the top 5 most popular and best-selling brands in different business fields. Thus, we will identify peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite products in Ajara. Market Intelligence Caucasus is the brainchild of the global marketing firms network TNS. The company addresses contemporary and international methodology in its research. Within the framework of the project, we conducted a study on the beer market in Ajara. We surveyed 500 respondents of ages between 18-65, out of which 57% were females and 43%, males. As for the age, 42% in the range of 18-34 years old, and 58% were in the 35-65 age group. 55% were employed and 44% -- unemployed. Before you learn the final outcomes of the study, it is also interesting to note that 73% of beer drinkers drink it at home, 27% at a bar, 20% drink it in open spaces, and 19% enjoy a beer at a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apartment. Some 12% like to drink beer at cafes of Ajara, 9% at restaurants and 2% drink it everywhere. Naturally, each respondent had several preferred beer drinking places to name. We present to you the results of the said survey, which gives perspective on many different aspects of beer-consuming culture in Ajara.

August 17, 2015 #6

TOURISM

ajara business week

Ajara’s Tourism Summer 2015 OBJECTIVES, TASKS AND CONSEQUENCES The tourism direction has been and will always remain a leading segment in the Ajara Region’s business and economy sector. A bulk of private investments is registered in the tourism sector. According to the 2015 statistics, the ratio of the tourism sector in the Region’s total investments inflows makes up 39%. The Ajara tourism department performance is very interesting in this respect. This office is a main supervisor of state initiatives. Here we offer a brief description of the Ajara tourism department’s recent achievements.

MARKETING CAMPAIGNS The Ajara tourism and resorts department is to bolster the tourism development in the Region and ensure a growth in the region’s touristic perception, as well as to identify, diversify and develop new tourism products. Marketing activities and PR campaigns in tourism markets of various countries are one of the main directions in our efforts that considerably ensure popularization of the Region as a tourism destination and provide a growing statistics for the Region’s tourism field. In 2015 the tourism department conducted AD campaigns in over 20 cities of 10 target countries (Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Turkey, Israel, Poland, Lithuania, Georgia), including outdoor billboard and screen AD campaigns in public concentration places. Outdoor commercials were seen by 43 687 537 individuals. Besides traditional marketing projects, the department has been implementing the Region’s online AD campaigns through social media instruments and information technologies in 11 countries (Israel, Poland, Turkey, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia). As a result, for the two quarters of 2015 the audience recorded 12 800 000 individuals.

PR CAMPAIGNS A total of 19 information tours have been already conducted in 2015 by invitation and organization of the Ajara tourism department that has hosted 98 reporters and 79 tour operators (a total of 177 tourism sector specialists). About 100 AD articles have been published in the target countries and a lot of television plots have been shot about the tourism potential of Ajara and Batumi. For the first time in 2015 we are carrying out PR activities in not only pre-season periods, but also on season days in July and August. In the near future the department will host reporters from Turkey, Israel, Azerbaijan and Belarus. We have already taken part in 14 international exhibitions and various international events and economic forums, where we have been popularizing the Region in continuous regime. Besides introduction and presentation of renewed AD-information materials in special stands, we have also conducted working meetings with representatives of the tourism sector of the target countries. We have carried out various cooperation projects and outlined the future plans. Our department will take part in 25 similar exhibitions by the end of 2015.

STATISTICS The January to June statistics has recorded a positive growing tendency. As reported, at this stage the tourism department collects information from accommodation assets that are registered in the Ajara Region. According to this statistics, a year on year growth has marked 2%. We believe this is a very good indicator. As reported, the last year has recorded a considerable upturn in visitors’ inflows. At

the same time, unfavorable social and political situation is reported from the target countries. Therefore, this growth even in small ratios and maintenance of the number of tourists are genuinely good results. We have not only maintained the June indicators, but also increase the figure by 0.44%. Higher growth is expected in July and August. The highest year on year growth is reported from Kazakhstan (+9.4%), Belarus (+7.9%), Lithuania (+3.1%), Russia (+2.3%) and Israel (2.3%). Along with unprecedented development of the hotels industry, the private sector is also introducing more apartments, rooms and guesthouses and a lot of foreign and domestic visitors enjoy these services. The tourism department has carried out active job since January 2015 for elaborating a new methodology for the tourism statistics and conducting tourism research works. For the first time in August 2015 accommodation places have been fully described and this is an unprecedented case since the tourism department foundation. Statistics information will be collected, processed and analyzed through the new methodology. All these efforts will enable us to involve the private sector performance in our statistics starting 2016. As a result, a more realistic picture of tourists inflows will be created. It should be noted the tourism market research collects information on the quantity of both foreign and domestic visitors.

TOURISM PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY The Batumi tourism agency that operates at the Ajara Tourism Department is being fully reorganized. The agency functions will entirely change and since now it will be oriented on employing the Region’s tourism potential in the highland Ajara, as well as on the existing tourism products and services there. For the last years the tourism department has been taking active steps for introducing new tourism products, namely for promoting the agriculture, wine tourism and birds supervision tourism directions in order to prolong the tourism season and increase economic welfare of the Ajara Region residents. In 2013-2014 the department developed and marked 10 new tourism routes. The project called for installing special signs along all routes and creating a joint ecotourism map of Ajara (electronic and print versions). Prior to the 2015 season, the special monitoring group of the tourism department has monitored the created and marked routes and checked the readiness for the 2015 tourism season. After the completion of the marking process, a total of

5 tourism routes were introduced to the target audiences, information tours were arranged. A new biking route was also marked in 2015.

AJARA TOURISM AND RESORTS DEPARTMENT JOINS EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF RURAL TOURISM On June 4, 2015 the tourism and resorts department of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara was adopted as an associated member into the European Federation of Rural Tourism (EuroGites) at the 2015 general assembly in Cyprus. The Federation unites 35 professional bodies from 27 countries and about 500 000 micro enterprises with about 5-6.5 million beds. Having joined the EuroGites, the Ajara tourism assets will be registered in the EuroGites database. The Ajara tourism and resorts department will acquire European experience, establish European/International standards and take part in various activities of the Federation to bolster rural tourism development in the region and upgrade the Ajara Region’s rural tourism perception in Europe.

SERVICES A total of 8 tourism information centers are operating all over the Region. For the first time in 2015, information centers have been unified under the joint design (in colors of the Georgian national flag). For the first time, in 2015 visitors are able to buy discount cards at our information centers that unite various services, namely, the one-month card includes 15 tickets of municipal transport, a phone SIM card, 5%-30% discounts at the Region’s tourism assets (hotels, café-restaurants, amusements). For the first time, in 2015 the information center at the Boulevard entrance will offer luggage storage service and Batumi greeting cards mailing service. The information center at the ropeway provides 24 hour services for the visitors. New hotline was also introduced to provide any information on the current tourism opportunities in the Ajara Region. This year the Ajara tourism department has completed the development of a new three Language official tourism portal as an adapted mobile application with a modern-standard menu and information. Any visitors are able to independently plan arrivals, select accommodation, routes, enjoy ecotourism map, take part in the current events and so on. The Ajara tourism department has retrained the staffs employed in the accommodation and

food assets, tourism agency management and the medium chain, in whole, 155 persons. For the first time, in 2015 foreign trainers from Canada, Turkey, Germany have taken part in the trainings.

CONSEQUENCES • The Ajara Region has met the new 2015 season with new tourism assets. Five-star hotels of Hilton Batumi (247 suites), Leogrand Hotel&Casino (180 suites) have recently opened in the Region. Since January 2015 a total of 16 new hotels have opened in Batumi with additional 594 suites and 1057 beds. The figure is expected to considerably grow by the end of 2015. • Currently the accommodation assets provide 6690 suites and 14 846 beds. • We expect additional 2080 beds to be introduced by the end of 2015 in the hotel sector. Extra1100 hotel beds will be introduced in 2016. It should be also noted for the last years the number of hotel brands have increased in Batumi, including medium-class hotels, apart-hotels and guesthouses and this is, indeed, a new pleasant tendency in the tourism region. • The food assets are also developed: In the first half of 2015 about 20 new cafes-restaurants opened with about 1200 seats and various Georgia and European dishes. • The Goderdzi Resort will play a significant role in the Region’s tourism potential development. The yearlong resort will receive first tourists at the end of 2015. The state will finish main infrastructural works at the resort in the near future. Various activities will start at the Goderdzi Resort in August. By 2016 the existing investment environment will enable the resort to host and serve about 3500 visitors simultaneously. To fully employ this potential, investments should be drawn from the private sector. • In 2015 additional charter and regular flights are being performed from Poland, Israel, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Ukraine. As part of AD campaigns, the tourism department has conducted negotiations with Rainbow Tours (http://www.rainbowtours.pl/), one of the biggest Polish tour operators, The company expects the tourists inflows from three Polish towns of Warsaw, Katowice and Poznan to increase in the 2015 tourism season by 30%. Charter flights will be doubled from Israel and Ukraine too. According to the current information, the number of foreign visitors to Batumi airport has mainly increased from Ukraine (+52%), Kazakhstan (+92%), Azerbaijan (+46%), Belarus (+21%) and Russia (+8%).

RATINGS

ajara business week

Georgia Gives Preference to Mercedes-Benz Among Automobile Brands

eorgian citizens give preference to the Mercedes-Benz among automobile brands. The ratio of imported Mercedes-Benz vehicle in total automobile imports accounts for 18%. Georgia imported 8 362 units of Mercedes-Benz vehicles worth 51.656 million USD in the first half of 2015. This brand was leader in the sales of the first half of 2014 too. Last period the number of Nissan vehicles has increased on Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motorways and the brand has advanced in the rating. In The first half of 2014 Georgia exported 2 734 Nissan vehicles worth 13.627 million USD, while the country imported 3 975 Nissan vehicles worth 14.168 million USD in the first half of 2015. The brand of BMW is the second with 3 454 imported vehicles worth 24.369 million USD, while the country imported 4 439 BMW vehicles worth 33.564 million USD in the first half of 2014. In the reporting period Georgia imported 45 586 vehicles worth 244.208 million USD, while the country imported 45 759 vehicles worth 331.74 million USD in the first half of 2014. The rating of the famous automobile brands that Georgian drivers give preference to is based on the GeoStat information and is grouped due to the quantity of imported vehicles.

August 17, 2015 #6

WORLD NEWS

August 17, 2015 #6

ajara business week

What’s Turkish Central Bank Up To?

urkey’s central bank lowered the cost of dollar borrowing for a fourth time this year, seeking to halt the lira’s slide after the breakdown of talks on the formation of a new government sent financial markets tumbling. The rate for commercial banks’ dollar borrowings was lowered to 2.75 percent from 3 percent, the central bank said Friday. The currency slumped to a record low after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s chief adviser said the lira is “competitive” at 3 per dollar, or about 6 percent weaker than Friday’s opening price. Governor Erdem Basci is set to announce the monthly decision for benchmark interest rates next Tuesday. Investor sentiment toward Turkey has soured

since the ruling AK Party lost its parliamentary majority in June, and a fragile three-year truce with autonomy-seeking Kurdish militants collapsed last month. The central bank’s move won’t be enough to support the lira against that backdrop, said analysts including Yeliz Karabulut, a vice general manager at Alan Menkul Degerler AS in Istanbul. “These are fringe tools that the central bank is playing with and the market won’t take any notice,” Bloomberg quoted Karabulut as saying. “There’s an uncertain period ahead of us until Turkey holds repeat elections, and it will be a period of continued lira weakness.” Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who’s also head of the governing AK Party, said on Thurs-

Georgia not Included in the Sanctions Iran’s List by Russia economy postsanctions to boost trade significantly

he Russian government has expanded the list of countries, which supported EU sanctions against Russia, and has introduced the food ban against them, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said. “The government order expands the list of countries, against whom our state is introducing responsive economic measures,” Medvedev said at a cabinet of ministers meeting on Aug. 13. “Now a number of countries have been added to the EU, Australia, Canada, Norway and the United States, from whom certain types of agricultural products were banned in August of last year, a whole number of countries - namely Albania, Montenegro, Iceland, Lichtenstein and under special circumstances - Ukraine,” the prime minister said. “As concerns Ukraine, the ban on the import of agricultural products will come into effect only if the government of this country adopts the economic portion of the association agreement with the EU, which Kiev signed in June of last year,” Medvedev said. Among them was Georgia, however, in today’s lost Georgia has not been included. Although a few days ago it was reported about the possible embargo against Georgia. Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that the introduction of counter measures had been developing against Georgia as well. Georgia was not included in the list of countries of agricultural products which fall under the embargo, because legally the country didn’t join the anti-Russian sanctions.

nce sanctions and restrictions on financial transactions are relaxed, Iran’s trade, which had both declined in absolute terms and shifted away from Europe towards Asia and the Middle East, will expand. The World Bank estimates that sanctions reduced Iranian exports by $17.1 billion during 2012-14, equivalent to 13.5 percent of total exports in that period. “Our analysis suggests that the countries that will see the largest post-sanctions increase in trade with Iran include Britain, China, India, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia”, the report said. According to the WB’s report, the Iranian economy, which was in recession for two years, will receive a major boost from increased oil revenues—conservatively estimated at about $15 billion in the first year—and lower trade costs. In addition, there are estimates that Iran holds about $107 billion worth of frozen assets (including LCs and oil exports earnings) overseas, of which an estimated $29 billion will be released immediately after sanctions removal.

day that negotiations with the main opposition CHP to form a government had failed. Opinion polls show that a fresh election might not deliver the mandate Davutoglu is seeking for the AKP, potentially returning the country to the same political impasse of the past two months. Davutoglu said parliament should quickly agree to a new poll to limit damage to the economy. Lawmakers should ignore the Aug. 23 deadline for forming a government based on the results of the June election, he said. The lira traded 0.4 percent lower at 2.8325 per dollar at 12:08 p.m. in Istanbul after earlier falling as much as 0.9 percent. Bonds also fell. In addition to the lower rate for dollar borrowings, the interest rate for dollar reserves held at

the central bank was increased to 0.23 percent from 0.21 percent. The bank may try to reduce supply of the lira in the near-term, and also increase the amount of foreign currency sold through auctions, but is unlikely to intervene directly, Pinar Uslu, a strategist at ING Bank AS in Istanbul, said by e-mail. The lira comment by the president’s chief adviser Cemil Ertem is “really damaging,” Tim Ash, head of credit strategy for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Nomura in London, told Bloomberg Business on Friday. He predicted Turkey’s currency would test Ertem’s level of 3 per dollar before elections.

US Embassy Opens in Cuba after a 54-year Greece: Yet Embargo another Bail-out

ohn Kerry, America’s secretary of state, flew to Cuba on Friday last week to see the Stars and Stripes raised at the United States’ embassy in Havana. The formal re-opening ends a 54-year diplomatic freeze. The two countries still disagree about lots of things. According to Raúl Castro, Cuba’s president, “normal” relations will be impossible until America pays compensation for the economic embargo against the communist island, stops trying to subvert his government and hands back the Guantánamo naval base. America wants compensation for nationalised properties; it has invited dissidents to a reception at the embassy residence later in the day. But a “new spirit of co-operation” is abroad, says a State Department official. The governments plan talks about contentious issues, including compensation. American public opinion now strongly favours lifting the embargo; Cuba is opening up to foreign investment. Both sides have plenty to gain.

fter six months of high drama and low politics Greece is on the verge of securing a third bail-out, worth as much as €86 billion ($96 billion) over three years. The euro zone’s 19 finance ministers met in Brussels Friday afternoon to discuss the terms Greece agreed on with its creditors last week, which include far-reaching structural reforms as well as a less stony fiscal path. Wolfgang Schäuble, the German finance minister and a constant thorn in the Greeks’ side, will doubtless raise objections in the long-term, possibly over a delayed privatisation plan, but most European governments seem keen to back the deal today. Parliamentary approval in those countries that require it should follow early next week; the Greeks should have their first payment in time to redeem some bonds on Thursday. Then comes the hard part: can Greece stick to the deal?

REAL ESTATE

ajara business week

SELL Rustaveli str Total area:

SELL Sherif Khimshiashvili str Total area:

120 m2

33 m2

Price:48000$

SELL Parnavaza Mefe street Floor:8 Total area:

40 m2

Price:26000$ SELL Javakhishvili str Total area:

48 m2

Price:49800$

Price:35000$

SELL Gonio Total area:

SELL Mcvane koncxi LAND Total area:

387 m2

2000m2

Price:90000$

Price:60000$

SELL Sherif Khimshiashvili str. Total area:

SELL Adlia LAND Total area:

33 m2

1500m2

Price:47000$

Price:105000$

SELL Sherif Khimshiashvili str. Total area:

SELL Makhinzhauri LAND Total area:

30 m2

171m2

Price:29000$ SELL Pirosani str Total area:

August 17, 2015 #6

Price:42750$

SELL Gonio Total area:

SELL Sherif Pirosmani str Total area:

50 m2

36 m2

145 m2

Price:150000$

Price:18500$

Price:36000$

SELL Gorgasali str Total area:

SELL Pushkin str Total area:

SELL Kobaladze str Total area:

52 m2

37 m2

32 m2

Price:50000$

Price:40000$

EVENTS

August 17, 2015 #6

ajara business week

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

British Rock Band Toploader Closed Heat Batumi’s Days of Contemporary Music

ontemporary Music Days ended, but “Heat Batumi 2015” continues. Seaside City hosted Georgian and foreign contemporary artists for 4 consecutive days. Contemporary Music Week started on August 6, with Kakhaber and Khanumebi concert. They were followed by the Romany evening MANOLO The Voice of the Gypsiess. Also Ukrainian poprock band OKEAN ELZY, Roma Rtskhiladze and his band of “+995” took part. VIVA Brasil show was held in the Festival club for two days. Contemporary Music Days closed with the British alternative rock band Toploader’s concert. On August 8, the Ukrainian rock band OKEAN ELZY started their concert with one minute silence — tribute to the dead heroes of the 2008 war. “War is always bad. Nobody in the world supports war, because during the war people are dying, and that’s bad. I think that Ukraine is now exactly in the same position as Georgia was in 2008. I hope that Ukraine will survive all of this and war

will be no more,” Sviatoslav Vakarchukma said. “I am very pleased that we are opening the festival of modern music. Songs sung from our very first, as well as from the international album. Today was our one of the best performances on the stage of the Tennis Courts, it was different from other concerts i had in this period, because Batumi is my city. I met my Batumi, my Adjara. Lots of positive emotions and mood was coming from the audience. That’s a key in my life! I’m very proud, when so many people love you,” Kakheber said. “Our band’s name “+995” is no accident. It is the international code for calling to Georgia. We met with the coastal urban dwellers and their guests, and the concert was held successfully. It is a very important project, I think it will be successful and will be held annually, “the musician Roma Rtskhiladze said. “I am in Batumi for the first time, and I’m full of impressions. There are interesting listeners here. Amazing spark and great emotion was coming from them, “ Toploader soloist Joseph Washburn said.

Theater Days: Bollywood Actors Performing for Batumi Guests

eat Batumi 2015” continues. This time, it’s the turn of Street Theater Days that was opened by prominent British drummers. The following day, actors of Amiran Shalikashvili Pantomime Theater dazzled the audience with their show. Batumians and city guests were impressed by the opening ceremony. Pantomimes have been preparing to meet the audience along the way - a theatrical procession started from the Boulevard and then followed the coastline. On the way the artists offered a variety of street performances. “Heat Batumi has a quite interesting program, but our performances stand out from the previous ones. On the way we offer guests the show program - novels and mini plays, which are quite entertaining and fun for adults as well as their kids,” the head of the Pantomime theater Amiran Shalikashvili said. Apart from pantomimes, Batumi tennis courts

hosted the amazing Bollywood Orchestra. Bollywood actors cared for the mood of the seaside city residents and guests. Orchestra music, with its romantic songs from Bollywood movies, dancing women and hypnosis effects attract thousands of spectators in different countries – they delivered the same impressions to the Batumi audience. “Bollywood material orchestra and its dancers is the bold step in the world of Bollywood. Indian live music and dance, professional actors on stage - it’s a kind of celebration. Fragments of Indian cinema come alive in front of you. All this mix of Indian and Western instruments, such as bass, drums, clarinet and others.” The whole show was artists expressing emotions to the audience who attended the Batumi Tennis courts. Late at night, a shining parade was held at the Boulevard – again, Spark! LED Drummers from London played for the audience. Magical performances in the seaside city continue.

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 ajara business week

August 17, 2015 #6