AJARA BUSINESS WEEK #9

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September 7, 2015 #9

September 7, 2015, Issue 9

AJARA1

BE INFORMED, DO BUSINESS IN AJARA

Ozman Mzhavanadze: Local Government Provides Maximum Support to Resolve Even Petite Obstacle in Business Activities

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Stuart Nelson - Advantages Of Hotel Hilton Batumi The Hilton Batumi General Manager

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Georgia-Us Partnership Brings Great Rewards For Batumi Coast Guard Georgia and America are celebrating a successful joint project to strengthen Georgia’s maritime border security and advance the country’s coast guard capabilities.

Officials from both countries gathered today to attend a festive celebration marking the opening of a new in-port boat basin in Georgia’s western Black Sea seaside town Batumi.

The new basin, constructed with $14 million funding from the United States (US) government,

provided docking space for up to 15 vessels and ensured ensure the Georgian Coast Guard now functioned as an important operational centre.

The US side also contributed to developing the country’s maritime border security and coast guard capabilities by fully modernising a specialist rescue and support boat – an Offshore Patrol Cutter P-103 named Batumi.

The US noted the boat would help the Georgian Coast Guard to better carry out its maritime duties,

Ad Black Sea and Main Purpose of Advertising Festival

“Marriott International” Will be in Ajara

From September 24-27 the International Advertising Festival Ad Black Sea will take place in Batumi, Participants from 20 countries will attend the event.

This is a new international advertising festival, which aims to inspire all of its participants – advertisers and creative people – with bold, unusual ideas and nontrivial solutions. This is a real competition, but not only. It is a platform of social interaction with colleagues for sharing ideas and planning ahead, the opportunity to meet people not only online, to discuss all the charm and challenges of advertising profession. Batumi is a new meeting point for creators.

As a result of long negotiations, “Marriott International” will be in Ajara. Hotel 38-storey multifunctional complex will be located in “Atlantic Palace”, on the first eight floors, the investor of the company is “alliance”.

In the vicinity of the House of Justice “alliance Palace” building foundation is laid.

The investment cost of 65 million GEL. The Prime Minister of Georgia, Chairman of Ajara government Archil Khabadze, Minister of Finance and Economy David Baladze, Mayor of Batumi Giorgi Ermakov and other officials attended the meeting.

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and officially handed over the fully-equipped boat to the Georgian side today at the opening ceremony.

The boat basin is one more vivid proof of Georgian andAmerican strategic partnership,” said Garibashvili today while thanking the US for their support.

“The project was fully financed by Georgia’s major strategic partner, the United States, and I want to thank the country’s government and its diplomatic representation in Georgia,” he added.

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Natia Sirabidze: Culture Of Ajara Must Become Attractive, Accessible And Revenue Effective Pg. 2 Nadim Varshanidze: New Tourism Asset In Machakhela Gorge ill Boost Tourists Influx Pg. 8

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Batumi’s Bestselling Ice-Cream Brands

MAIN EVENTS

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Petra Fortress

NEWS

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BATUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RENAMED AFTER FAMOUS GEORGIAN AIRCRAFT DESIGNER

he ruins of the ancient historical cityfortress of Petra are located on the territory of the village Tsikhisdziri.

The fortress dates back to the 6th century CE. Historically it used to be the settlement territory for one of the Kartvelian tribes known as the Laz people. Owing to its exceptional military-strategic and trade-economic location, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian built a city here. An important road passed through the city connecting Western Georgia, Byzantine provinces, Iran and Armenia. Coastline navigation was also very well developed. By the Midle Ages, Petra Fortress had become so impregnable that it was called the “Kajeti Fortress”.

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atumi International Airport will soon bear the name of famous late Georgian aircraft designer Alexander Kartveli in honour of his contribution to the aviation industry.

Garibashvili first suggested the airport’s name change several months ago. The Georgian official was also responsible for the idea to rename Tbilisi International Airport after medieval Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli. This proposal was approved earlier this year.

PARLIAMENT OVERRIDES PRESIDENTIAL VETO ON BANKING SUPERVISION BILL

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he Parliament overturned on September 3 presidential veto on a package of bills that removes banking supervisory functions from the Georgian National Bank (NBG). The veto was overridden by the Georgian Dream (GD) parliamentary majority group with 81 votes, 5 more than required minimum of 76. Opposition lawmakers from UNM and Free Democrats parties voted against overturning the veto.

The vote on September 3 was preceded by lengthy debates a day earlier at parliament’s first sitting after the summer recess during which one senior GD MP called President Margvelashvili “the Sorosian NGO-shnik” who “is getting on our nerves with vetoes.” MPs were not able to hold voting on September 2 as UNM lawmakers resorted to procedural levers to drag the hearing out and to delay the vote for the next day.

The controversial bill, which has faced criticism from international financial institutions, business associations, opposition parties, a group of civil society organizations and from the central bank itself, was vetoed by President Giorgi Margvelashvili in late July, who said that he was critical towards both “the hasty process” through which the bill was adopted and “its content.

PM: KHUDONI HPP ELECTRICITY WILL REMAIN IN GEORGIA

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he Government has revised the Khudoni HPP construction project. Namely, the investor’s obligation will be corrected.

The Government meeting discussed the project changes on September 4. The 2011 memorandum will be amended, the Georgian Prime Minister noted.

“We imply the 2011 memorandum revision. The investor company will be obliged to leave the Khudoni HPP electricity in Georgia throughout the year instead of previously determined 3 months”, PM Irakli Gharibashvili said.

Negotiations are underway with the investor company on the memorandum revision.

Georgia-Us Partnership Brings Great Rewards For Batumi Coast Guard

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eorgia and America are celebrating a successful joint project to strengthen Georgia’s maritime border security and advance the country’s coast guard capabilities.

Officials from both countries gathered today to attend a festive celebration marking the opening of a new in-port boat basin in Georgia’s western Black Sea seaside town Batumi.

The new basin, constructed with $14 million funding from the United States (US) government, provided docking space for up to 15 vessels and ensured ensure the Georgian Coast Guard now functioned as an important operational centre.

The US side also contributed to developing the country’s maritime border security and coast guard capabilities by fully modernising a specialist rescue and support boat – an Offshore Patrol Cutter P-103 named Batumi.

The US noted the boat would help the Georgian Coast Guard to better carry out its maritime duties, and officially handed over the fully-equipped boat to the Georgian side today at the opening ceremony.

The boat basin is one more vivid proof of Georgian

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CABINET CHANGES: GEORGIA HAS NEW FOREIGN, ECONOMY MINISTERS

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eorgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has appointed Minister of Economy Giorgi Kvirikashvili to the post of foreign minister.

Vice-Mayor of Tbilisi Dmitry Kumsishvili was appointed new minister of economy.

“I want to introduce Kvirikashvili as foreign minister,” Garibashvili said at a briefing.

andAmerican strategic partnership,” said Garibashvili today while thanking the US for their support.

“The project was fully financed by Georgia’s major strategic partner, the United States, and I want to thank the country’s government and its diplomatic representation in Georgia,” he added.

Chargé d’Affaires of the United States to Georgia Nicholas Berliner said the in-port boat basin and the addition of the new Coast Guard vessel would help strengthen Georgia’s border and regional security capacities, and added this was “one more aspect of the vibrant US-Georgia security partnership”.

At the final part of the opening ceremony Garibashvili thanked Georgia’s coastguard staff for their service to the country and added much had been done in Georgia over the past three years to strengthen and develop the country’s coastguard departments.

“We have modernised the Coast Guard fleet, increased the technical capacity of watercrafts and ensured their safe stationing. We have increased our efforts to combat (the use of) weapons of mass destruction as well,” Garibashvili added.

“Marriott International” In Ajara

AGE PENSION GROWS TO 160 GEL ge pension is increased by 10 GEL from September 1.

As of the Ministry of Healthcare, all pensioners will get grown pension - 160 GEL from October 15, after pensions of September will be issued.

Besides that, pensioners will still have possibility to utilize state insurance program. Over 30 million GEL will be allocated annually from the state budget for pension increase. It should be noted, that as of the final data, over 703 thousand citizens get age pension in Georgia. And from 104 to 106 million GEL is allocated from the budget. However, women get age pension at the age of 60, while men – at the age of 65.

September 7, 2015 #9

ajara business week

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s a result of long negotiations, “Marriott International” will be in Ajara. Hotel 38-storey multifunctional complex will be located in “Atlantic Palace”, on the first eight floors, the investor of the company is “alliance”.

In the vicinity of the House of Justice “alliance Palace” building foundation is laid.

The investment cost of 65 million GEL. The Prime Minister of Georgia, Chairman of Ajara government Archil Khabadze, Minister of Finance and Economy David Baladze, Mayor of Batumi Giorgi Ermakov and other officials attended the meeting.

BUSINESS WEEK

AJARA The Editorial Board Follows Press Freedom Principles Publisher: LLC Caucasian Business Week - CBW Director: Levan Beglarishvili Address: Aleksidze Street #12 Editor-in-chief: Zura Kukuladze. Tel: 599 00 82 12 Mobile phone: +995 591 013936 WWW.ABW.GE Email: ajarabusiness@gmail.com

“Well-known brand is entering Batumi -” Marriott “, which is a very good news. I would like to point out “Orbi Group” contribution towards the development of Batumi. It has already invested 400 million. It also has projects in Tbilisi, Gudauri and Bakuriani. It is important for this group to participate in the development and strengthening of our country. Today, the foundation was laid for this extraordinary project, the architect-designer of this unusual project is Mindia Gurgenidzet, which is endorsed by the American partners. This will be the “Alliance Palace” hotel and apartments, with the total investment amounts of 65 million. Here employing 1,700 local residents, and the subsequent enactment of the complex will have 600 employees permanently, “- the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister congratulated the audience on the project and expressed the hope that the hotel will open in two years.

In the history of Georgia “Alliance Palace” is the first of its kind project that brings together an international brand hotel and residential apartments. Also it is planned to transfer apartments in international brand management for the program.

The negotiations have been going on with the world recognized management companies, which is a prerequisite for the organization and proper management of the apartments. Exclusive architecture of a multi-functional complex will be located in the seaside boulevard and near the city’s elite district. The complex includes reception, concierge service, security, maintenance, cleaning services, Video surveillance, etc. The complex is scheduled to be a modern infrastructure: underground parking, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness complex, casino, restaurants, etc. “Atlantic Palace” will be built in accordance with international quality and standards “, – the company said.

Culture Of Ajara Must Become Attractive, Accessible And Revenue Effective

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n 4th of September, 2015 Minister of Education, Culture and Sports of Ajara AR Giorgi Tavamaishvili introduced Natia Sirabidze as Deputy Minister.

Sirabidze hold the post of head of Media and Public relation Department of Ajara A.R. Government for 3 years, recently she worked in international organization. New Deputy Minister will coordinate culture sphere. “I am the specialist of Mass Communication and is exactly culture needs marketing and PR. Together with my team I will try to promote history and culture of Ajara, will make it popular in Georgia and around the world, our culture must be massively accessible and attractive as for Georgians, also for international tourists. We shall help local culture to develop and relize projects, which will develop this sphere.”- says Natia Sirabidze.

Natia Sirabidze is PhD of Business Administration (BSU), Master of Mass Communications (UCF) and Master of Journalistic and Media Management (GIPA). She has 8 year experience working on leading positions in public relationship sphere, including Constitutional Court of Georgia and Government of Ajara Autonomous Republic; she taught at Central Florida University, Caucasus University and Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University.

For 10 years Natia has worked on different positions in press, radio and Tv media, was producer of educational Tv shows “Debates”, author and producer of “America Today”, producer of documentaries and advertisements; she is the author of scientific works and text-book of public speaking “Key to Success”; has taken professional trainings in America, Europe and Asia.

She was nominated for highest award University of Central Florida – Pegasus Order, Natia is honorary citizen of San Diego (California).

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

September 7, 2015 #9

INTERVIEW

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ajara business week

Ozman Mzhavanadze: Local Government Provides Maximum Support to Resolve Even Petite Obstacle in Business Activities

The International Investors Association of Georgia (IIA) is an independent, nongovernmental, apolitical and nonprofit organization, established in June 2009 in Batumi, the Ajara Region, the republic of Georgia. The body is lead by Turkish businessman Mr. Jemal Bilgingulluoglu. Today the IIA is one of the largest unions of investors in Georgia with 20 members representing large companies from different sectors of businesses, such as textile industry, food production, construction and construction materials, banking and finances, insurance, hotels and other.

• The total amount of investments of the association member companies is approximately 855 million USD. • The total amount of coming projected investments of the association member companies is approximately 600 million USD. • The total number of personnel employed by the association member companies makes up 18 000 persons.

Mission of the International Investors Association (IIA) 1. Promotion of Georgia’s business environment; 2. Showing Georgia as an investments-friendly country on the international level; 3. Lobbying the Association member companies in the local and central governments; 4. Research and analysis of problems before the Association member companies and their presentation to the appropriate public authorities; 5. Providing free advising services (legal, accounting, banking, business); 6. Updating the Association members about chang-

es in the Georgian legislation and Regulations.

7. PR promotion of the member companies in Georgia and abroad.

The International Investors Association as Mediator between Government and Business The Ajara Region is located in the south-west part of Georgia. The Region borders with Turkey to the south and the Black Sea to the west. Ajara is one of the most developed regions of Georgia with attractive business environment, flexible tax code and simplified custom procedures. Batumi, the Region’s administrative center, is an important gateway for the shipment of goods heading to various countries. The seaport of Batumi is used for shipment of oil from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Tourism and Agriculture are the most developed fields of the economy of Ajara. There are Free Industrial and Tourist Zones in the region.

We introduce an interview with IIA Head Ozman Mzhavanadze.

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First of all, Ajara is an active region in terms of economic performance with cheap workforce, airport, seaport and railway station. These factors are very important for investors. Especially, the Region-manufactured products can be transported to Istanbul for 4 hours. And from Istanbul these consignments are further distributed to all Europe, where trading barriers have been maximally simplified. It is also interesting, amid the Georgia-USA governmental negotiations, the region acquires perspectives for penetrating the USA market too.

-What is the objective and mission of the international investors association and what projects are you currently implementing?

-IIA is one of the associations that has put an impressive amount of investments in Georgia. Our association was founded in 2009 in Batumi. IIA unites 21 network companies that have invested more than 1.5 million GEL investments in the Region. Currently, our companies employ 18 340 citizens. We operate in such fields as agriculture, textile, construction business. Recently, we have also unveiled a university.

Our objective is to draw as many investment projects to Georgia as possible and to attract as more foreign companies to the market as possible. In the textile sector famous brands such as Adidas, Nike, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger are represented in Georgia and their brand products are exported to various countries of the world with an indication of the Made in Georgia. One of the factories of our member company manufactures football uniforms for 36 various teams, including for the Italian national team, London Arsenal FC and Dortmund Borussia FC. We provide restless job to open new enterprises in the Ajara Region by 2016 in textile and other sectors. We aim to improve the current situation in Ajara, because many citizens still remain unemployed.

We are also working on attracting new companies

into the textile business by 2016. We have conducted negotiations with one of the textile companies. At this stage, I just would abstain from naming this company, but we have carried out preliminary job. I believe the company will launch operation on the Georgian market in 2016.

-You have noted IIA acts as mediator between the business and the government. What is your opinion on the Ajara Region’s business environment?

– First of all, Ajara is an active region in terms of economic performance with cheap workforce, airport, seaport and railway station. These factors are very important for investors. Especially, the Region-manufactured products can be transported to Istanbul for 4 hours. And from Istanbul these consignments are further distributed to all Europe, where trading barriers have been maximally simplified. It is also interesting, amid the Georgia-USA governmental negotiations, the region acquires perspectives for penetrating the USA market too.

I would like to stress our association keeps wonderful communications with the Ajara government. The local authorities provide maximum support to us to eradicate even petite obstacles in doing business. I personally have immediate communications with the top officials of the Ajara government. They always show readiness to

receive information about our problems and initiatives and take decisions in the shortest period.

This is a very positive practice for investors and the business sector in whole.

– Naturally, certain problems still exist. What are the most relevant problems that hinder your working process that you would wish to tackle?

-I have named the cheap local workforce as one of the main positive factors in the Region’s business environment. At the same time, we should stress the qualifications of the potential workforce in the Region is very low. Therefore, at this stage, the major problem consists in the workforce qualifications. For example, I have to train the staff for 4 months to convey a new investor to Georgia. This signifies the investor should train the staff and the business sector has to take extra costs. We have recently trained over 30 local residents in Turkey.

Therefore, we need vocational colleges, institutes and more and better educational centers to retrain personnel. Negotiations are underway with the Government representatives regarding the issue and I believe certain results will be achieved in the near future.

For example, Ajara is considered to be a tourism center. We provide permanent efforts to improve services in order to make the vacation period unforgettable for all new tourists so as they visit

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our region every year. Therefore, we need serious trainings centers in the tourism services field,.

All other problems are of temporary character and we immediately tackle all problems thanks to close communication with the local government.

As to the workforce qualification, this is a serious problem and fundamental changes should be carried out in this direction.

– Many Turkish businessmen operate in Ajara. What are the reasons Turkish businessmen find the Ajara Region so interesting and attractive?

– You are right, on the one hand. Almost all major business companies are administered by Turkish managements. On the other hand, it should be noted the Turkish management, in most cases, does not signify Turkish investments. Turkish businessmen mainly operate as mediators as they have got multiyear relations with famous brands and these brands enter Georgia, namely, the Ajara Region thanks to these managements. For example, the same situation is discerned in the textile business. Turkish companies manufacture products of such brands as Adidas, Puma and so on.

Moreover, Ajara is borders with Turkey. Consequently, Turkish businessmen find it convenient to do business in the Ajara Region. This is one of the reasons for intense involvement of Turkish businessmen in business activities in Ajara and Batumi.

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INTERVIEW ajara business week

September 7, 2015 #9

Advantages Of Hotel Hilton Batumi The hotel sector is being rapidly developed in Ajara. Tens of major hotels open in the region every year. Appearance of the hotel brand of Hilton was a special event in not only the hotel segment, but also in the whole domestic business sector. Hilton is the world’s distinguished hotel brand with acknowledged VIP services in all aspects of the hotel business.

In the interview with the Ajara Business Week (ABW) Hilton Batumi general manager STUART NELSON talks about the Hilton management’s strategy and relevant plans.

- What is the advantage hotel Hilton offers to the domestic hotel market. Why should the Ajara Region visitors choose your hotel?

- Our hotel has a great location, adjacent to Batumi Seaside Boulevard, 6 May Park and dolphinarium. The asset is located a 5 minute way from the beach.

• 247 spacious rooms, most with balconies, all with separate shower and bathtub.

• 7 meeting rooms with daylight and a 400 square meter flexible ballroom.

The hotel is conveniently located a 10km way

from the Aleksandre Kartveli Batumi International Airport, that is, just a 15 to 20 minute drive by car. The asset is easily accessible from the Batumi Railway Station, a 6km way. Keeping in mind our guests traveling within the Caucasus Region, Hilton Batumi is the only hotel in the city that provides a free underground parking space for 181 vehicles.

OUR F&B OFFERS: Pelion restaurant cornerstone of Hilton Batumi, open from breakfast through to dinner. Our greek chef prepares excellent Georgian delicacies right in

front of you in the open-plan kitchen. You can try freshly baked bread, meats cooked to order, traditional sauces and seasonal garden vegetables and salads, all washed down with soft drinks and local Unesco-protected wines and spirits. All this for very affordable as for locals also for foreigners.

LIGHT REFRESHMENTS AT TANDILA LOBBY CAFÉ AND BAR This informal and cosy café is the perfect place to relax with friends or meet for business. Light, airy space has great views towards the park and nearby lake.

Tandila’s menu has a wide range of sweet and savoury, hot and cold snacks, as well as soft drink and a short list of Georgian wines and spirits.

STARGAZE AT NEPHELE SKY BAR Located on the top 20th floor, Nephele sky bar has incredible views over the Black Sea and the city, especially from spacious outdoor terrace.

Stylish bar is the best place to enjoy cocktails, gourmet snacks and relaxing music.

Luxurious eforea spa, The best place to work out, relax by the pool and pamper yourself. The place that has pooled the best elements and practices from Europe, Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas is called eforea spa . Eforea’s ranges of treatments are all focused on organic, natural products and scientific, resultsdriven practices, helping you emerge with your body renewed, spirit lifted and outlook brightened.

- Sharp competition is recorded in the region’s hotel sector. What marketing solutions help you keep successful relations with clients and what are your priorities in the offseason periods?

- We had PR campaigns on our target markets, coverage on online magazines, portals and newspapers in Russia and Turkey.

Hilton Batumi is driving and inspiring customer

loyalty through Hilton brand initiatives: • Satisfaction and Loyalty program SALT, which allows us to listen to our guests, react on each of their comments and satisfy their needs.

• With Hhonors loyalty program we offer to our guests loyalty points throughout the Hilton chain in the world • We have easy reservations through Hhonors mobile applications We are also building customer loyalty by engaging with the guests via: • Social Media pages: Facebook, Instagram • Review pages: tripadvisor • Booking platforms: booking.com , expedia. com From 18th of September we will have screenings of Rugby world cup at our outlets. Our guests will be encouraged to come and support Georgia, as it is very proud and significant moment in every Georgians life.

We also have high social responsibility and support different activities for the local market and community. Lately we encouraged our guests to donate for Hippo Fund and help Tbilisi Zoo recover from flooding damages. We also support local farmers and help them grow vegetables for our kitchen.

Hilton Batumi aims to be leading hotel on the Ajara market.

- What is your opinion on the 2015 summer season in Ajara and what are your plans after the season completion?

- The hotel opened in May 2015. We are very young on the market and we can’t compare our performance to last year, but summer 2015 was quite successful as for rooms also for our food and beverage part. After high season we are going to focus on business segments and we are hosting different conferences from September. Also we will have different offers from our restaurants for local Batumi, Tbilisi and neighboring markets.

September 7, 2015 #9

INFOGRAPHICS ajara business week

Batumi’s Bestselling Ice-Cream Brands

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he Ajara Business Week (ABW) and Market Intelligence Caucasus, a market research company, continue a join project for conducting weekly research works in Batumi in order to determine five top-selling brands in the specific product categories on the local consumer market.

Market Intelligence Caucasus, a subsidiary of the market research global network of TNS, applies modern and international-standard methodologies.

Within this project, we have explored the soft drinks retail market and questioned 500 respondents in the 18 to 65 age category. The ratio of female respondents marked 57%. At the same time, 42% of the respondents were of 18-34 years old and 58% were of 35 to 65 years old. 56% of the respondents were employees.

Before we introduce the report, several interesting facts should be also submitted. Namely, 81% of the respondents enjoy ice-cream at home, 15% at home, 7% at fiends’ home, 4% at bars, 3% at restaurants and 3% everywhere.

Naturally, each respondent could name several places, where they enjoy ice-cream.

We introduce this report with interesting results in several directions.

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INVESTING ajara business week

Reasons To Invest In Georgia

Georgia is getting more and more investors from around the world, investors from Iran, Netherlands, Azerbaijan, China, India and other. Why to invest in Georgia? We have 10 reasons why you need to invest in Georgia.

1.Wide region market – According to investingeorgia , Georgia’s liberal trade regimes provide investors with a favorable opportunity to not only access the country’s 4.4m residents, but the wider region’s markets, as a direct result of the absence of customs and import tariffs. To date, Georgia has signed FTAs with CIS countries that include Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as well as its neighbors, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia.

2. Free Trade agreement with EU – the Association Agreement (“AA”) with EU was signed and ratified in 2014, including Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (“DCFTA”).

General Schemes of Preference for Georgia with the US, Norway, Switzerland, Canada, and Japan have also been applied for, with the result being lower tariffs on 3,400 goods exported from

Georgia amounts to 490 USD, which includes blue and white collar workers, as well as C-suite employees. The country doesn’t have minimum wage regulations.

Unemployment rate is 14.6%. It is noteworthy, that Georgian labor market offers young workforce – 50% of the unemployed population is in the 20-34 age category. Additionally, no working visas or permits are required for citizens from around 100 countries during 90 days, which helps attracting professional employees from other countries in the wider region.

Georgia has quite flexible Labor Code. According to Heritage Foundation, Georgia has one of the most liberal labor environments not only in the region, but globally and Labor Freedom Index is 79.9 out of 100 score (24th globally).

The social tax is 0%.

Georgia. In addition, Georgia is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 2000.

In terms of border control, all foreign travelers to Georgia enjoy highly accessible and service-oriented customs policies and administrative protocol. There is almost no custom duty, with 90 % of goods being exempt from import tariffs, with no quantitative restrictions. The average time for customs clearance is currently ~15 minutes – one of the fastest and most efficient in the CIS 3. Its easy – The official webpage , www.doingbusiness.org , presents the Ease of Doing Business rank (out of 189 economies) . the page ranked Georgia as 15th place which is quite higher than Lithuania , Bulgaria and turkey .

4. Potential staff – A young talented skilled students and young generation who r Multi language and who mostly have knowledge of not only Georgian and English but also Russian language . according to recent statics , Georgian young generation mostly prefer BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION .

5. Labour cost – Mentioned by INVEST INGEORGIA ,The average monthly salary in

6. Low tax – The 2005 tax code transformed the Georgian fiscal landscape. Only six taxes emerged from the legislative deluge (down from 21 in 2004)3, with rates so low that Georgia is now ranked 4th in the world in terms of how much it taxes its citizens. Following some amendments, the tax code now sets the following taxes and rates: – Income tax – 20% (flat rate) – Corporate tax – 15% – VAT – 18% – Excise tax – Varies – Customs tax – 0%, 5% or 12% – Property tax – 1% on the self-assessed value of property 7. Corruption free – From 2003 forward, the World Bank has recognized Georgia as one of the world’s fastest reforming economies and as a leader in fighting corruption. Georgia can offer a platform for trade and investment in the Caucasus and Central Asia and is ranked by the World Bank as 9th in the world (out of 185 countries surveyed) for ease of doing business in June 2012.

8. Geographical location – A country in the Caucasus region. Situated at the juncture of Western

September 7, 2015 #9

Asia and Eastern Europe,[2] it is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the south y Turkey and Armenia, and to the east

by Azerbaijan. Georgia covers an area of 69,875 square kilometres . having acess to post soviot uninoun countries, meanwhile blacksea which let Georgia to be a connector between asia , middle east and europ makes Georgia a perfect trade center.

9. Free economy – According to http://www. heritage.org , Georgia’s economic freedom score is 73.0, making its economy the 22nd freest in the 2015 Index. Its overall score has increased by 0.4 point since last year, primarily reflecting improvements in freedom from corruption, monetary freedom, and the management of government spending that outweigh a notable decline in labor freedom. Georgia is ranked 11th out of 43 countries in the Europe region, and its score is well above the regional average.A decade of solid increases in economic freedom has contributed to the dynamic expansion of Georgia’s economy. Sound public finances and policies that support open markets have boosted prosperity and reinforced Georgia’s commitment to economic freedom. However, not all of the pillars of economic freedom are fully entrenched. Rule of law remains weak, and the perceived level of corruption, though improving, is higher than average for a European country.

10. Energy Costs – Georgia’s natural advantage as a gateway between Europe and Asia provides many benefits to investors in the manufacturing sector and other sectors which requires energy.

In particular, Georgia offers not only competitive labor , low taxes, and a corruption-free environment for serving the region, as well as numerous energy costs preferential/free trade agreements which is result of low energy cost comparing to other neighbor countries and europ.

“Batumoba 2015”

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n the frames of “Batumoba”, as the City Hall promised to guests, a colorful celebration was held on September 5-6. Unlike last year’s budget of holiday, new budget was 100 000 Gel more – which was 350 000 GEL. According to the information provided by the City Hall, “Batumoba” was celebrated on Memed Abashidze and Dumbadze streets and was decorated by colorful accessories. Memed Abashidze Street was decorated from the the Library to Europe Square with illuminated balls, Dumbadze Street also was decorated with stationary air decorations and colored ribbons were hanging mixed with umbrella. It was scheduled fruit and flower decorations, implementing mini pools. Also, the Lollipop tree was installed for Kids. Suspension streets were painted in different colors, shop windows were decorated with paper decorations. There also was placed the stage, where the opening ceremony of “Batumoba 2015” had taken place, poetry evenings, theater and pantomime fingers theater, ballroom dancing and other events.

Opening Ceremony – The official opening ceremony of “Batumoba 2015” had taken place on Dumbadze street. Respected Batumi residents were awarded with certificates.

Ajarian Village Festival – In the frames of “Batumoba 2015”, festival has come off on September 5-6. The stage has been installed on Europe Square, adjoining territory has been decorated.

Info stands for tourists has be implemented on Europe Square.

Entrances of the streets have been decorated as

real Ajarian villages. The whole territory was looking like big garden, wood decorations were associated with variety of scenes from village. In some places, land was covered with hay.

On the square there was also be a home model, at the entrance small benchmarks was displayed.

Local folklore groups were singing on music festival. The local ethno-jazz evenings, folk-rock and pop bands also joined them. Games and thematic competitions were planned: for example, rope wrestling and so on. Master classes were held: the participants were able to make cheese, “tatara”and “churchxela”.

World Masterpieces - World Masterpieces was the overall project of Nicholas Rachveli and the Georgian National Symphony Orchestra. The program included Charlie Chaplin, Nino Rota, Michel Legrand, Lalo Shiprina and Gia Kancheli.

Chess Club on Boulevard - two chess players, and the current both European and Georgian champion Nino Batiashvili and Europe champion Miranda Mikadze played on a big chess board, children were represented as chess figures. Performance continued for 25 minute.

Child’s Play - Child’s play “Celebration magic palace” was on September 5 on Colonnade Boulevard at 17:30 o’clock. 70 Children took part in the musical. The performance lasted for 40 minutes.

Contemporary Music Concert - Contemporary Music Concert was held in the alphabet tower on September 5, at 19:00 o’clock. Local artists took part in the concert. Concert was completed by Mebo Nutsubidze and the group “BEARFOX”.

The final gala concert was also held on the alphabet tower on September 6, at 20:00 o’clock.

Holiday Prices – For the celebration, city planned to spend 350 000 GEL. The largest amount, 100 thousand GEL for Nicholas Rachveli and Symphony Orchestra invitation- 8 500 royalties, 15 thousand for hotel and meals; The remaining costs of the information in the document is not written. 42 720 GEL for the gala concert, 33 375 GEL contemporary artists. Other activities, such as children’s musical or flowers for decoration 21 500 GEL. For advertising the celebration -16 500 GEL. The following groups and artists performed on “Batumoba”: September 5: Black Sea, Strawberry fields, The Nemo, Sound lab, Groovy Phonics, Rene Band, Season Four, Mebo Nutsubidze and Group “BearFox”.

September 6: Quartet “note”, Khvicha Maghlakelidze Quartet, Ensemble “Batumi”, Archil Beridze Quartet, Nana Meskhi, Aranged, theatrical quar-

tet, “Frani” group and Carolina Chernetska.

Organizational Part – for organizing “Batumoba 2015”, Batumi Cultural Center announced simplified electronic tender twice. The winner company decorated streets with flowers; Printing services; Ensuring sound equipment; Scene software (Installation-dismantling); Demonstration screen software; Organizing the fireworks at the end of the final concert; Invited a delegation of transport services; Conference rooms and catering services to ensure hotel guests. The value of 87 655 GEL. Previously City Hall announced tender on hotel service and selected the winner, however, they disqualified the company.

Last year “Batumoba” events were scheduled because of the rain, already announced measures of time were changed, which led to discontent among the population. In addition, some of the activities finished before planned time. Last year, when assessing event, the mayor said that he liked the holiday, but also saw flaws. Hall said that the weather forecast is preliminary data on account.

September 7, 2015 #9

SERVICES ajara business week

Leogrand Hotel & Casino Batumi – SPA, Massage, Swimming Pool, Fitness

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Weight and Body Correction Center, Intense Fitness and Swimming Pool The Club’s Card Fitness Center, the Turkish Bath, Sauna, Steam Bath, Swimming Pool, Bathrobe, Towel, Water.

1 Day – 30 GEL; 2 Months – 140 GEL; 3 months – 350 GEL; 6 months – 690 GEL (Free Services: breakfast for two persons, 2 massages, 1 Spa day for a friend and 1 massage).

1 year – 1450 GEL (Free Services: 3 days (2 nights) at the hotel with breakfast and dinner. 1 VIP massage, 3 massages, 1 spa day for a friend and 1 massage and 1 massage for a friend).

Classic massage 60 minutes – 80 GEL, 90 minutes – 120 GEL:

Address: Shavsheti Street (opposite to the Batumi Seaport), Batumi.

The Leogrand fitness center is equipped with the modern cardio and force trenajeurs, airobics rooms and various slanders designed to various complex trainings. Professionally equipped fitness center will help you to recover your heath condition.

Our professional instructors will select individual programs for you and help you to slim your body forms”, the SPA center therapist Mariam Kalandadze said.

“Our objective is to assist as many individuals as possible to lead the health lifestyle and establish long-term relations with all members of our club by offering friendly and pleasant atmosphere to them.

We create pleasant environment and invite any person to recover their heath condition and maintain good physical conditions.

VIP 60 minutes – 190 GEL. Massage in the Turkish Bath – 80 GEL.

Any persons despite their physical preparedness is able to enjoy our services. Our staff will assist each of them in attaining the success.

Batumi’s major beauty and fitness center operates on the second floor at hotel Leogrand The center includes a fitness center, the Turkish bath, a sauna, a steam bath for women and men, a swimming pool and massage rooms.

“Our main massage is to provide comfortable environment, smile and goodwill to opur visitors and ensure professional services to them. We launched operation 3 months ago and I would appraise our performance as a success.

On entering our club you will find pleasant and warm environment with a varitety of services, goodwill attitude of our stagg and special traninig equipment”, fitness instructor Irakli Zoidze said.

Restaurant Bravo In Batumi

Georgian and European Cuisines

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all for 120 Persons, 9 Kupe – 15 Tables (70 persons) “Our management has decided to prepare Georgian and European dishes for our clients. Our guests are able to order yummy beef dishes, salads.

We also offer an assortment of the European cuisine with rare and special peculiarities.

The restaurant’s management pays particular attention to the service quality, because delicious dishes, high-level services and comfortable environment make all preconditions for valuable refreshment and delight.

Our restaurant also provides WiFi connection, a parking place and plastic card payment opportunities.

Our objective was to arrange the environment that would be entirely different from other restaurants in Batumi.

This is the strategy the recently opened new restaurant follows to find its niche in the Batumi market. The asset offers dishes of natural products to Georgian and foreign guests. Currently, our restaurant employs about 20 individuals and we strive for creating maximum comfort to our guests.

The two-floor restaurant makes impression as if you had visited friend’s home. The interior with chandeliers, pictures and chairs is beautified by various Georgian traditional decorations and naturally, by Georgian delicious cuisine.

The restaurant works from 12 o’clock before the last guest leaves the asset. Feasts and banquets are wonderful, but the time and place also matter”, the Bravo restaurant manager Sulkhan Manelishvili told the ABW. The restaurant offers 14 varieties of pizza to the clients.

Restaurant Bravo welcomes you to taste delicious dishes and to hold various solemn events.

Address: Kazbegi Street 5/7, Batumi.

INTERVIEW 8 Nadim Varshanidze: New Tourism Asset In Machakhela Gorge ill Boost Tourists Influx ajara business week

September 7, 2015 #9

The national tourism administration suggests tourists to visit the Ajara Region and especially the Machakhela Gorge. This location is a genuinely picturesque place and domestic travelers should be more interested in visiting these areas. The Gorge, however, must be developed to boost the tourism, including guesthouses and picnic areas should be arranged.

The Khelvachauri Municipality Head Nadim Varshanidze talks about the municipality plans and projects for drawing more tourists to the Machakhela Gorge.

-The Ajara highland has the best preserved the old ethnographic being, culture, various traditions of hospitality. Machakhela is special for its historical past and this historical past preconditions the tourism development in the Ajara Region. Machakhela was announced as a national park several years ago. As a result, the inflow of visitors has increased. Both foreign and domestic visitors cross the picturesque places of the Machakhela Gorge every day.

In the Soviet period, the Machakhela Gorge, as a border region, was isolated from the remaining world. Three frontier checkpoints used to hamper tourists and relatives to enter the Gorge. Therefore, we have started popularizing the Gorge through various PR campaigns.

The interest in developing tourism infrastructure in the Machakhela Gorge arose after we visited another part of the Machakhela Gorge on the territory of Turkey and saw the existing tourism infrastructure, the interest of domestic population for developing the tourism sector and the fact residents of the beyond Machakhela could not host a huge number of all foreign and domestic tourists. This experience has led us to developing the Machakhela Gorge national park project.

As reported, a hotel complex has opened in Machakhela. The new tourism asset will boost an influx of visitors to the Gorge.

-Tourist inflows to the Machakhela Gorge rise in summertime. Has the inflow risen this year and how long have they stayed in the Gorge?

-How many individuals are employed at the hotel?

-In general, tourists stay in the Gorge for 1-2 weeks. Many visitors come for one-day tours.

There are cases when tourists are heading for Tbilisi and they stay here. They come in groups, at least 15 individuals. This year the inflow of tourists has increased.

In the Machakhela national park the target species for conservation are as follows: the Caucasian Bee, Brown Bear, Caspian Tetraogallus, Caucasian Salamander, Táxus Baccáta, Chorokhi Oak, Hungarian Rododendron, Laz Iris.

We also make focus on maintaining organic agriculture, local architecture and cultural heritage.

-The hotel and restaurant complex employs 2025 persons. A total of 4 hotel-class cottages are located near the hotel. All four assets will serve foreign and domestic visitors. Investments of 1 million GEL was put in the project implementation. The 20-suite hotel includes 2 luxury suites, a restaurant, a pool room and a conference hall with 60 seats.

Moreover, two other hotel complexes operate in the Municipality. Guesthouses also function in Sarpi. The local tourism sector is confined by these activities at this stage. The Khelvachauri municipality territory is attractive for tourists thanks to picturesque monuments, museums and so on.

In 2015 we have implemented a total of 194 infrastructural projects worth 12 183 870 GEL in the Khelvachauri municipality, while the municipal budget makes up only 19 746 083 GEL. Naturally, this amount cannot suffice all projects.

Nevertheless, we prioritize the tourism and business sector development.

-As to infrastructural projects, what specific steps are being taken in this direction in the municipality and what amount of financial resources will finance the agriculture development program?

-This year the village support program was financed by only 316 880 GEL. According to the decision of local residents, the finances will be spent on implementing 11 projects (Roads, wa-

ter, drinking water supply network, multifunctional tractors). Two residential complexes with 50 apartments in each one are being constructed in the village of Kapreshumi. This is the major and biggest project in the municipality. The project is an estimated 2 million GEL. The construction works will end in January 2016. The project has employed 40 persons. Moreover, a total of 4 nursery schools are being also constructed in the Khelvachauri Municipality.

It is worth noting a new agrarian fair has opened in the Khelvachauri municipality.

90% of the products local residents brought to the fair were sold out in the first half of that day.

Initially, the fair will work only Saturdays. In the future, the stands may be also leased. Farmers are able to sell their products without paying duties.

The main objective of the asset is to enable local residents to receive extra revenues. The local budget has financed the fair construction by 60 000 GEL. The modern iron frames are located on 300 square meters. Sewage system is arranged on the territory and 28 stands work at the fair. Khelvachauri is an agrarian municipality and local residents receive revenues from sales of citrus, filbert and other plants.

Ad Black Sea and Main Purpose of Advertising Festival tries that will participate in the Festival.

Interview with the president of the international advertising festival Ad Black Sea. President of the festival VATO KAVTARADZE shared with ABW the idea behind creating the festival and its specificities.

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rom September 24-27 the International Advertising Festival Ad Black Sea will take place in Batumi, Participants from 20 countries will attend the event.

This is a new international advertising festival, which aims to inspire all of its participants – advertisers and creative people – with bold, unusual ideas and nontrivial solutions. This is a real competition, but not only. It is a platform of social interaction with colleagues for sharing ideas and planning ahead, the opportunity to meet people not only online, to discuss all the charm and challenges of advertising profession. Batumi is a new meeting point for creators.

Festival will be held by the joint effort of Communication Agencies Association and Ukrainian Advertising Coalition.

Festival is supported by government of Ajara and Batumi City Hall.

- Tell us what the new Ad Black Sea Festival is about? Where did the idea of creating the Festival come from?

- We’ve had the idea of creating an advertising festival for a very long time now. We knew all along that the Black Sea and Batumi in particular were perfect for arranging such a festival.

The Festival’s magnitude goes way farther than just the Black Sea region, including Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, and many post-Soviet countries. Everyone in this region loves and knows Batumi. This is a perfect location for creating a “trend” festival, such as Cannes festival, which is impossible to imagine without the sun and the sea.

Ad Black Sea holds a lot for Georgia. This is an opportunity for the country to raise and develop its existing advertising industry’s level. We do not have other advertising festivals that have existed for 15 years elsewhere. But now we entered a totally new era in advertising. This is the fresh page in the development of the advertising industry.

This will become the most important moment for the business, for Georgia, as well as other coun-

We are confident that Ad Black Sea Festival will grow and develop into the most important and prestigious regional and international advertising festival.

- What is the Ad Black Sea competition like?

What are its categories?

- Some festivals measure the effect of this or that product. Other festivals look at how the creative field is developing in this or that region. In this regard, Ad Black Sea will become such a festival. Ad Black Sea will be the measure of creative quality in this region.

Ad Black Sea must grow to become the most recognizable Festival in the region.

- Who will be the jury members? Will there be any distinguished guests?

- We will have the real stars of the advertising industry. At the moment, we are ready to open some of the names: Michael Conrad, founder and president of the Berlin School of Creative Leadership (Germany), Joao Daniel Tikhomiroff, founder and executive chairman of the Mixer (Brazil), Erik Heisholt, executive creative director and founding partner HEISHOLT (Norway), Alex Pallete, chief strategy officer and founder of PICNIC (Spain), Evgeny Primachenko, copywriter Wieden + Kennedy (Netherlands), and others.

- What are the noteworthy events await the participants of the Festival? What will the seminar program be like? Will there be time for parties or any informal socializing?

- VK .: We want the festival to linger in the memories of our guests in many ways - not only the result (who received a prize), but also the emotions of participants that will be associated with the overall atmosphere of the festival. Therefore,

entertainment should be of highest quality - all parties and feasts will be iconic and memorable.

So I invite all to Batumi.

- Why should ad agencies submit their work to the Festival?

- Ad Black Sea - is more than recharge in the longer term. The festival represents a chance for the agencies to demonstrate their creative achievement.

We also received support from the ADC * E. Now the Georgian winners of Ad Black Sea will be allowed to inspect the Champions League ADC * E in Barcelona, which takes place at the ADC * E Awards. This competition is very competitive; only the winners of national parades Art Directors Club (ADC) can submit their work. In this regard, without having any formal education winners of the Ad Black Sea will be considered by the ADC Club automatically.Therefore, the Georgian agencies will be able to compete with the best agencies in Europe. And for us to gain support of ADC * E in the very first year of our festival is a great recognition by the best of the best.

- What are your expectations for the festival?

- We do not expect to receive a huge amount of entries for the first year. Although, there have been 90 submissions from Ukraine, Russia, Sweden and Kazakhstan for the first deadline. We have no expectations that thousands of people will arrive in Batumi for the very first Festival. For now, we expect Ad Black Sea to create some sort of direction for the development of the creative field in Georgia. And we want the participants who come to the festival to leave with the sense of “I wish the next Festival comes soon enough.”

REGION

September 7, 2015 #9

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ajara business week

”Gandagana” Festival

Spanish Evenings At The Tower Terrace “Alphabetic Tower Management” is opening Gravity Chill Out Terrace & Gravity Batumi Cafe Bar at the Alphabet Tower territory.

On the occasion of “Batumoba” fest, the Department of Tourism and Resorts of Ajara will be organizing “Gandagana” festival which will be held on September 5-6 at the Square of Europe.

The festival will represent a portrait of Ajarian village with its traditions and main characteristic features. Residents and guests of Batumi will get acquainted with rural charm, gastronomic and folklore traditions as well as folk art of Ajarian village. “Gandagana” festival will provide an opportunity to “visit” Ajarian village without leaving the town. The festival program is diverse: master classes of Ajarian cuisine, fun contests, folk art ex-

hibitions, folk group concerts, martial arts shows.

Within the festival, some ethnic music concerts will be held too: On September 5, from 18.00 pm, the concert of “Stumrebi” band will be held, and on September 6, the concert of “Gordeliy” ensemble will be presented.

The “Gandagana” festival held in parallel with “Batumoba” fest will contribute to the promotion of Ajarian villages and rural tourism, which is realized through various activities conducted by the Department of Tourism.

People are welcome to attend Flamenco dancing shows presented by Spanish Group “Color Moreno” and also Georgian bands concerts on 4, 5 and 6 th of September in the Miracle Park.

The shows and concerts are free.

Opening event will start at 21:00 p.m, on 4 th of september.

“ATM” is inviting people to spend their time pleasantly.

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Top Delicious Food You Have To Try In Ajara

Ajara – Wine, Chesses And Nature When one thinks about Ajara – he thinks about monasteries and old churches, mountains and valleys, abundant of water and green flora covering softly the earth. All of these exist in Ajara – but, there is much more!

In Ajara region there is special wine, special cheeses, king size supras and charming people.

Ajara is a charming region, mountains on the east and the calm sea on the west.

Ajara is so charming; it warmed my heart while arriving there to the cool weather.

Ajara is in the south west of Georgia on the coast of the Black Sea. 400,000 people, 4 most beautiful national parks, many villages, one resort town- Kobuleti and the capital city – Batumi.

“Ajara is a post soviet France” said David Ben Hayim the CEO of Georgia Palace hotel in Kobuleti. The oldest wine in the world comes from Georgia, 6000 years ago. But, do not expect the French to admit it, because it will damage the French reputation, and the chesses… o-la-la the Georgian food is delicious. When a French man speaks so highly about the wine and Cheeses of

Ajara – you better believe him that they are superb.

Batumi – the pearl of the Black sea… stunning views, a calm sea shore with a long promenade, ancient streets, theaters, restaurants, Piazzas, 6 casinos modern big hotels and boutique hotels, one can get confused and think he is in Europe, But , No, he is in Batumi, Ajara.

Kobuleti – A resort town in Ajara you could enjoy the quite and wide beaches in a rustic pastoralia and stunning views. But what attracts most is the Georgia Palace. Some of you will choose to stay there a week others will stay an overnight. The Spa in Georgia Palace is the only professional spa in Ajara and even in entire Georgia.

Those of you who visited India will experience a déjà vu thanks to the oriental music the scent of the big and soft cushions spread on the floor and mainly thanks to the Indian staff. The spa offers a rich variety of treatments: from shoulders massage to Ayroveda. Special doctors physicians specializing in pain treatments. They will diagnose the pains and treat them as well.

Georgian cuisine is known for its colorful diversity, use of different techniques and traditional table layouts. There is no similar term or concept in the world for a Georgian Supra, a feast of epic proportions and diverse dishes led by a toastmaster or Tamada.

Tamada, besides leading toasts to a variety of subjects, should also guide the evening and entertain the guests with song, poetry, and storytelling. Toasting tradition is prevalent throughout the Caucasian countries; however, the tamada is a uniquely Georgian phenomenon.

Traditional Georgian dishes such as Satsivi, Mtsvadi, Khachapuri, Mchadi, Khinkali, Chkmeruli, Pkhali with walnut, bean, etc. dominate in Ajarian cuisine as well. Apart from traditional Georgian dishes Ajara is also famous for its local cuisine.

Resulting from the specific lifestyle in the highlands of Ajara, milk products represent the main component in their nutrition ration. Winter offers his conditions to the highland population – there arises the necessity to preserve the products for a long time.

There are a lot of dishes with vegetables, meats and fish as well. Also, sweets play an important role in Ajarian cuisine.

AND HERE ARE THE TOP 10 LOCAL FOOD YOU HAVE DEFINITELY TO TRY IN AJARA:

Decorative Protective Fences Installation Still Continues In Batumi Decorative protective fences installation still continues in Batumi. Currently works is carried out on Tbel Abuseridze Street.

The protective fence are going to be made from Griboyedov Street till so-called Hopa circular section.

Building work began in July and should be completed by October.

The winner Ltd ,, Hope 2012 “to perform. Cost – 108 thousand GEL. Street isolation lawns with decorative protective fences have been installed in the main 4 streets of the city.

Batumi Hosted “Hope Project” The idea, invention, innovation and intellectual property – an educational project “4I” – expressed the desire of introduction.

Batumi city, on August 28-29, held an international symposium entitled “Hope Project, the theme of human resources development in the creative / inventive process, innovation and protection of intellectual property rights management. Symposium on World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the World Association of Women Entrepreneurs and the inventor (WWIEA) and the National Intellectual Property Center “Sakpatenti” is organized by,

10. AJARIAN CHEESE There are several cheese produced in Ajara; the most typical Adjarian cheese is “spinning” (datsnuli) cheese, which is primarily made in Ajara’s mountainous areas. Producing spinning cheese requires a special technique and apparatus; its nontraditional shape and unique taste make “spinning” cheese attractive to all cheese lovers.

9. KAIMAGI Kaimagi is a common and very popular dish throughout Ajara. Kaimagi is an exceptionally rich dairy product. This dish pairs incredibly well with cheese and a traditional Georgian corn bread called Mchadi. Kaimagi is a truly unforgettable dish.

8. BORANO Borano is a very filling Ajarian dish; it is very rich and laden with calories. Its main ingredients are batter and eggs. There are several recipes for making borano, the most popular of which is prepared with eggs, cheese and corn flour. Regardless of the recipe, all types of borano have one thing in common-their excellent taste.

7. MALAKHTO Malakhto is a typical Ajarian-style bean dish. It is prepared using fresh beans, which are then boiled and combined with different nuts and spices. It is then

served with a special sauce called Isrimi, which is made green grape juice. The Isrimi sauce gives the dish a unique and aromatic taste.

6. IAKHNI There are several people in Ajara who love iakhni, but the most popular fans of Iakhni comes from Kobuleti. Iakhni is made with ground meat combined with a large amount of spices, which give the dish its rich and full flavor. Iakhni is an essential part of any Kobuletian supra, but only experienced chefs can prepare authentic iakhni.

5. ACHMA Achma is one of the famous interpretations of khachapuri, which uses a technique different from most other types of khachapuri. Thin layers of melted cheese combined with butter give the dish a very rich but light flavor. Achma is truly representative of Ajarian cuisine and is a true pleasure for all food connoisseurs.

4. SAND COFFEE WITH AJARIAN BAKLAVA Sand coffee is part of Batumi’s unforgettable and picturesque image. In order to prepare sand coffee, it is essential to maintain a certain temperature during the boiling process. It is the perfect seaside dessert. Many people believe that Batumi’s sand coffee has its own unique fragrance.

Among Ajarian desserts, baklava is one of the difficult desserts to prepare. Proper Ajarian baklava is made from over sixty thin layers of dough, with each layer being covered in a thin layer of walnuts and sweet syrup. Preparing baklava takes an immense amount of time and requires extensive experience to make properly.

3. AJARIAN WINE Keda district, 43 kilometers far from Batumi, is considered to be the historical center of winemaking in Ajara.The most popular types of wine are Tsolikauri (White wine) and Chkhaveri (Rose wine).

2. SINORI Sinori is a very rich Ajarian dish. It is prepared using a specially-baked dough that is combined with Georgian cottage cheese and butter.

1. AJARIAN KHACHAPURI Ajarian khachapuri has a unique shape and amazing taste. While other varieties of khachapuri can be paired with breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Ajarian khachapuri should be eaten alone for either breakfast or dinner. There are several versions of Ajarian khachapuri. The Laz, a people who lived near the seacoast, contributed to Ajarian kchacapuri by giving the dish its signature boat-like shape. Additionally, the Laz also added an egg in the middle of the dish, which is symbolic of the sun. Ajarian khachapuri is not only delicious, it is also beautiful and symbolic of both the sun and the sea.

WORLD NEWS 10 U.S. Weighs Sanctioning Russia and China in Cyber Attacks

September 7, 2015 #9

ajara business week

cyber security, firmly opposes and combats all forms of cyber attacks in accordance with law,” Chinese Embassy spokesman Zhu Haiquan said in a statement.

He said China wants enhanced dialogue and cooperation with the United States and that “groundless speculation, hyping up or accusation is not helpful to solve the problem.”

The Russian Embassy did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

The U.S. government has suffered a series of embarrassing cyber attacks in recent months, including one on the White House Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that potentially provided a treasure trove of data about government employees to foreign spies.

U.S. officials suspect that attack was linked to China, which has denied any involvement in hacking U.S. databases and says it too has been a victim of cyber attacks.

The United States is considering sanctions against both Russian and Chinese individuals and companies for cyber attacks against U.S. commercial targets, several U.S. officials said on Monday.

administration was considering sanctioning Chinese targets, possibly within the next few weeks, and said that individuals and firms from other nations could also be targeted. It did not mention Russia.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said no final decision had been made on imposing sanctions, which could strain relations with Russia further and, if they came soon, cast a pall over a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September.

A move against Chinese entities or individuals before Xi’s trip, the officials said, is possible but unlikely because of the strain it could put on the top-level diplomatic visit, which will include a black-tie state dinner at the White House hosted

by President Barack Obama.

The Washington Post first reported the Obama

“The Chinese government staunchly upholds

low them to hide assets.

One U.S. official said that sanctions imposed on individuals or companies would effectively cut them off from using the U.S. financial system, which could be a death-sentence for a serious business venture.

The official also said that entities or individuals from countries other than Russia or China could face sanctions.

Another U.S. official suggested that a decision on targeting Chinese entities could depend partly on whether diplomatic efforts, such as last week’s visit by White House national security adviser Susan Rice to Beijing last week, produce positive results going forward.

Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel visits China next weekend for further talks ahead of Xi’s U.S. trip in the second half of September.

The sanctions Washington is currently considering would not target suspected hackers of government data, but rather foreign citizens and firms believed responsible for cyber attacks on commercial enterprises, one official said.

If taken, the action would be the administration’s first use of an executive order signed by Obama in April to crack down on foreign hackers accused of penetrating U.S. computer systems.

The officials declined to name any potential targets, concerned that advance warning would al-

Nigeria’s Military Sticky End: President’s Middle Eastern Wasted 100 Days Oil

Migrant Crisis in Europe

Russians and Americans in Coop in Space

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Similar efforts have failed thanks largely to opposition from eastern Europeans. Officials from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia will also meet today to discuss their response.

Speaking after meeting EU officials in Brussels yesterday, Viktor Orban, Hungary’s prime minister, reaffirmed his opposition to quotas and defended his decision to build a fence along his country’s border with Serbia.

Last month NASA signed a $490m contract with Russia for space-taxi services until 2019. The agency’s boss, Charles Bolden, complained to Congress that America, which retired its Space Shuttle in 2011, was supposed to be back in the manned space-launch business by now, but underfunding has delayed this until 2017 at the earliest.

igerians know better than to trust their politicians. Still, when Muhammadu Buhari pledged “change” before elections in March, they took him at his word.

Saturday marked 100 days since the former military dictator’s inauguration as president, and their confidence is waning.

They believe he promised that by now he would have listed his assets and ended Boko Haram’s murderous insurgency in the north-east. But the government is disowning the documents containing those and other vows. The dispute highlights his lethargic approach.

Mr Buhari began his term jetting around the world seeking diplomatic allies against the jihadists, yet the killing goes on. He has neither reassured foreign investors by articulating an economic policy nor placated corruption-wary Nigerians by detailing his personal finances. He continues to rely on his predecessor’s (undoubted) failings and his own vague promises to combat corruption. The country still has no cabinet.

Nigerians are losing patience.

W

ith no end in sight to the global oil glut, Middle Eastern producers fear a repeat of the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, giddy prices drove the search

for oil elsewhere.

The world was soon pumping so much that prices crashed, and stayed low for 20 years. For the Middle East that meant rising unemployment and for some countries, such as Algeria, unrest and civil war. Since then a decade of high prices has given regional producers a $2.5 trillion cushion.

But the past year’s halving of prices has forced them to deplete their hoard—even to borrow. For the richest that is fine: they can forgo income while their low-cost oil recoups market share from costlier sources, such as shale.

For poorer ones like Algeria and Iraq, the squeeze will come sooner. But even Saudi Arabia, the regional giant, will have to wean itself off income from the sticky stuff.

ith growing numbers of asylum-seekers testing both borders and patience, the European Union looks set to propose a quota system for relocating migrants among its members that would be far more ambitious than anything previously mooted.

The EU was following a path, he said, that could soon see “tens of millions” of migrants arriving at its borders. Whether or not that is true, Europe must decide what to do with the hundreds of thousands already inside them.

he successful launch, at 0437 GMT last week, of a Russian Soyuz rocket carrying a Dane, a Kazakh and a Russian to the International Space Station highlights other nations’ continuing reliance on Russia to ferry people to and from the orbiting outpost—a sore point in America right now.

Two companies, Boeing and SpaceX, are developing rockets and vehicles for manned spaceflight, but proposed cuts may cause further delays. Fortunately Russians and Americans continue to get along well in orbit, even though relations have deteriorated on Earth as a result of Vladimir Putin’s meddling in Ukraine.

September 7, 2015 #9

EVENTS

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“Sakhe” and Poetry‘N’Motion Together on Stage Again After 16 YearLong Pause

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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

fter a lengthy pause, “Sakhe” and Poetry’n’Motion returned to stage together and performed old hits from sixteen years ago.

After a lengthy pause, the groups took special care to prepare for the concert in order to not disappoint the audience, some of which have waited 16 years for this. The coastal city paid host to the concert in frames of the “Heat Batumi 2015” project, and the dearly missed hits of the bands could be heard in the city until dawn. The bands, despite have been formed in the 90s, are still popular with listeners to this day.

“We returned with a full group to Georgia and performed both new songs and old hits in Batumi.

The listeners gladly followed our time travel trip.

This was a wonderful evening, with an energetic crowd who gave us positive vibes, so much so that we did not want it to end. We gave it our all and I think we’ll be returning to Georgia again,” said Michael Ameer after the concert’s conclusion.

“Everyone is happy and joyful, meaning that we managed to do it again after a pause of 16 years, we did it,” noted the singer Dato Khujadze.

of our songs are known by heart and loved by everyone despite the long pause, we are a winner band,” stated the composer Dato Porchkhidze.

Poetry’n’Motion was formed by Michael Ameer in the nineties. The band achieved international acclaim via the alternative interpretation of the song Romeo and Juliet, which became a hit soon after.

The group “Sakhe” was formed in 1993 with Dato Khujadze, Dato Porchkhidze and Goga Khachidze. “When I was writing music in those dark nineties, I knew that the songs would become hits without a doubt, that we would become stars. I could see how we’d arrive at concerts with limousines or helicopters,” recalls Porchkhidze.

This truly is what happened. “Sakhe” shook the Georgian pop music. This was the first popular boyband that was formative to the Georgian mentality, ushering in a new way to sing and arrange pop. The band’s hits of 1997-2000 are written and arranged by Dato Porchkhidze, and remakes followed soon. Sakhe gained many followers, many more boybands were created. Dato Porchkhidze is one of the most popular composers with up to 600 songs in his belt, along with soundtracks for movies and TV shows.

“The concert is a success. We performed all the hits, and I once again made the discovery that all

Singer Tina Karol Was Visiting Batumi during Ukraine’s Independence Day

S

inger Tina Karol Was Visiting Batumi during Ukraine’s Independence Day In frames of “Heat Batumi 2015”, the coastal city was visited by the Ukrainian singer Tina Karol. She was visiting Georgia with her young child for the first time. The organizers of “Heat Batumi 2015” invited Tina Karol during Ukraine’s Independence Day, and the concert took place at Batumi’s Tennis Club.

Tina Karol’s performance proved to be quite emotional. During this improtnt day she represented her country, Ukraine, here at Georgia. “I shared Ukraine’s warmth with Georgia. I was on stage for 2 hours, I performed my own songs, as well as popular songs from my country. Additionally, I performed one Georgian song, which was my gift to you,” noted the singer.

I’m very happy, this is my first visit to Georgia.

I was on a Georgian stage for the first time and I was incredibly nervous – thinking about what sort of evening this would turn out to be. The concert was incredible, the audience – amazing, and the evening turned out to be magical. I will always remember those looks, those smiles and

the applauses that I saw here. I came with my son, Benjamin, and we had a very good time. He’s very happy and keeps telling me that he wants to visit here again. We are intending to come back.

I’m very happy that Georgia and Ukraine are on good terms. I will tell my parents and relatives to visit Georgia, as well. Next time, when I find the time I’d like to go to Georgia’s mountains and travel around the country. I want to visit Georgian designer stores, they have a very interesting style. I saw the sea and it’s incredible. Batumi has beautiful buildings and tasty food, and I know the taste of the Georgian Mtsvadi. I like the Georgian cuisine. Kiev has a Georgian restaurant, and it is my favorite place. They always have so much food on Georgian dinner tables. I tasted Georgian wine yesterday – it’s very good. And Georgian themselves are a very warm, emotional and trustworthy people,” – these are the Ukrainian pop diva’s impressions of Georgia.

Tina Karol gained fame by the triumphant success on the “New Wave” music festival. She received the Ala Pugachova prize of 50 thousand dollars. Karol visited Iraq and Kosovo during fall 2005 in frames of a peace mission.

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

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PUBLICITY ajara business week

September 7, 2015 #9