Caucasus Business Week #231

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March 26, 2018 #231

March 26, 2018, Issue 231 - www.cbw.ge

Ian Kelly: “Problems Should be Resolved on Institutional Level to Protect Investors’ Rights” Pg. 7

Bjorn Brandtzaeg: Minimizing environmental impact is main priority of our project Pg. 6

Data Makashvili: Minimalism and simplicity are obvious trends in communication Pg. 8

What Happens around RMG Political Masquerade in Opposition to Investor

Georgia Loses Leading Positions in terms of Economic Growth Over the past 3-4 years, especially in 2017, government officials frequently reiterate that, despite low economic growth indicators, the country is a regional leader anyway. Regretfully, the reality is different. According to preliminary estimations by Geostat, national statistics service of Georgia, in January 2018, as compared to January 2017, Georgia’s economic growth constituted 4.4%, while the growth marked 5.2% in January 2017. According to preliminary information, in 2017 Georgian economy grew by 4.8%, while the 2018 forecast is 4.5% upturn. The GDP will grow by 4.2% according to IMF and by 4% according World Bank prognosis. Despite IMF forecasts 3.8% upturn in Armenia in 2018 and 4% growth in 2019-2020, the country has showed twice better indicators.

In January-February 2018 Armenian GDP growth marked 8.6%, twice higher compared to Georgia’s indicators. Armenia’s economy started fast recovery in the fourth quarter of 2017, when our neighbors achieved 11.2% upturn in October-December 2017. The economic boom in the fourth quarter influenced the 2017 total indicators considerably. Pg. 4

New Gudauri Successful Resort in Georgia

Pg. 9

You are in the mountain resort just about 120 kilometres from Tbilisi.

Every season of the year has its own attractiveness in here - coolness in summer, constant snow and skiing in winter, snowy and greenish environment in spring and autumn mixture of green, yellow and white colors. This is a four-season resort Gudauri. The resort is 2190 metres above the sea level and it’s not the same as it was 10 years ago. The resort is actively visited by tourists and Bloomberg names Gudauri among the 5 best skiing places.

Gudauri is receiving lots of attention from the government and the private sector. Since 2012, this privately owned real estate development company Red-co is actively investing in the resort infrastructure, developing ski in/ski out residential, and hotel accomodation, leisure and other tourist facilities and services, which makes Gudauri mixed use, multifunctional all-season resort. Red-co owns 50 hectares in New Gudauri area, which according to 10-year development plan elaborated by the international ski resort planning company (Ecosign) will create 4200 additional beds at the resort.

Pg. 11

Newsroom

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Special Store in Minsk to Trade only in Georgian Products

Shopping mall in Minsk will be arranged on 1200 square meter space and Georgian wines, mineral waters, agro-industrial products and other food products will be sold there.

Economy Minister predicts Georgia’s economy to grow almost 5% in 2018-2022

Georgia will have one of the highest economic growth rates in the region in 2018-2022, asserts Georgia’s Economy Minister Dimitry Kumsishvili.

economy

Fitch Revises Georgia’s Outlook to Positive and Affirms at ‘BB-‘

Fitch Ratings-London-16 March 2018Fitch Ratings has revised the Outlook on Georgia’s LongTerm Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) to Positive from Stable and affirmed the IDRs at ‘BB-‘.

EU Allocates €200 Million of Funding for Cross-border Energy Infrastructure

The financing is foreseen for projects that will strengthen the EU’s internal energy market, enhance security of energy supply, and help make Europe’s clean energy transition a reality.

banking

BGEO Awarded Top Management with Shares of 4.9 MLN GBP

Top Management of BGEO Group were awarded with shares as bonuses. The managers received shares of 140 048 with a nominal value, but their market value exceeds 4.938 million GBP as of March 16 (35.26 GBP).

Bank of Georgia Finished Two Months with a Profit of 44 Million

As of March 1, the bank has a net profit of 44 million GEL. However, Bank of Georgia had a profit of 72 million in the same period of 2017. Besides, the bank had a great advantage.

business

Georgia’s Foreign Trade Turnover Rose by 16.3% in January-February

Including, exports constituted 446.4 mln USD, up 25.5%, while trade imports marked 1 236.1 mln USD, up 13.3%. In the same period, exports without re-exports marked 335.7 million USD, up 16.2% year on year.

GIG to Buy KazTransGas Tbilisi

According to the Kazakh Forbes, Georgian Industrial Group (GIG) plans to buy KazTransGas Tbilisi. According to the edition, the value of the deal is 40 million USD. The decision has been taken by the board of directors of KazTransGas.

company

KULA to Open New Plant in Akhaltsikhe in Autumn

The new plant will make focus on production of bio products, namely, production of juices.

The company will spend about 2 million USD on new production line.

March 26, 2018 #231

Stepping Up Regional and Local Development

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eorgian Government joins hands with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the governments of Austria and Switzerland to promote reforms in regional and local development.

The initiative, launched on 20 March 2018, will help Georgia to implement the country’s new vision of decentralization and local self-governance, while focusing on local economic development, engagement of citizens in decision-making and the increased competence of local civil servants. The programme will be implemented in 2018 – 2021, with the total budget of 5.5 million USD. Speaking at the launch of the new initiative, Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgian Parliament Speaker, stressed that regional and local development is one Georgia’s strategic priorities in the coming years.

“Georgia kicks off the ambitious reform of local self-governance, aiming to increase decisionmaking powers and financial resources of the regional and local authorities. Our medium–term goal is to increase the consolidated financial resource of the municipalities to at least 7% of GDP,” Irakli Kobakhidze said.

Zurab Alavidze, Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, informed about key priorities of the new initiative. “We will pay particular

attention to the decentralization of governance, local economic development and to building capacity of the national and local institutions to make sure that they can deliver quality services to the citizens,” Irakli Alavidze said.

Gerhard Schaumberger, Head of the Austrian Development Agency South Caucasus Office, and Olivier Bürki, Regional Director of Cooperation of the Swiss Cooperation Office for the South Caucasus, noted how Georgia can benefit from the experience of Austria and Switzerland in the field of regional and local development.

“As Austria, we are glad that the government of Georgia is committed to empower municipalities in the years to come. We look forward to strengthening our partnership also on the local level particularly for better jobs and income through this multidonor effort,“ Gerhard Schaumberger said.

“With more than 700 years of practice in decentralization and the principle of subsidiarity, Switzerland has demonstrated the merit of strong local and regional self-governments. We are glad to share this experience as an input to the further implementation of decentralization in Georgia,” Olivier Bürki noted.

The event concluded with the presentation of the comprehensive nation-wide research which examined Georgian citizens’ views on the local public services

delivered by the municipalities and central government. The research focuses on a range of issues, including the quality of roads, public kindergartens, cleaning service and citizen engagement in decision-making.

It provides comparative analysis with the similar studies conducted in 2013 and 2015, and includes recommendations for local authorities based on public perceptions and expectations.

The 2017 research was commissioned by UNDP, Swiss Cooperation Office (SCO) for the South Caucasus and Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), and carried out by the Georgian research company ACT. “The study shows that only one out of six citizens has contacted local authorities in the past two years. Citizen engagement into decision-making process and quality local services were named as most important prerequisites for the success of decentralization and self-governance reform,” said Niels Scott, Head of UNDP in Georgia.

UNDP and the governments of Austria and Switzerland have been supporting regional and local development in Georgia since 2012. The previous rounds of this complex programme focused on assisting Georgia to develop strong policies and legislation, train local civil servants, and develop and implement regional and municipal strategies and action plans.

ENPARD Stakeholders Discussed Future Development of Local Action Groups in Georgia

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AO brought together the stakeholders and implementing partners of the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) for the 16th ENPARD stakeholders’ meeting.

The gathering aimed to share the updates within the EU supported agricultural and rural development projects, focusing on the current state and future development of Local Action Groups (LAGs) and implementing LEADER approach in the regions of Georgia.

ENPARD uses European approach to rural development – LAG/LEADER model. Fundamentally, it is the energy and resources of the local people that contribute to the rural development process by forming

BUSINESS WEEK caucasus

The Editorial Board Follows Press Freedom Principles Publisher: LLC Caucasian Business Week - CBW Address: Aleksidze Street 1 Director: Levan Beglarishvili Sales: Mob: +995 591 01 39 36 WWW.CBW.GE Email: caucasianbusiness@gmail.com

partnerships at a sub-regional level between the public, private and civil sectors. The LEADER approach is associated with local empowerment through local strategy development and resource allocation. The main tool for the application of the LEADER approach to area development and involving local representatives in decision-making is the Local Action Group (LAG).

Opening speech by Mr. Nodar Kereselidze, First Deputy Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture was followed by discussions within the group about the state of play of registration and legal status of LAGs, creation of the Georgian Association of LAGs (GALAG) and Georgian Rural Development Network (GRDN). Special attention was paid to the new

initiative introduced by CENN concerning the development of a manual on rural development for LAG members. The Programme Managers of the EU Delegation to Georgia, Alvaro Aparicio Ortega and Cristina Casella briefed the audience on the status of the implementation of ENPARD phase II and phase III. The meeting was concluded with the updates of the representatives of the ENPARD implementing partner organizations.

FAO, UNDP, Mercy Corps, Care, PIN, RDFG, HEKS-EPER, GIPA, CENN, Caritas Czech Republic and others updated the audience on the progress within their projects. The meeting was also attended by other donor organizations that also briefed on their activities in support to Georgia’s agriculture and rural sectors.

Editor: Nutsa Galumashvili. Mobile phone: 595 380382 Reporters: Nina Gomarteli; Mariam Kopaliani; Merab Janiashvili Technical Assistant: Giorgi Kheladze;

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

March 26, 2018 #231

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March 26, 2018 #231

Georgia Loses Leading Positions in terms of Economic Growth In 2018 Armenia’s GDP Growth is Twice Faster compared to Georgia

Irma Kacharava PR Manager for European School

Merab Janiashvili Economic Analyst

If Government of Georgia does not change economic development priorities and accents are not made on domestic production development, our country will never develop and it will take more than 80 years to come up with average level of Europe.

Over the past 3-4 years, especially in 2017, government officials frequently reiterate that, despite low economic growth indicators, the country is a regional leader anyway. Regretfully, the reality is different. According to preliminary estimations by Geostat, national statistics service of Georgia, in January 2018, as compared to January 2017, Georgia’s economic growth constituted 4.4%, while the growth marked 5.2% in January 2017. According to preliminary information, in 2017 Georgian economy grew by 4.8%, while the 2018 forecast is 4.5% upturn. The GDP will grow by 4.2% according to IMF and by 4% according World Bank prognosis. Despite IMF forecasts 3.8% upturn in Armenia in 2018 and 4% growth in 2019-2020, the country has showed twice better indicators. In January-February 2018 Armenian GDP growth marked 8.6%, twice higher compared to Georgia’s indicators.

Armenia’s economy started fast recovery in the fourth quarter of 2017, when our neighbors achieved 11.2% upturn in October-December 2017. The economic boom in the fourth quarter influenced the 2017 total indicators considerably. In 2017 Armenia’s economy grew by 6.4% and exceeded the planned indicator.

As to Georgia, Geostat published the 2017 economic growth report, according to which, economic growth in 2017 marked 5%. These indicators of Geostat exceed the initial forecast by 0.2%. This is the highest indicator over the past 5 years, however, it is lower compared to indicators of Armenia and Turkey. Last year Turkey came up with the global leaders in terms of GDP growth, as a result o 7.3% upturn.

Especially high economic growth was recorded in the third quarter of 2017, when economy of Turkey grew by 11.1%. As to the current year, according to the IMF prognosis, economy of Turkey will grow by 4.3% in 2018-2019. It should be also noted that Turkey is a developed economy, where it is much more difficult to attain high growth in GDP, as compared to developing countries, for example in Armenia and Georgia.

Amid similar indicators in our neighboring countries, our Government continues making the same messages that Georgia remains a regional leader in terms of GDP growth and this tendency will be maintained in the near future. « It is important that in 2018-2022, Georgia will have one of the highest economic growth paces in the region», the first vice Prime Minister Dimitri Kumsishvili noted.

In 2017 Georgia recorded higher-than-expected economic growth, he added. «Average growth in GDP over the past year constituted 5%. The year of 2018 started with impressive

‘‘

Today, Georgia faces many challenges, but the educational field and related issues comprise some of the most serious.

Going to school is the traditional way of getting an education, developing personal intelligence, building relationships with peers, acquiring interesting skills and preparing for adult life. School education plays a significant role in personal development, as during these years a child develops both physically and intellectually.

In any country, but especially in Europe, parents prioritize the future education of their children from the beginning of their lives. This is a difficult period, as many cannot decide whether to take children to a private kindergarten or to a public one. In Georgia, this problem is related to the invaluable quality of education and the unreliability of schools and teachers.

It should be also noted that teachers face many problems, like overloaded classrooms, hygiene and food-related issues and the influence of outside tutors on the education and development of their students.

There are many reasons why we have this situation in Georgia, but I believe one reason is that teachers do not try to build on their earlier knowledge. Teachers should always strive for professional development and learn contemporary methods, because the current generation is more educated than previous generations, and they have different questions and ideas.

As a rule, studying abroad requires huge financial resources. Which is more expensive, a Georgian or a European education? Education is not cheap in Georgia either, but a foreign education is considered prestigious, and young Georgian men always give preference to European and American educations. I, as the PR manager for European School, spend much of my time paying attention to educational issues, both in Georgia and Europe. Indeed, I understand that good education in Georgia is expensive, but we should not dismiss expensive education. We should explore what the word “expensive” means: what bonuses are practiced, how adolescents will develop and grow and what kind of education they will receive in the future. Branded schools with expensive prices—this is not only a trend. This is the foundation on which the young generation should base their futures. To get a quality education, they should not have to leave the country and part with their families, since in Georgia children can receive good educations. The result of Georgian education will glorify the name of our country and ensure our children’s futures.

‘‘

Education: the most in-demand service worldwide, but hardly an adequate product in Georgia

economic growth. According to preliminary estimations, in January economic growth marked 4.4%, while the Government forecasts 4.5% upturn in 2018. It is important that in 2018-2022 Georgia will have one of the highest growth paces in the region – 4.9% on average», Dimitri Kumsishvili said.

Despite this, according to IMF and WB forecasts, Georgia slightly surpasses neighbors in terms of economic growth paces in the next 4 years. The past year has also showed that forecasts are not frequently justified. For example, WB forecast 5.2% upturn in 2017, but the country could not reach this forecast, while Turkey and Armenia considerably surpassed initial indicators of the mentioned institutions.

Regretfully, Government of Georgia does not learn lessons from our history, continues economic policy that has not brought considerable benefits. As a result, they justify 5% and lower economic growth, as if it is the highest one in the Region. Economic growth model of our Authorities still depend on foreign investments. They think that the main thing is to attract FDI and this is only right way for development.

Despite a historically record inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) in 2017, economic boom was not recorded. The same tendency emerged in previous years too, but we have not made respective conclusions of these cases. For example, in 2006-2007 we had 11% averaged annual growth. However, the 2006-2007 economic growth was preconditioned by privatization of a huge volume of state property and high economic growth paces in the region.

In 2007-2008 the ratio of privatization in FDI was 17%, while in the next years FDI inflows declined and it dropped below 1% over the past years. Statistics of the past 2017 year also shows that record investments constituted only 5% upturn in GDP. In 2006-2007 when Georgia attracted a record volume of foreign investments and GDP growth hit historical maximum (11% on average), economy of our neighboring Armenia rose by 13.5% on average, while in those years FDI inflows to Armenia constituted only 1.15 billion USD, while in the same period FDI inflows to Georgia was triple higher – 3.2 billion USD. As to Azerbaijan, in 2006 its GDP grew by record 34.5%, while in 2005-2007 averaged growth constituted 28.6%.

If Government of Georgia does not change economic development priorities and accents are not made on domestic production development, our country will never develop and it will take more than 80 years to come up with average level of Europe.

“150 million USD will be allocated for Georgia within the second phase of the SME Support Program. Georgia is actively implementing this program, so the main focus will be on Georgia, At the first stage, the credit line was implemented by the Bank of Georgia, negotiations were held with TBC Bank too. Overall, within this tranche, 60 million dollars are considered to be spent, mostly funding of those enterprises located both in Tbilisi and in the regions. Some financing has already begun and 15-20 agreements have already been signed with the companies”.

Bruno Balvanera EBRD (BAN) director

March 26, 2018 #231

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interview

March 26, 2018 #231

Minimizing environmental impact is main priority of our project Bjorn Brandtzaeg - CEO of Clean Energy Group Georgia - CEGG is about to construct the largest project in Georgia’s hydro energy sector, as it is known, your company held public discussions with local residents living within the project area. What was the aim of these meetings?

The purpose of the discussions was to explain our plans for the Namakhvani project development, set out how the project would look like and present the consequences of developing the project. The meetings also kick started the public consultation process about the compensation for the land acquisition. Public Consultation Committees are being established to get the peoples input on fair land compensation, priorities for the community investment programmes etc.

- What is local residents’ attitude, as it is known, part of the society is against the construction of hydro power plant.

The attitude is mixed as expected. Some people see the benefits the project will bring including construction jobs, better infrastructure in the area, community investment programmes ect. Others are concerned about the impact of the project on landslides in the valley, change in micro climate, etc.

We have set up a community consultation team comprising 10 people living in the area where the Namakhvani project will be built.

Our team meets local residents on daily basis and provides them with information about the project. We consider it important to keep them updated with complete information before construction begins, and we do our best to answer all of their questions thoroughly. Once construction is complete, we want every local resident to feel satisfied with the process, so we will implement this strategically important project in close cooperation with them.

- Your company is a winner of tender announced by GEDF, JSC Namakhvani has obtained all permits, undertaken all required investigations necessary for starting the constructions but as it is known, you are undertaking supplementary investigations. What investigations are these?

CEGG has spent approximately one year to go through the design prepared by the govern-

ment supported by Stucky, our Swiss based engineer for the project. The purpose of the studies have been to verify the earlier design commissioned by the Georgian government and undertake by the Italian consulting firm Studio P. Our assessment has largely confirmed the earlier work done.

We also want to confirm the rock depth at the dam locations and better understand the impact of building a reservoir on slope stability in the area. This is the reason why we have commissioned additional site investigation.

- When do you plan to discuss EIA report with NGO sector and all stakeholders?

The project already has an EIA and a construction permit. We are currently updating the environmental and social studies to comply with international guidelines including EU rules and IFC/EBRD standards. The French consulting firm SLR is doing this work. The studies will be published in the coming months, and we will be organizing a public consultant process where we welcome views and critique of the assessments made. All interested parties including the NGOs critical of the project will be invited to participate in the discussions, which we hope will be undertaken in a respectful and civilized way.

- Local residents note that the construction may substantially change micro climate and endanger local grape species.

How real is this danger?

Minimizing environmental impact is main priority of our project. We have used international micro-climate expertise to assess the concerns as part of the supplementary EIA we are preparing. The conclusion is that this will no major change in the micro climate, including in Tvishi, were we are aware that there are concerns among the wine growers. We will install monitoring equipment to document the effect on the microclimate of building the reservoir in Tvishi.

There is a general process of global climate change ongoing where the average temperature in Georgia is expected to increase by 1-2 degrees over the next 30 years. The Namakhvani project producing renewable energy will displace fossil fuels and will help reducing the effect of global climate change.

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March 26, 2018 #231

Ian Kelly: “Problems Should be Resolved on Institutional Level to Protect Investors’ Rights ” Several days ago, US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly held a news conference for media agencies and talked about fines and penalty sanctions that the Georgian court had imposed on American companies. Georgia should enhance its protection of investors, he said.

“We should multiply trade volumes between the USA and Georgia. Moreover, investment inflows should also increase to Georgia. Georgia is a lesser-known country in the USA, and this factor hinders attracting new investments.

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This situation can be improved thanks to your active and smart representation in Washington, and Georgia has a similar ambassador in the USA. You should intensify efforts so American businessmen perceive your country as one of the leaders in business simplicity. I do not think many Americans know about this.

Georgia should also enhance the level of investors’ comfort.

Investors should know that their investments are protected in the country. I have discussed this issue with the Prime Minister of Georgia, too. There are certain considerations that Georgian courts do not follow an unbiased strategy in disputes between the government and private businesses. The Prime Minister recognizes this circumstance and is trying to accelerate the process of shaping the Court Chamber of Commercial Disputes with judges who have knowledge in this area.

There were problems with Philip Morris and Georgian American Alloys (Georgian Manganese). I think the qualifications of judges are a key problem, and they do not have the skills to fully grasp all the details of these cases.

I think the key problem is that judges give priority to the government’s arguments rather than foreign business arguments. If the Court Chamber of Commercial Disputes is shaped, which will resolve disputes between businesses with professionalism and unbiased positions, I think this will have a positive influence on Georgia’s investment attractiveness and will draw more investments.

It is my duty to advocate for American business in Georgia, where the government argues for huge tax debts and fines against companies. My work responds to the interests of the USA. We say that we want to attract more American investments to Georgia, but if they read that penalty sanctions are imposed on American investors in Georgia, they will give preference to other countries and this does not respond to your interests. You should hope the world knows Georgia as a country where investments are protected.

Therefore, I believe that the Prime Minister is following the right strategy in creating a special Court Chamber of Commercial Disputes,” Kelly said.

Both disputes mentioned by Ian Kelly have been already resolved. The Tbilisi Court of Appeals found the $93 million fine imposed on Philip Morris International Tobacco Company ungrounded, and annulled the Tbilisi City Court decision.

Moreover, the Kutaisi Court of Appeals abolished the $200 million fine on Georgian Manganese.

Caucasus Business Week (CBW) has inquired into how investors’ rights are protected and whether investors feel genuinely comfortable in the country.

“All problems should be resolved to ensure a comfortable environment for investors and protect their interests in the country. First of all, this refers to the court system. The only solution is that the government should dismiss the current judges. They should leave the system and a new qualified and honest team should be shaped. There is no other solution,” Fady Asly, the president of the national committee of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), said in his comments on the US Ambassador Ian Kelly’s statement.

“Creating only a Court Chamber for Commercial Disputes cannot resolve problems in Georgia’s judicial system. Investors’ rights will be protected if the problems are resolved on an institutional and system-wide level,” he added.

“There are two problems in the court system. The discussion of business disputes are protracted for many years. Another problem is related to the general distrust of courts. Therefore, the formation of only a commercial chamber is not sufficient.

The whole system should be changed. No previous government has managed this, but this is possible,” said Asly.

The president of the ICC national committee agrees with Kelly that the investors’ comfort level should increase. Besides a more transparent court, Asly emphasized the importance of

direct communication with foreign investors.

“The government should keep in constant communication with foreign investors, so investors feel comfortable and protected. The government should show interest whether specific investors face any problems in business operations and offer support for their promotion. If the government shows this approach and investors feel they are protected, then, believe me, the inflow of foreign investments will increase quickly,” Asly said.

Professor of Economics Rati Abuladze said that FDI inflows to Georgia have increased to $1.86 billion from $1.6 billion over the past four years (in reality, the country needs five to six times this investment to for the economic welfare of Georgian society).

Major investor countries include Azerbaijan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, the USA, the United Arab Emirates and China. The investment activity of each country is directly related to the effect of economic diplomacy, judiciary system and administration.

Abuladze noted that the government of Georgia enhances the attractiveness of the business environment, the simplicity of doing business, the safety of the country, competitive capacity, communication with business, services and friendly investment environment. Naturally, intense efforts increase interest from businessmen and their intention to invest capital.

However, there are certain questions for some state institutions. These questions are related to political and governance aspects and to the environment, because: • Their ability to adapt to modern challenges and administer are not assessed positively; • Political conflict, activity and economic policy trajectory do not generate satisfactory results; • The reputation of institutions has not increased.

Activity on the global political arena is low, while approaches for resolving national problems only result in maintaining personal positions and relegating responsibility to others.

Increasing foreign debt has an influence on the global role of the country.

Regarding Kelly’s statement that investors feel less comfortable in Georgia because of the low qualification of judges, Abuladze said: “I would like to express gratitude for ready programs given by

friendly countries and international organizations, guidebooks for reforms, recommendations and intellectual support. However, it should be stressed that we get partly effect from these programs and reforms and the reason is not the programs or the reforms guidebooks, but their executors and responsible bodies. The fact is that problem resolution depends on the human resources of our country. These people should possess academic, reformatory and administering skills. In practice, we lack this resource in both the executive and legislative environments, not in our society.

Regretfully, it should be noted that the new energy of intelligence is paralyzed, especially as an academic and political resource, because of political and administrative resources.

Therefore, persons with questionable qualifications maintain their positions.

Finally, I would like to note that our country is able to shape a new political and governance profile (we, the new generation, hold this resource). This profile with strict political calligraphy and reformatory leverage will legitimately upgrade the image of state institutions, implement global policy, introduce domestic and foreign resources and make global cooperation effective and bilaterally beneficial.”

Paata Bairakhtari, an analyst for the Association of Young Financiers and Businessmen (AYFB) explained that if we appraise Georgia’s investment environment, despite all those components and steps taken by the Government for this sector’s development, it should be noted that this sector remains as a risk group for the investors.

“For example, we have improved positions in many ratings.

This is a positive signal, however, in the country we face such cases like the Sakdrisi situation, where 13 political parties absolutely groundlessly took part in an auction. This company was hindered in using this territory. The company wanted to use this territory for further development. Similar activities are a negative signal for investors,” Bairakhtari said.

The positive steps taken are, to a certain degree, diminished in the eyes of investors. “When an investor enters the country, they need several criteria to be satisfied, and private property inviolability is one of these criteria,” Bairakhtari said.

According to him, the government of Georgia should take counterweight steps, because the investment environment is very important.

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PR Person

March 26, 2018 #231

‘’Minimalism and simplicity are obvious trends in communication’’ - Why did you decide to enter this field, and what kind of opportunities does this profession give you?

I said yes to an opportunity which was completely new to me—I moved from sales and marketing. I was used to a very different professional algorithm, but it appeared to be a lot of fun, and I enjoy doing it more than I expected. Regarding benefits, it is perfect for broadening my network and learning about new angles of public communication.

- What is it necessary to hold successful communication with the public?

Public relations in a governmental institution like Enterprise Georgia is very peculiar and specific to the field. The main philosophy of work here is to clearly communicate with taxpayers what the agency is doing and how their taxes are spent, which is quite challenging, but exciting at the same time. Our target audience is every citizen, thus communication, which is usually about business, has to be engaging enough for a businessperson and understandable enough for a farmer.

- What three tips would you offer someone just starting out in PR? - If you are about to join the PR office of a governmental institution, then remember: 1. Journalists are your best friends. 2. The TV is your favorite device. 3. Social networks are your home. At least make sure that these do not annoy you.

Interview with Head of PR and Marketing department – LEPL Enterprise Georgia, Data Makashvili.

- What do you wish you knew before starting your career in PR? - There are many different things I wish I knew before starting to work at EG, but most of them are very particular. Generally, I think every person has PR acumen at some level, and that is much more important here than education or training. However, a good knowledge of the media environment is vital, and that is what I wish I knew better.

- Describe a typical work week.

I’ve been working at EG for just two months, and it’s hard to see patterns. Right now, we are going through rebranding, developing two web pages and drafting several new projects. So, there is no typical work at EG so far.

I hope it stays like this – diversity of tasks is important to me.

- How do you go about finding relevant contacts and sources?

My best sources of networking are LinkedIn and Facebook. We usually directly communicate with journalists and other stakeholders through Facebook, which saves a lot of time and energy.

- How would you prioritize and start your work day?

When I arrive at work, the first thing I usually do is to check the to-do list from yesterday and write one for today. Then I take care of one easiest task, to make sure that the day

starts with a win, and then I go for morning tea or coffee.

- What are the skills a Public Relations Specialist needs?

It’s all about network and communication at first, but then you need a strategic vision and the ability to sense what’s going on around your organization, which I believe can be organic but also comes with experience.

- What trait do you value the most in your co-workers?

Being genuine and honest. That is all I ask for.

What is the best PR practice that technology can’t change?

For an organization like us, it’s crucial to communicate not only the right message in the right way, but also using the right person. For example, when a random citizen is watching an interview with a governmental representative, the first thing they evaluate subconsciously is the trustworthiness and relevance of the person, because in fact, a taxpayer is an employer of the government.

What are some growing trends in the public relations industry?

Minimalism and simplicity are obvious trends in communication. Because the information around us is becoming overwhelming; we have to be very time- and energy-efficient when communicating with the public.

March 26, 2018 #231

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What Happens around RMG Political Masquerade in Opposition to Investor

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ast week at the Ministry of Economy auction, a 16-hectare plot of land was leased to the Dmanisi Survival Foundation.

The plot is located within the industrial zone of the RMG Gold company, which planned to lease this territory, but those plans were protested by the 13 opposition parties which united to form the foundation. The parties declared that they wanted to prevent the area’s lease to RMG. Giorgi Vashadze, one of the leaders of Dmanisi Survival Foundation, said the key tasks are to halt environmental pollution and protect the health of local residents.

Environmental pollution has worsened, and the health of the local population has significantly deteriorated after RMG started operation in this area, Vashadze said.

“It is an absolute catastrophe what RMG is doing. There are polluted ores, polluted waters, rivers, residents with cancer in every second family in the Dmanisi and Bolnisi Districts. Lead content in Kachreti hit 91%.

Rivers are poisoned and the fish in these rivers are inedible. These indicators have increased over the past three years. The situation has grown catastrophic in this period.

Consequently, we have engaged in this process. We have established Dmanisi Survival Foundation. They wanted to transmit the 16-hectare land plot for 15,000 USD by auction. Nowhere are similarly large amounts of land sold so cheaply, not to mention the gold deposits. A joint system has been shaped – the government conspired with a private company against the people, and in this situation we back our people,” Vashadze said.

Winning the auction is one of the ways to halt RMG’s activities, he added.

“Everybody is interested in gold production... I have offices in seven countries. Any businessmen will show interest in gold mining. Our government should just announce tender, expel RMG Gold and invite normal investors, which will protect human health... this is one of the key principles.

Participation in this auction is a mechanism to halt RMG,” Vashadze said.

RMG Gold explained that they did not plan to mine on this land plot, and that they need the territory to dispose of useless rocks. “This is a sterile territory and we did not plan to carry out mining works there,” a representative of the company said.

“Our company was interested in leasing this specific 16-hectare land plot by auction for a reasonable price. The recent developments show that they are trying to involve us in dirty political games, where there is no place for independent business. We knew in the company that the auction would become a part of absurd game staged by specific forces. Therefore, we have made the decision to participate in this process with the aim of exposing the genuine image of our rivals. Now the results are evident, and they have showed their genuine interests, and we will break away from this poorlystaged performance by loser politicians,” RMG representatives noted.

The company urged the government to protect private investors’ interests.

“We urge the government to ensure pro-

tection of private business from similar destructive forces based on legislation,” the RMG statement reads.

Meanwhile, official data from the Ministry of Health does not confirm that oncological conditions have worsened in neighboring territories as a result of RMG activities, as noted by Giorgi Vashadze, one of the leaders of the Dmanisi Survival Foundation.

According to the registry’s information, the number of oncological diseases has not increased: on the contrary, this number has slightly declined. Oncology professor Rema Ghvamichava explained that these statistics are some of the most reliable available.

“The Cancer Population Registry is acknowledged as is the most reliable source of data on oncology pathologies. The registry was prepared by the Center for Disease Control and launched in 2015. I am sure that the Cancer Registry is the most important project implemented in the past 10 years. It requires any clinic in any region of Georgia to transmit data to the Center for Disease Control if any malignant cancer pathology is revealed. This center accumulates statistics on diseases, and the Cancer Registry is the most reliable source for us. In the cancer registry Dmanisi District does not rank first.

Tbilisi is the leader in these statistics. Adjara is second, and Imereti is third. Kvemo Kartli is not mentioned in the top positions. We have no reason not to trust the data, as the Cancer Population Registry provides the most unbiased information. I have no motivation to trust rumors. I trust only facts,” Rema Ghvamichava said.

Economic expert Andria Gvidiani says that much responsibility is laid on political parties and public organizations, because the matter involves one of the major investors in Georgia.

“Any investment is of crucial importance for the economic development of the country. I do not think it is correct when a purposeful campaign is carried out against investors, or even more so, when political parties participate in this process and this campaign receives mercantile interests.

This is categorically unaccepted and any investment that is implemented in the country and promotes economic development should be maximally protected.”

“I believe both the government and public forces or political parties should be interested supporting business and carrying out business-oriented policy. Naturally, the campaign against RMG serves the interest of a specific group. Naturally, toasts are mainly voiced around the issue, and we lack rational discussion, which is categorically unacceptable,” Gvidiani said.

business

10 Lowest and Highest-paid Fields in Georgia

Four-Star Hotel to Open in Kvareli

According to Geostat, national statistics service of Georgia, in the fourth quarter of 2017, the averaged monthly salary of employees made up 1141 GEL. As compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, the averaged salary has increased by 7%. The figure has increased by 6.7% as compared to the third quarter of 2017. The highest salaries were registered in the construction sector – 1979 GEL. The finance sector is second with 1772 GEL and the sector of real estate operations, leasing and consumer services is third – 1536 GEL. According to Geostat indicators, averaged salary in mining sector is 1364 GEL and in fishing industry – 1158 GEL. The lowest salaries are reported in the education sector – 631 GEL. Salaries in hotels and restaurants field is 867 GEL and in processing industry – 999 GEL.

RMG – We Break away from Poorly Staged Performance of Loser Politicians!

In regard to the March 20 auction, our company was interested to buy the specific 16 hectare land plot in Dmanisi District by auction only for reasonable price.

Amid the recent developments there are attempts to involve us in dirty political games, where there is no place for independent business! We knew in the company that the process of auction would become a part of absurd game staged by specific forces. Consequently, we have taken a decision to participate in this process to expose the genuine face of our rivals. Now the results are evident and their genuine interests have been revealed and we break away from this poorly staged performance of loser politicians. We urge the Government to use legal mechanisms to ensure protection of private business from interference of political and even more so destructive forces!

Zedazeni Launches Production of Scandinavian Beer RAGNAR PILSNER Zedazeni company has launched production of new Scandinavian beer RAGNAR PILSNER. The company representatives say that beer was created for leaders and lovers of special beer taste.

This product occupies a special place in the company portfolio.

RAGNAR PILSNER is Scandinavian PILSNER-type bright beer with 5% alcohol content, with light aroma of malt and hops.

The new product will be sold in 0.33, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 2.5 liter packing and its price will range from 2.4 GEL to 7.5 GEL.

March 26, 2018 #231

Corporation Kindzmarauli will build a 4-star hotel in Kvareli, namely in Duruji gorge, Corporation Kindzmarauli director general Nugzar Ksovreli told BM.Ge. The company has been actively developing wine tourism and the new hotel is its new project.

“We are building the second hotel. We have already bought the site. We are developing the project and Dutch specialists are working on it. This is a four-star hotel with 40 suites. The hotel will comprise a spa-sauna, swimming pool, events hall, playground and so on. The hotel infrastructure will be located on huge territory. About 2 million USD will be invested in the initial phase.

Hotel and events hall will be arranged in the first stage. The construction works will end in two years. We have one hotel and certain experience in this direction. Therefore, we will assume management of this hotel”, Nugzar Ksovreli said.

Corporation Kindzmarauli owns a 26suite hotel Chateau Kvareli with a bar and restaurant in Kvareli, near the winemaking company. The company also owns a hostel with 40 beds and serves the cheap segment, mainly students.

Colliers International Georgia has completed the development concept for the planned extension of City Mall Saburtalo The work carried out by the property consultant included the analyses of the existing tenant mix and schedule of accommodation, review of the floor plans and circulation of the proposed development and the assessment of the transport infrastructure in place, as well as recommendation to its improvement. Within the instruction, Colliers has studied the retail market of Tbilisi and proposed the development concept for the upcoming shopping mall.

‘City Mall Saburtalo is planned to become the largest shopping destination in the city centre and will offer its customers full brand variety present on Georgian market. Given the planning of such a development is a complex assignment and the price of mistake is huge, we have decided to involve experts in this field as our consultants. Colliers has helped us develop a concept that corresponds to latest international trends and standards’ – Mindia Sabanadze, the founder of IG Development, has stated

The final report included the proposed tenant category and brand mix as well as the floor-by-floor schedule of retail acoommodation ‘We have involved the development consulting team from Colliers UK in the review of the floor plans and circulation of the proposed development. Our office frequently cooperates with London and other western European offices in order to bring global expertise to Georgian market“ – Levan Gvaramadze, the head of development consulting at Colliers International Georgia, has stated.

The extension project of City Mall Saburtalo counts approx.

45,000 m2 of retail area that, combined with the existing centre, creates approx. 56,000 m2 of retail accommodation in the city cente of Tbilisi. The extension is spread on four trading floors including three retail and the entire floor dedicated to F&B and entertainment. The parking facility is planned to accommodate 1,250 vehicles. The development of the extension is already under way.

Niamori- Exclusively Engraved Wine Economist brothers Zaza Gelashvili and Giorgi Bochorishvili decided to enter wine market in 2016 and offered premium product- exclusively engraved wine- ”Niamori” to audience.

Giorgi Bochorishvili, Director and Co-founder of Niamori shared about company branding, target audience and future with Marketer: What is the concept of Niamori brand?

Inspiration of our logo design is 6th-7th century ornament engraved on Tetritskaro cathedral, and we focused on visual. As for mini engrave, we accidentally found out about this system and got into it, so that it is our brand’s uniqueness.

What types of wines do you produce?

We produce Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Tsinandali, Khvanchkara and Kindzmarauli.

Besides, we have Saperavi in 4 different sizes of bottles: 0.75 l, 1.5 l, 3 l and 5 l. Summing up, there are 8 positions and 5 types.

Who is your target audience?

Our quality is premium, so that our segment is medium and high-income people.

Which channels do you use for realization?

Our product is realized in retail stores throughout Tbilisi and via Facebook, we receive individual orders on engraving logos and titles, and then we bring a ready product.

March 26, 2018 #231

travel in georgia

New Gudauri Successful Resort in Georgia You are in the mountain resort just about 120 kilometres from Tbilisi. Every season of the year has its own attractiveness in here - coolness in summer, constant snow and skiing in winter, snowy and greenish environment in spring and autumn - mixture of green, yellow and white colors. This is a four-season resort Gudauri.

The resort is 2190 metres above the sea level and it’s not the same as it was 10 years ago.

The resort is actively visited by tourists and Bloomberg names Gudauri among the 5 best skiing places.

Gudauri is receiving lots of attention from the government and the private sector. Since 2012, this privately owned real estate development company Red-co is actively investing in the resort infrastructure, developing ski in/ ski out residential, and hotel accomodation, leisure and other tourist facilities and services, which makes Gudauri mixed use, multifunctional all-season resort.

Red-co owns 50 hectares in New Gudauri area, which according to 10-year development plan elaborated by the international ski resort planning company (Ecosign) will create 4200 additional beds at the resort.

Since 2012, five apart-hotels have been already build and are being managed by Red-co. The company sells the apartments in those aparthotels, which are then successfully rented to tourists, especially when the number of visitors in Gudauri increases from year to year.

In Gudauri, tourists can either rent private apartments from individual owners, or book hotel apartments from New Gudauri Resort Residences & Spa managed by Red-co Management Group.

“Development of multifunctional, welldesigned infrastructure and good operation practices make Gudauri an attractive resort and creating appropriate environment already has begun. New Gudauri is becoming a place where tourists can enjoy comfortable accomodation, after-ski wellness and spa, variety

of restaurants and entertainment places, even luxury shopping...

Our goal is to make Gudauri known not only as a skiing destination, but a 4-season resort, which will attract even more people as weekend visitors and long-stay tourists during summer as well”, - said Maya Bichikashvili Chief Marketing Officer of Red-co.

Maya Bichikashvili also says that the resort can’t be successful without proper planning and appropriate infrastructure including hotels, restaurants, entertainment, recreational facilities and cultural programming. Bringing big names and international brands to Gudauri is a part of the company strategy. One of the turning factors in New Gudauri will be the opening of the first five-star Radisson Blu Gudauri Mountain Resort in 2019-2020 season.

Meanwhile new places are added to the resort every season to create enjoyable after ski experiences - Restaurants “MEATLOAF” and “Saperavi” offer live music and delicious Georgian and mixed European food.

Those, who want to test their luck in gambling, there is GUDAURI CASINO working until 4 am and offering bar and hookah lounge.

Red-co Spa Center offers tourists different procedures for removing stress. Guests can take a massage and different procedures. The spa center also includes a closed pool and a fully equipped fitness center.

New Gudauri welcomed the top designer fashion brand BOGNER’s latest sport collection in fabulously renovated store “Besplended” located in the building at Gondola square.

Overall, during 2012-2017, Red-co investment in New Gudauri reached 45 million dollars, which includes 5 completed projects and additional 5 currently buing constructed at this moment.

But this is only the beginning of the large-scale resort development project. New projects from “Red-co” are expected to begin this year in the southern part of the village with 8 additional mixed-use residential and hotel buildings.

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world

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Europe Said to Be Close to Exemption on Trump Metal Tariffs

Azerbaijan imports more tea from Russia Azerbaijan, being known as a country where tea is a favorite beverage of the population, is largely involved in export and import of this product. Over the past three years, Russia has increased export of tea products to Azerbaijan by 60 percent, to 640 tons per year, Retail.ru website reported referring to Ramaz Chanturia, director general of the Russian Association of Tea and Coffee Producers.

He said that for a long time Azerbaijani distributors showed no interest in importing Russian tea, however, the Association has been negotiating over the past 5-6 years to correct this situation.

In general, Russia increased tea exports to $41.1 million in 2017, according to the website. The main importers of Russian tea are Ukraine (2,300 tons in 2017), Moldova (about 1,000 tons), Poland, Germany, Latvia (less than 0,500 tons in total) and Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is among the leading countries in terms of tea consumption per capita. Therefore, the country attracts the attention of tea-exporting countries. However, Azerbaijan not only imports, but also exports tea.

The State Program for the Development of Tea Industry for 2018-2027 was signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The state program is to develop tea growing, increase the export potential in this industry, and ensure the employment of rural population.

Tea harvesting is planned to be increased by 10.96 times in Azerbaijan by 2027. The implementation of the state program will make it possible to increase the area of t​​ ea plantations up to 3,000 hectares and tea harvesting – 8,500 tons. This will greatly reduce import dependence, as well as increase the export potential of this sector. Azerbaijan is the largest tea producer among the CIS countries.

This applies not only to black tea varieties, but also to green ones. For the first time, small tea plantations yielded crops at the end of the 19th century in the South Caucasus region of Azerbaijan, but the development of local tea growing started only in 1932.

Armenia to exclude double taxation with Israel, Kyrgyzstan the Seychelles and Uzbekistan The government of Armenia has approved today an agreement on the exclusion of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion with respect to property and income taxes signed with Israel on July 25, 2017.

Minister of Finance Vardan Aramyan said the purpose of the agreement is to eliminate double taxation in foreign trade between the two states, to prevent tax discrimination against economic entities of the parties, to exclude double taxation on property and income, and to create a predictable and stable tax environment for businesses. Armenia has already ratified similar agreements with 46 countries. Three more such agreements will be signed with Kyrgyzstan, the Seychelles, and Uzbekistan later this year.According to the ministry of finance, before 2022 Armenia will sign similar agreements with 8 more countries and will offer the USA to sign it.

The European Union believes it’s on track to be exempted from imminent U.S. tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum, dialing down the risk of a trans-Atlantic trade war.

European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom ended two days of talks in Washington with the hope of a U.S. pledge to exclude the EU from the import duties of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum, four EU officials said Thursday on the condition of anonymity. The levies initially were set to take effect on Friday. “Cecilia Malmstrom had a good, very fruitful visit to Washington,” commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen said in a Bloomberg Television interview on Thursday. “We have good opportunities now to solve the issue and stabilize, or calm down, the problem.” The upbeat assessment came as the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, briefed ambassadors from the bloc’s 28 national governments about the issue in Brussels. EU leaders are scheduled to discuss the results of Malmstrom’s visit to Washington at a

gathering later Thursday in the Belgian capital.

President Donald Trump earlier this month announced the protectionist measures on national-security grounds, signaled Canada, Mexico and Australia would be excluded and gave his top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, scope to work out exemptions for more countries by March 23. Not exempt is China, which may also face an additional $50 billion of U.S. tariffs over intellectual-property violations, a person familiar with that matter said. The value of the tariffs was based on U.S. estimates of damage caused by intellectual-property theft, the person said.

The EU expects the Trump administration to make an announcement later Thursday about an exclusion for the bloc from the metal tariffs, two of the European officials said.

The EU has been scrambling for a waiver while warning that a failure to gain one would lead to a tit-for-tat response on 2.8 billion euros ($3.5 billion) of imports of U.S. goods including Harley-Davidson Inc. motorcycles, Levi Strauss & Co. jeans and bourbon whiskey.

No sign of relief for Facebook shares after Zuckerberg apology

China blames U.S. for staggering trade surplus as tariffs loom China blamed U.S. export restrictions for its record trade surplus with the United States, but expressed hope that a solution can be found to settle trade issues between the world’s two biggest economies as U.S. tariffs loom.

Beijing was bracing on Thursday for an announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump of tariffs of as much as $60 billion on Chinese imports, raising fears that the two countries could be sliding towards a trade war.

The tariffs will be imposed under Section 301 of the 1974 U.S. Trade Act, focusing on Chinese high-tech goods.

Trump says Beijing has forced U.S. firms to transfer their intellectual property to China as a cost of doing business there.

Washington is also pressing China to reduce its staggering $375 billion trade surplus with the United States by $100 billion. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said it was unfair to throw around criticism about unfair trade if the United States won’t sell to China what it wants to buy, referring to U.S. export controls on some high-tech products.

“How many soybeans should China buy that are equal to one Boeing aircraft?

Or, if China buys a certain number of Boeing aircraft should the U.S. buy an equal number of C919s?” Hua said,

mentioning China’s new self-developed passenger jet.

However, China still hopes it can hold constructive talks with the United States in a spirit of mutual respect to seek a win-win solution, she added.

U.S. agricultural exports to China stood at $19.6 billion last year, with soybean shipments accounting for $12.4 billion.

Chinese penalties on U.S. soybeans will especially hurt Iowa, the state that backed Trump in the 2016 presidential elections and is home to U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad.

Some Americans believe that China can’t find a substitute for U.S. soybeans, but that’s an “arrogant and naive” idea, China’s Global Times said in an editorial on Thursday.

The widely read state-run tabloid is run by the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily, though its stance does not necessarily equate with Chinese government policy.

Boeing (BA.N) jets have also been often cited as a potential target by China, which has been developing the C919 as part of its civil aerospace ambitions.

The U.S. plane manufacturer, which has the biggest market share in China, said last year it expects China to buy more than 7,000 Boeing jets worth $1.1 trillion over the 20 years to 2036.

Shares of Facebook Inc fell 3 percent in premarket trading on Thursday as an apology from Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg did little to quell Wall Street nerves about how much a row over user data privacy will cost the company.

Zuckerberg on Wednesday promised tougher steps to restrict developers’ access to user information, his first response to allegations that London-based political consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed data to build profiles on American voters and influence the 2016 presidential election.

Analysts from several brokerages expressed relief that there were no signs in Zuckerberg’s status update on the row or in subsequent interviews of a more fundamental shift in the company’s advertising-driven revenue model.

Facebook shares, however, have fallen for two of the last three days, knocking nearly $46 billion off its market value, and some analysts said it was clear the company would have to carry extra costs to shore up its reputation in the months ahead.

Technology stocks have fallen along with Facebook this week as investors worried the row was likely to lead to much tighter scrutiny of global platforms like Google, Twitter and Snapchat.

“We expect more cautious FB investors to point to the potential for FB to spend more this year due to these increased safeguards... which will hold back earnings power,” Morgan Stanley’s Brian Nowak said in a morning note.

Stifel analyst Scott Devitt was the fourth major Wall Street name to cut his price target on Facebook, by $27 to $168, saying the uncertainty generated by the row demanded a higher discount.

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March 26, 2018 #231

March 26, 2018 #231

Embassy United States of America Embassy 11 Balanchivadze St., Dighomi Dstr., Tbilisi Tel: 27-70-00, 53-23-34 E-mail: tbilisivisa@state.gov; askconsultbilisi@state.gov United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Embassy 51 Krtsanisi Str., Tbilisi, Tel: 227-47-47 E-mail: british.embassy.tbilisi@fco.gov.uk Republic of France Embassy 49, Krtsanisi Str. Tbilisi, Tel: 272 14 90 E-mail: ambafrance@access.sanet.ge Web-site: www.ambafrance-ge.org Federal Republic of Germany Embassy 20 Telavi St. Tbilisi Tel: 44 73 00, Fax: 44 73 64 Italian RepublicEmbassy 3a Chitadze St, Tbilisi, Tel: 299-64-18, 292-14-62, 292-18-54 E-mail: embassy.tbilisi@esteri.it Republic of Estonia Embassy 4 Likhauri St., Tbilisi, Tel: 236-51-40 E-mail: tbilisisaatkond@mfa.ee Republic of Lithuania Embassy 25 Tengiz Abuladze St, Tbilisi Tel: 291-29-33 E-mail: amb.ge@urm.lt Republic of Latvia Embassy 16 Akhmeta Str., Avlabari, 0144 Tbilisi.

E-mail: embassy.georgia@mfa.gov.lv Greece Republic Embassy 37. Tabidze St. Tbilisi Tel: 91 49 70, 91 49 71, 91 49 72 Czech RepublicEmbassy 37 Chavchavadze St. Tbilisi ;Tel: 291-67-40/41/42 E-mail: czechembassy@gol.ge Web-sait: www.mzv.cz Japan Embassy 7 Krtsanisi St. Tbilisi Tel: +995 32 2 75 21 11, Fax: +995 32 2 75 21 20 Kingdom of Sweden Embassy 15 Kipshidze St. Tbilisi Tel: +995 32 2 55 03 20 , Fax: +995 32 2 22 48 90 Kingdom of the Netherlands Embassy Pixel Center, 34, Ilia Chavchavadze Ave. 3rd floor Tel: +995 32 227 62 00 People’s Republic of China Embassy 52 Barnov St. Tbilisi Tel: 225-22-86, 225-21-75, 225-26-70 E-mail: zhangling@access.sanet.ge Republic of Bulgaria Embassy 15 Gorgasali Exit, 0105 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: +995 32 291 01 94; +995 32 291 01 95 Fax: +99 532 291 02 70 Republic of Hungary Embassy 83 Lvovi Street, Tbilisi Tel: 39 90 08; E-mail: hunembtbs@gmail.com State of Israel Embassy 61 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tbilisi Tel: 95 17 09, 94 27 05 Embassy of Swiss Confederation’s Russian Federation Interests Section Embassy 51 Chavchavadze Av., Tbilisi Tel: 291-26-45, 291-24-06, 225-28-03 E-mail: RussianEmbassy@Caucasus.net Ukraine Embassy 76-g Chavchavadze Ave., Tbilisi Tel: 231-11-61, 231-14-54 E-mail: emb_ge@mfa.gov.ua Consular Agency: 71, Melikishvili St., Batumi Tel: (8-88-222) 3-16-00/ 3-14-78 Republic of Turkey Embassy 35 Chavchavadze Ave., Tbilisi Tel: 225-20-72/73/74/76 embassy.tbilisi@mfa.gov.tr Consulate General in Batumi 9 Ninoshvili Street, Batumi Tel: 422 25 58 00 consulate.batumi@mfa.gov.tr Republic of Azerbaijan Embassy Kipshidze II-bl . N1., Tbilisi Tel: 225-26-39, 225-35-26/27/28 E-mail: tbilisi@mission.mfa.gov.az Address: Dumbadze str. 14, Batumi Tel: 222-7-67-00; Fax: 222-7-34-43 Republic of Armenia Embassy 4 Tetelashvili St. Tbilisi Tel: 95-94-43, 95-17-23, 95-44-08 Kingdom of Spain Embassy Rustaveli Ave. 24, I floor, Tbilisi Tel: 230-54-64 E-mail: emb.tiflis@maec.esRomania Embassy 7 Kushitashvili St., Tbilisi Tel: 38-53-10; 25-00-98/97 E-mail: ambasada@caucasus.net Republic of Poland Embassy

Tbilisi Guide Oniashvili str. 24, Tbilisi Tel.: +995322 920398; Fax: +995322 920397 Email:tbilisi.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl Web-site: www.tbilisi.polemb.net Republic of Iraq Embassy Kobuleti str. 16, Tbilisi Tel: 291 35 96; 229 07 93 E-mail: iraqiageoemb@yahoo.com Federative Republic of Brazil Embassy Chanturia street 6/2, Tbilisi Tel.: +995-32-293-2419 Fax.: +995-32-293-2416 Islamic Republic of Iran Embassy 80, I.Chavchavadze St. Tbilisi, Tel: 291-36-56, 291-36-58, 291-36-59, 291-36-60; Fax: 291-36-28 E-mail: iranemb@geo.net.ge United Nations Office Address: 9 Eristavi St. Tbilisi Tel: 225-11-26/28, 225-11-29/31 Fax: 225-02-71/72 E-mail: registry.geo@undp.org Web-site: www.undp.org International Monetary Fund Office Address : 4 Freedom Sq., GMT Plaza, Tbilisi Tel: 292-04-32/33/34 E-mail: kdanelia@imf.org Web-site: www.imf.ge Asian Development Bank Georgian Resident Mission Address: 1, G. Tabidze Street

Freedom Square 0114 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: +995 32 225 06 19 e-mail: adbgrm@adb.org; Web-site: www.adb.org World Bank Office Address : 5a Chavchavadze Av., lane-I, Tbilisi, Georgia ; Tel: 291-30-96, 291-26-89/59 Web-site: www.worldbank.org.ge Regional Office of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Address: 6 Marjanishvili St. Tbilisi Tel: 244 74 00, 292 05 13, 292 05 14 Web-site: www.ebrd.com Representation of the Council of Europe in Georgia Address : 26 Br. Kakabadze, Tbilisi Tel: 995 32 291 38 70/71/72/73 Fax: 995 32 291 38 74 Web-site: www.coe.ge Embassy of the Slovak Republic Address: Chancery: 85 Irakli Abashidze St. Tbilisi, 0162 Georgia Consular Office: 38 Nino Chkheidze St. Tbilisi, 0102 Georgia Phone: 2 222 4437, 2 296 1913 e-mail: emb.tbilisi@mzv.sk European Investment Bank Regional Representation for the South Caucasus Address: 1,G.Tabidze Street, Freedom Square Phone: +995 322 006284 Embassy of The Republic of Korea 12, Titsian Tabidze Str. Tbilisi 0179, Geogia Tel: (995 32) 297 03 18; 297 03 20; Fax: (995 32) 242 74 40; Email: georgia@mofa.go.kr

Hotels in Georgia TBILISI MARRIOTT Tbilisi , 13 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 77 92 00, www.marriott.com COURTYARD MARRIOTT Tbilisi , 4 Freedom Sq. Tel: 77 91 00 www.marriott.com RADISSON BLU HOTEL, TBILISI Rose Revolution Square 1 0108, Tbilisi Tel: +995 32 402200 radissonblu.com/hotel-tbilisi RADISSON BLU HOTEL, BATUMI Ninoshvili Str. 1, 6000 Bat’umi, Georgia Tel: 8 422255555 http://radissonblu.com/hotel-batumi SHERATON METECHI PALACE Tbilisi , 20 Telavi St. Tel: 77 20 20, www.starwoodhotels.com Holiday Inn Tbilisi Business hotel Addr: 1, 26 May Square Tel: +995 32 230 00 99 E-mail: info@hi-tbilisi.com Website: http://www.hi-tbilisi.com River Side Hotel With incredible service and views Addr: Mari Brosse street turn, Old Tbilisi.

Tel: +995 32 2242244; +995 32 2242288 Fax: +995 32 2 242277 Email: info@riverside.ge Website: www.riverside.ge

Restaurants Corner House Tbilisi, I. Chavchavadze ave. 10, Tel: 0322 47 00 49; Email: contact@cornerhouse.ge Restaurant Barakoni Restaurant with healthy food.

Georgian-European Cuisine Agmashenebeli Alley 13th Phone: 555 77 33 77 www.barakoni.com CHARDIN 12 Tbilisi , 12 Chardin St. , Tel: 92 32 38 Cafe 78 Best of the East and the West Lado Asatiani 33, SOLOLAKI 032 2305785; 574736290 BREAD HOUSE Tbilisi , 7 Gorgasali St. , Tel: 30 30 30 BUFETTI - ITALIAN RESTAURANT Tbilisi , 31 I. Abashidze St. , Tel: 22 49 61 DZVELI SAKHLI Tbilisi , 3 Right embankment , Tel: 92 34 97, 36 53 65, Fax: 98 27 81 IN THE SHADOW OF METEKHI Tbilisi , 29a Tsamebuli Ave. , Tel: 77 93 83, Fax: 77 93 83 SAKURA - JAPANESE RESTAURANT Tbilisi , 29 I. Abashidze St. , Tel: 29 31 08, Fax: 29 31 08 SIANGAN - CHINESE RESTAURANT Tbilisi , 41 Peking St , Tel: 37 96 88 VERA STEAK HOUSE Tbilisi , 37a Kostava St , Tel: 98 37 67 BELLE DE JOUR 29 I. Abashidze str, Tbilisi; Tel: (+995 32) 230 30 30 VONG 31 I. Abashidze str, Tbilisi Tel: (+995 32) 230 30 30 BRASSERIE L’EXPRESS 14 Chardin str, Tbilisi Tel: (+995 32) 230 30 30 TWO SIDE PARTY CLUB 7 Bambis Rigi, Tbilisi Tel: (+995 32) 230 30 30

Cinemas AKHMETELI Tbilisi. “Akhmeteli” Subway Station Tel: 58 66 69 AMIRANI Tbilisi. 36 Kostava St. Tel: 99 99 55, RUSTAVELI Tbilisi. 5 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 92 03 57, 92 02 85, SAKARTVELO Tbilisi. 2/9 Guramishvili Ave. Tel: 8 322308080,

15 SH. RUSTAVELI STATE THEATRE Tbilisi. 17 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 93 65 83, Fax: 99 63 73 TBILISI STATE MARIONETTE THEATRE Tbilisi. 26 Shavteli St. Tel: 98 65 89, Fax: 98 65 89 Z. PALIASHVILI TBILISI STATE THEATRE OF OPERA AND BALLET Tbilisi. 25 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 98 32 49, Fax: 98 32 50

Galleries ART GALLERY LINE Tbilisi. 44 Leselidze St. BAIA GALLERY Tbilisi. 10 Chardin St. Tel: 75 45 10 GALLERY Tbilisi. 12 Erekle II St. Tel: 93 12 89

75 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tbilisi Tel: 577 18 27 87 Email: hostelmtevnebi@yahoo.com

GSS Car rental offers a convenient service for those who are interested in renting car in Georgia. Rental fleet mainly consist of Japanese made SUV’s, the company has various models of cars including sedans and minivans which are in good technical condition.

Contact information: Email: info@gsservices.ge.

Address: Shalva Dadiani 10

Limelight Travel info Center Address: 13 Sioni Street, 0105, Tbilisi (at the end of Shardeni Street) Phone: +995 322 999 123 E-mail: info@limelight.ge Web-page: www.limelight.ge Facebook page: www.facebook.com/limelight.ge

Theatres A. GRIBOEDOV RUSSIAN STATE DRAMA THEATRE Tbilisi. 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 93 58 11, Fax: 93 31 15 INDEPENDENT THEATRE Tbilisi. 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 98 58 21, Fax: 93 31 15 K. MARJANISHVILI STATE ACADEMIC THEATRE Tbilisi. 8 Marjanishvili St. Tel: 95 35 82, Fax: 95 40 01 M. TUMANISHVILI CINEMA ACTORS THEATRE Tbilisi. 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 35 31 52, 34 28 99, Fax: 35 01 94 METEKHI – THEATRE OF GEORGIAN NATIONAL BALLET Tbilisi. 69 Balanchivadze St. Tel: (99) 20 22 10 MUSIC AND DRAMATIC STATE THEATRE Tbilisi. 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 34 80 90, Fax: 34 80 90 NABADI - GEORGIAN FOLKLORE THEATRE Tbilisi. 19 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 98 99 91 S. AKHMETELI STATE DRAMATIC THEATRE Tbilisi. 8 I. Vekua St. Tel: 62 59 73

The Best Georgian Honey of chestnuts,acacia and lime flowers from the very hart of Adjara Matchakhela gorge in the network of Goodwill, Nikora and smart

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March 26, 2018 #231