Caucasus Business Week #249

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August 6, 2018 - www.cbw.ge

#249

WEEK

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Consuming Marijuana Officially Legalized in Georgia

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Myway Airlines Plans to Transform Tbilisi International Airport into Hub

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What Railway Transport College Offers to Students

Economic Growth Pace Declines June Records 4% Upturn in GDP

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Consuming Marijuana Officially Legalized in Georgia The Constitutional Court of Georgia has released a statement on the decision made today regarding the use of marijuana, effectively abolishing administrative punishment for the use of the drug.

Nikoloz Chikovani: Recultivation Process Started in Chiatura Nikoloz Chikovani, Special Manager of Georgian Manganese, said that the process of recultivation of the Chiatura mines has begun, according to which several miners have already been recruited, planted grass and trees.

Tbilisi Transport Company to Launch General Overhaul at Station Square Tbilisi Transport Company has already announced tender for preparing design documentation for general overhaul of Station Square.

Austria to Share Experience of Developing Grassroots Sport Strategy with Georgia On 8–9 August, officials from the Ministry of Culture and Sport of Georgia will visit Austria to learn about the country’s experience in the development of a grassroots sports strategy, as well as methods for its implementation and possible problems to be taken into account.

Prime Minister: Georgia will Succeed Eradicating Hepatitis C Entirely in 2020 “We will complete the effective introduction of strategy to fight against Hepatitis C in 2020 and Georgia may be the first country to succeed in eradicating the virus-born disease in terms of its elimination and full eradication” noted Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia in his speech delivered at a key-note event marking the World Hepatitis Day (WHD).

Tourism Infrastructure to be Arranged Near Motsameta Monastery Tourism infrastructure will be arranged at Motsameta Monastery, in which 1,4 million GEL will be invested.

47% of Exported Georgian Honey Go to Japan 47% of exports Georgian honey go to Japan. Georgian honey is also exported to United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia.

Georgia Ranked 18th in Best European Countries for Business Rating According to the rating of “Best European Countries for Business 2018” Georgia ranks 18th among 46 European countries.

IBM Becomes Official Partner for Silicon Valley Tbilisi Challenge

Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvli Makes History By Winning First APT Trophy in Hamburg Nikoloz Basilashvili became the first Georgian to win an ATP World Tour title with a 6-4, 0-6, 7-5 win over defending champion Leonardo Mayer of Argentina on Sunday at the German Championships.

IBM company has become an official partner for Silicon Valley Tbilisi Challenge VOL3, the third students hackathon.

The Editorial Board Follows Press Freedom Principles Publisher: LLC Caucasian Business Week - CBW Director: Levan Beglarishvili WWW.CBW.GE Address: Aleksidze Street 1 Sales: Mob: +995 591 01 39 36 Email: caucasianbusiness@gmail.com Editor: Nutsa Galumashvili. Mobile phone: 595 380382 Copy Editor: Ellie Rambo Reporters: Nina Gomarteli; Mariam Kopaliani; Merab Janiashvili, Economic columnist: Andria Gvidiani; Technical Assistant: Giorgi Kheladze;

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Economic Growth Pace Declines June Records 4% Upturn in GDP The month of June saw a slight slowdown in economic growth pace, compared to May. Namely, in May GDP grew by 7.5% and this is a record figure for Georgia over the past years. According to preliminary report by Geostat, national statistics service of Georgia, in June 2018 real GDP growth pace constituted 4%, compared to the same period of 2017.

Averaged real growth in the second quarter of 2018 made up 6%, while real growth in January-June 2018 totaled 5.7%.

According to early report

by Geostat, in June 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, a significant growth was recorded in the sectors of transport, hotels and restaurants, finance and trade fields.

According to Minister of Finance Nikoloz Gagua, in June, compared to May, the economic growth declined because of development sector. Gagua noted at the briefing that a new, European and ecological standards are being established in the development sector. Ministry of Finance expects the dynamics to get improved in the devel-

opment sector. As to positive factors affecting the growth, exports and tourism occupy the major ratio, Gagua said. As to the sectors, high growth was recorded in June in the fields of transport, finances, hotels and restaurants.

It is noteworthy that a number indicators improved in the first two quarters of 2018. For example, According to Geostat, in January-June, foreign trade turnover rose by 24.5% to 5.986 billion USD. In this period exports annual growth made up 28.8% and reached 1.59 billion USD, while imports increased by 23% to 4.39 billion USD. Moreover, in June 727 385 international travelers visited Georgia, Giorgi Chogovadze, head of national tourism administration noted. Tbilisi and Adjara are leaders in number of tourists. The most part of tourists in June arrived from Russian Federation, according to the National Tourism Administration.

In June 2018, 727 385 international tourists arrived in Georgia, up 13.8% compared to the same period of 2017. International vis-

itors paid 606 792 visits to the country, up 14.2%.

Number of tourist visits made up 399 989, up 68 550 visitors compared to June 2017 (+20.7%). The most number of visits of international visitors was recorded from Russia (+27.5%), Azerbaijan (+10%), Armenia (-5.5%) and Turkey (+14.7%).

In 2018 the economic growth due to the months is as follows: January - 4.4% February - 5.5% March - 5.6% April - 6.5% May - 7.5% June - 4% Averaged – 5.7% As noted above, 28% upturn in exports has made positive affect on economic growth, as well as 10% growth in turnover of VAT payer companies. However, compared to May, turnover of VAT payer companies has declined.

Negative impact on GDP growth was made by deceleration of construction paces. Ministry of Finance expects that dynamics in development sector will be improved in several months.

Rapid Estimations of Economic Growth, 2018 Y-O-Y (%) 8

7.5 6.5

6 4 2

0

6.0

5.3 4.0

5.7

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Tobacco Law Mismatches

36 EU Instructions out of 39 Ones

Last week the parliament's health committee took decision on revision of Tobacco Law. The issue is of the clause, under which smoking is banned along the whole perimeter of clinics and educational facilities. Under the current regulations, smoking is banned on the territory of clinics and universities and it sets such serious sanctions as stripping clinics of licenses. Experts and nongovernmental organizations expressed their negative attitude to this regulation from the first stage of the bill discussions, because, on the one hand, it is difficult to enforce this regulation and, on the other hand, it set serious problems to other facilities.

However, the bill comprises many other defects, which have created serious problems to the private sector.

For example, the bill lacks for economic analysis and it dooms part of businesses to bankruptcy, while another party faced problems and turned out in noncompetitive condition. The issue is of subparagraph E of article 10 of Tobacco Law, under which exceptions are made for casinos and smoking is barred in all other gambling facilities. As a result, a number of gamble game facilities have turned out in uncompetitive condition. Moreover, no economic analysis was provided for legislative regulation, under which, smoking is permitted in the so-called cigar bars, which are only several ones all over Georgia, while smoking was barred in Chilim bars. The mentioned decision set unequal conditions for various businesses and doomed tens of chilim bars for bankruptcy.

Technical drawbacks in the law also create serious problems to the private sector. For example, the Georgian legislation has determined 9 signs of pictographs and obliges companies

to indicate them on tobacco products, which are sold on the domestic market. Since free trade outlets the so-called Duty Free outlets are located on the territory of Georgia, the mentioned regulation apply to the mentioned outlets too. The Duty Free products are for visitors leaving the country and these products cannot get within the country. Many countries has made exceptions for Duty Free spaces and the existing regulations do not apply to tobacco products for domestic sales and do not apply to Duty Free outlets.

Major tobacco manufacturing companies differentiate a distribution of tobacco products on domestic market from distribution of tobacco products in sales outlets. Consequently, companies use different pictographs for Duty Free network, but the Tobacco law enforced in May does not enable this and this factor creates serious problems to business. Similar problems arose in other countries too, but unlike Georgia, they made changes to the bill before its adoption.

It is also very important that the most part of interpretations in the tobacco Law do not comply with EU instructions for Tobacco Products and this is categorically unacceptable for EU statute, which obliges all signing countries to implement EU Tobacco Control Law without changes.

The mentioned information was unveiled by Association of Young Financiers and Businessmen (AYFB).

Under AYFB research, Tobacco Law mismatches 36 EU regulations of 39 ones and the organization expresses indignation regarding the law defects and urges Government of Georgia and Business Ombudsman's Office to show interest in these legislative drawbacks.

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Myway Airlines Plans to Transform Tbilisi International Airport into Hub Recently-founded airline Myway Airlines has entered the Georgian aviation market with quite ambitious plans. By the end of 2018 the airline will launch flights to European countries.

In his interview with AviaNews, Igor Aptsiauri, commercial director of the airline, talks about the company plans and operation details.

When have you taken first steps in aviation sector? Why have you decided to continue career in aviation sector and what way have you passed to reach success?

My career in aviation sector started at AirBaltic head office in Latvia in 2006, where I was “poisoned” by this field and still remain in this sector. I cannot imagine myself without aviation today. I have not met person in aviation, who would have left it.

I have also worked for TUI Group, which unites several sectors and is one of the directions in aviation. After this, I have worked in airBaltic for 5 years, where I gained experience in many departments and then I moved to Doha, to the head office of Qatar Airways. I am happy that I was the first person from Georgia and the whole region, who started working in head offices of TUI, AirBaltic and Qatar Airways.

Does foreign airlines show interest in Georgiaeducated staff and how frequently is Georgian knowledge and experience is exported abroad?

Aviation is a rapidly-growing sector. New airlines are established every year, new destinations are outlined, passenger turnover grows and in this situation there is huge demand for pilots, technical staff and engineers worldwide. Georgia always had good pilots and technical staff and even today there is much demand for our pilots and technical staff and I am happy that in many famous airlines Georgian professionals reach huge success.

I am proud that many successful pilots, who have worked abroad, took decision and joined our team. Having learned that Myway Airlines was going to launch operation in Georgia, they returned to the homeland. If professionals are offered good conditions, naturally, they prefer to stay in homeland. Myway Airlines has managed to create good working conditions and helped many professionals return to homeland.

Besides famous airlines, you have also worked in civil aviation agency management.

As the first deputy director of the agency, I used to supervise 4 departments – transportationtransit, finance and economic analysis, flight standards, certification and inspection, airplanes compatibility and registration departments, which provide monitoring of the whole aviation system, unites a lot of chains. After 3 years I can say that I am happy I have gained this important experience and knowledge in terms of commercial development, monitoring and supervision of aviation.

Over the past period information was spread in social networks as if the Civil Aviation Agency director had specially referred you to Myway Airlines to play the Kvirikashvili-Kumsishvili game.

This an absurd accusation. On Georgian aviation market only one stable airline used to operate over the past 20 years, which has been performing regular flights for many years.

Over the years various airlines appeared on the

Georgian market, but closed in a short period and disappeared. These airlines had full monopoly on the market, offered high tariffs and were less competitive compared to other airlines. I returned to Georgia 3 years ago, but I used to receive information on the Georgian air market developments. To be frank, I have not met even one passenger, who would be content with the market situation, prices, services, schedules, suspended flights and other aspects. I believed that this problem would be improved, but in vain. On the contrary, airline were permanently criticizing the Authorities, there were also blackmails and they permanently expressed discontent. However, my experience suggests that the reality was absolutely different. There were frequent assistance in line with legislation and EU regulations. We have done our best to the market operators and amid ungrounded accusations. It is not worth spending time on this.

Today we have historical fact. New airline has appeared on the market with huge goals and the company has already started implementing these goals. Myway Airlines launched performing flights several months ago and passengers, who have enjoyed services of our airline, are content with prices, services and flights. Appearance of Myway Airlines has ensured healthy competition and this factor will further develop the aviation sector.

Both foreign and domestic airlines should endure this fact. They should choose other mechanisms of competition and should forget obsolete approaches of 1990s. The approach “Only I will be and nobody else” should be forgotten. Blackmails and absurd accusations should be ceased against both Authorities and private sector.

I am glad that after appearance of Myway Airlines other airlines also started developing, growing. they have also taken changes in management, in their attitude to services and staff. We have the same sky, the same homeland and we should cooperate for improving the market condition.

There are accusations that we “sat” on their directions, they accuse us of creating problems, while we have also faced problems. Certification process has protracted. In general, this process takes 6 months, while Myway Airlines has spent 2 years because of subjective and objective reasons. To be frank, our competitors have staged much pressure, they have not met our appearance with understanding. They are freightened when something new happens on the market.

When we obtained the certificate, then we had to take transportation-transit license in addition, while it was not necessary to take this license, because we had stared certification process earlier. Influenced by domestic competitors, the Civil Aviation Agency made us take this license without any substantiation. We had no objections to this. This is good for airline and we would take this license in due time. Moreover, we had one-month delay in appointment of regular flights. Barriers arose regarding certain countries.

We have waited for appointment of these flights for a long period and this was to happen in 1-2 days. Georgia has no restrictions with certain countries, but even this process was delayed.

There are certain countries, where we cannot launch flights even today. For example, Russian Federation. One more absurd accusation was as if we perform Tbilisi-Moscow flights. Myway Airlines was ready to launch flights in January 2018, but we managed to launch flights only in May, because of certain reasons.

Myway Airlines had to apply to certain instances to find justice. After resignation of Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, have you communicated with the New Prime Minister and Minster of Economy regarding your problems, or do you plan to have such a meeting?

Yes, we plan to hold such a meeting and the sooner, the better. Mamuka Bakhtadze had engaged in the process earlier and he is aware less of more of the new airline and this project and according to my information, he backs this project. Naturally, all other variants are ruled out, because more and more airlines will appear on the market and this process will only develop the field.

How much investment has the company made and how much investment do you plan to make by the end of 2020?

Investment in the aviation field is an expensive project. It is a certain joke that if you want a billionaire to become millionaire, he should set up an airline. And this is true. Huge financial resources are required to arrange valuable airline. Hualing company has been operating in Georgia in various directions for many years and it has thought about creating the airline for many years and they have explored the market for 2-3 years.

Today we have two airplanes and we have put 50 million USD investment in them. Currently, Myway Airlines employ 120 persons and this figure will further increase by the end of 2018, even more so, in 2019 we will buy two new airplanes. For the next 5 years, we will replenish our fleet by two new airplanes. At the third phase of our development strategy, we will have 10 airplanes and the tenth one will be Boeing 777.

Performing flights with Boeing 777 will be a historical fact for our country, because this airplane has never performed flights to and from Georgia. Thus, Myway Airlines has huge and ambitious plans. At this stage, the airline performs three regular flights; Tbilisi-KharkivTbilisi, Batumi-Kharkiv-Batumi and Tbilisi-Tel Aviv-Tbilisi. We are happy that several weeks ago we obtained a due license for performing flights to Europe.

Are you conducting negotiations with any competitive market? Have you already explored which European directions will be profitable for you airline?

I do not want to make early forecasts, but we are already determined and negotiations are underway. It is not ruled out to add 5 new European directions. We also consider to add 2 non-European directions. I think in 2018 Myway Airlines will perform flights to 10 directions.

To dismiss accusations, will Myway Airlines repeat competitor's routes to European directions?

Somebody will always make accusations. We are accustomed to this moment, because every time everybody fights them starting from airlines and airports ending with governments and international organizations. We follow our own plan. When selecting the new routes, we take into account every aspects, including competition, demand, our potential and other aspects. In this situation, we have selected 5 European directions and we will launch flights in mid September. We hope we will be able to launch flights to Russian Federation too.

As to flights announced for the US direction?

For the purpose of inauguration of flights to the USA and other directions, we need Boeing 777 and the corresponding US license and this process will take 2 years.

In Georgia passenger turnover grows. There were statements about making Tbilisi International Airport as a hub, but we do not see progress in this direction. What are the plans of Myway Airlines in this direction?

Growth in passenger turnover is an important component for our country. If we compare the current indicators to the 2008 indicators, we have made significant progress. Annual growth makes up 37-38%. To further boost the growth and development, our policy is to make focus on direct flights and develop transit potential in Georgia. Thanks to transit passengers, we will be able to increase passenger turnover to 7-8 million persons.

When our competitors accuse us as if we had sat on their directions, the aviation field experts know that only 3-4 directions are profitable from Georgia and the startup company cannot launch business with losing directions. We should perform profitable flights and increase their profitability more and develop other flights at the expense of these profitable flights. We want that 15-20% of passengers at Tbilisi international Airport be transit in 2-3 years. Therefore, we have absolutely different plans and we do not want to make problems to anybody. Foreign companies will not shape transit and hub in Georgia. Domestic companies should work on this issue.

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Khatia Tkebuchava:"There is no active and passive moments in our field, it’s constantly dynamic" Interview with Khatia Tkebuchava Marketing and Public Relations Manager of Beko.

Why did you decide to enter this field, and what kind of opportunities does this profession give you?

First of all, it’s diverse and challenges you everyday, none of the cases are similar. Success comes along if you are aware of this field and assess your opportunities.

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

Diplomacy, sincerity and being active, getting people’s trust is crucial, to convince them in various cases.

What three tips would you offer someone just starting out in PR? 1.Communication skill, sharing right message; 2.Close relationship with media; 3.Putting 100% of effort to any project, never hold their time and energy.

What do you wish you would have known before starting your career in PR? Over-communicate and pay attention to the details.

Describe your typical week.

Each day is different, every week is stressful and dynamic, fulfilling at the same time.

There is no active and passive times in our field, it’s always dynamic.

What are the skills a Public Relations Specialist needs?

Being sociable and smiley face.

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

I value team-player people and their support.

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

Face-to-face communication with people.

How would you go about finding relevant contacts and sources?

What are some of the growing trends in the public relations industry?

Direct communication with media, social media and attending all important events.

1.Influence marketing; 2.Shift to Mobile and Beyond; 3.Excessive affection of social media; 4.Integrated communication; 5.Visuality.

How would you prioritize and start your work day?

I prepare endless to-do list, something like a roadmap, it’s satisfying to tick completed task in the end of the day.

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Business News Profits Margin at Some Pharmaceutical Companies Makes up 1000%

Emercoin Blockchain Solution Delivers Secure, Accurate Education Credentials to Businesses

“Some pharmaceutical companies have set 1000% profits margin”, Akaki Zoidze, head of the parliament’s health committee told Business Course TV program. If the government imposes certain direct regulations on a certain category of medications, this will not ruin our business sector, Zoidze said.

Emercoin announced the successful implementation of its open-source “Trusted Diploma” blockchain platform by the Tbilisi Business & Technology University (BTU), enabling businesses to verify the accuracy and authenticity of online education credentials.

Innovative Window Made in Georgia Vano Chkhaidze created an innovative window, which is filled with white fluid, and serves as a curtain function when rotated. “The main security of the patent is the simplicity of its idea,” says the author of the invention.

Startup Grind: Meet George Arison Who Raised $110MM for Shift

Colliers International Georgia Brings a New Residential Complex to the Market Real estate consulting firm Colliers International Georgia is introducing a new residential complex to the market. The Abrisi Dighomi project is fully funded by Bank of Georgia, which guarantees its timely completion.

Tbilisi hosts one of the chapters and is part of a million-person global community. This month it’s a very special guest, perhaps Georgia’s most successful startup founder. George Arison (born “Irakly Areshidze” ) is a Georgian-born entrepreneur in San Francisco who founded Shift Technologies which has raised over $110,000,000 in investment and is poised to raise more this year for expansion.

Tbilisi Business Centers Pass First Classification under International Standards Real estate international consulting companies Colliers International Georgia and Cushman&Wakefield Georgia have carried out classification of modern business centers by joint initiative.

Channel Georgia Consulting and Ermed Georgia LTD signed a Cooperation Agreement Channel Georgia Consulting signed a Cooperation Agreement with Ermed Georgia LTD.

State Budget to Spend 1.6 million GEL on Popularizing Georgia as Educational Hub State budget will spend 1.6 million GEL on popularizing Georgia, as an educational hub.

Ministry of Education and 6 universities demand the right for simple purchases to manage this sum.

Repaving a wine route in Racha Standing in a cellar at the bottom of her house, Izolda Dvali holds a glass of a ruby red Khvanchkara wine against the light, toasting to a good season. “Hope we have lots of visitors this year. Here in Racha we are a little bit off the road, you see,” – she explains.

WINE ME Store-Boutique with Difference Concept Opens in Tbilisi Wine Me, a new wine store-boutique has opened in Tbilisi with an entirely different concept. The startup author Elene Tkhlashidze told BM.Ge that the store offers a lot of activities, besides wines, including Art&Wine event, which enables consumers to taste wines and reflect their emotions in paintings.

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What Railway Transport College Offers to Students

Railway Transport College has opened as part of the US Millennium Challenge Fund's grant compact.

The vocational school offers students to attend various dual academic programs.

We have interviewed Manana Moistrapishvili, Railway Transport College quality management officer, about the first students and priorities of the vocational school.

After the Government fostered foundation of similar schools, a lot of vocational schools appeared on the market. What aspects differentiate Railway Transport College from other schools, what are its priorities and privileges?

First of all, why have you decided to found Railway Transport College?

It is noteworthy that over the past 20 years we face a lack of training courses for professional staff in railway sector and we face natural aging process in this sector. Therefore, by initiative and with the support of JSC Georgian Railway, we have decided to set up Railway Transport College. The mentioned initiative was supported

by Ministry of Education and LEPL Georgian Technical University. The project was financed as part of the US Millennium Challenge Fund's grant compact and today we can call this project – Railway Transport College.

The profession of railwaymen is one of the oldest professions. According to our information, since foundation of railway, professional staff was trained-prepared at vocational schools. And do we today still need to set up a vocational school?

In Georgia training of railroad technical staff started in 1878 and this process was tightly interconnected with the production process.

Regretfully, as noted, since 1990s this system ruined and specialized educational facilities lost function and the staff's professional level extremely worsened.

We know that the educational system , which does not follow the labor market requirements, loses function.

As a result, the state economy bears losses. Deficit of professional staff hampers a development of companies and after a certain period it becomes necessary to train staff by alternative methods.

First of all, it should be noted that key priority was to ensure academic process on the ground of European experience, which provides ideal methodology. This signifies our objective was to prepare professional technical staff with high public conscience for railway sector. And new professional staff would ensure painless replacement of aged personnel and continuous development of the sector. Thus, this idea of college has collected a strong team of motivated persons, which obtained a grant of 2 291 900 USD from Millennium Challenge Fund.

At the same time, Georgian Railway has allocated 1 829 141 USD for the college development.

The college building construction works have been finished. What equipments have been installed at the vocational school?

We have provided tireless job to rationally distribute the grant resources, even more so there were a lot of preparatory works to perform.

In practice, we have started works from zero: the amortized building was fully rehabilitated, training spaces were arranged and equipped, a railroad was arranged in the college yard for training purposes, a modern simulator for managing locomotives

were also installed, as well as alarming system, centralization and blocking training equipment.

We have learned that you have introduced dual training methodology in the college. How have you selected teachers and what does this method imply?

We can take pride that our curricula was developed with the assistance of DB E & C, German Railway training center, the partner with best experience in dual training. Trainingintroductory tour was held in Germany, where teachers, managers and program directors were trained.

With the assistance of German partners, examination materials for the college, training-methodological literature and demonstration materials were prepared. Moreover, our staff was trained in labor and health safety issues with our second partner Iowa State University.

As reported, Railway Transport College has successfully passed authorization. What specific courses does the college offer to students?

Yes, we have successfully passed authorization and agreed with National Center for Education Quality and approved 4 framework documents at the sectoral board, which comprises 8 key railway professions: third-level professional program for building railroad, thirdlevel professional program for railway

monitoring, f o u r t h - l e ve l professional program for electricity supply to railway, fourth-level professional program for locomotive driver, fourth-level professional program for wagon fleet, fourth-level professional program for railway transporter, fourth-level professional program for centralization of alarming system and blocking in railroad transport and fourth-level professional program for railway electric train.

It is interesting, what privileges will the college graduate enjoy?

Objective of Railway Transport College is to provide guaranteed employment of all graduates. To this end, we will permanently cooperate with Georgian Railway. Our team has ambition to become the region's best college. Consequently, the management will provide permanent monitoring over academic and management process. Objective of this monitoring is to, based on analysis of supervision results and changes in needs of Georgian Railway, introduce continuous development process, replenish pedagogic resources and enhance material-technical basis.

We also plan to arrange Campus and ensure healthy environment for our students. However, key objective of Railway Transport College is to popularize railway profession and make our modest contribution to Georgian Railway development and strengthening our economy!.

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14, 15, 16 September THE NEW RIGA THEATRE / BARYSHNIKOV PRODUCTIONS Based on the poems of Joseph Brodsky BRODSKY/BARYSHNIKOV Drama/one man show Directed by Alvis Hermanis Venue: Kote Marjanishvili State Drama theatre Duration: 90 min. without intermission 20:00 16 September The Staatstheater Karlsruhe, Germany / Royal District Theatre, Georgia Davit Gabunia TIGER AND LION Directed by Data Tavadze Venue: Royal District Theatre Duration: 100 minutes, without intermission 20:00 17, 18 September Cieque Eloize, Canada Dave St-Pierre and Jeannot Painchaud CIRKOPOLIS Directed by Dave St-Pierre and Jeannot Painchaud Venue: Griboedov theatre Duration: 85 minutes, without intermission 20:00

Hands Percussion Dialogue in Skin South East Asia Music, Contemporary Percussion Artistic Director: Bernard Goh Composer: Hands Percussion Music Director: Ng Siu Yee Principal Percussionist: Jimmy Ch’ng Duration: 85 minutes, with one intermission CAST: Jimmy Ch’ng, Ng Siu Yee, Jack Wan, Leong Kah Miu, Tee Leong Hoe, Tee Wee Lin, Phang Jian Hao, Goh Kok Wei, Yeap Eng Zheong.

and clearly shows an awareness of responsibilities, discipline, self-motivation and passion for their art.

Beginning with the traditionally loud 24 Festive Drums drumming style, they have now experimented with other styles, instruments and technology creating multidisciplinary productions. This led to their debut gamelan concert ‘RI YUE CHU YIN’ in 2011. Two of their notably “explosive” productions are ‘The NEXT’ (2012) and ‘Tchaikovsky in Gamelan’ (2014) where they pushed creative and musical boundaries.

The group has travelled to Bali Sprit Festival and Los Angeles for a live jamming session at Super-

instruments lies with the performer and his ability to relate his experiences through them. Drummers use their physical and emotional senses to manipulate the Chinese drums, the Gamelan, Chinese cymbals and the Japanese drums in conversations from the heart. A combination of artistry and material is explored in ‘Armour and Skin’ where the Chinese drums and the Gamelan have a lively “conversation”. Techniques employed in this production highlight the development in contemporary Chinese drumming and innovation of traditional music. In a culturally rich Malaysia, HANDS grew up on diversity where Indian, Malay and Chinese cultures greatly

Everything* with The Light Surgeons (UK) in 2016. In 2015, they performed at The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland and at the 27th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur and visited other festivals worldwide.

influenced their music and performances. Travels to various Southeast Asian and European countries have also added unique layers to these performances.

20 September The Tiger Lillies, UK EDGAR ALLAN POE’S HAUNTED PALACE FEATURING THE TIGER LILLIES Directed by Paul Golub Venue: Kote Marjanishvili State Drama theatre Duration: 90 min. without intermission 20:00 23 September Thalia Theater, Germany Nino Kharatishvili THE EIGHTH LIFE (FOR BRILKA) Directed by Jette Steckel Venue: Shota Rustaveli State Drama Theatre Duration: 295 with 2 intermissions 19:00 26 September ZhaoLiangART MARTIAL ART IN DANCE Directed by Zhao Liang Venue: Griboedov theatre Duration: 70 minutes, without intermission 20:00

Theatre history:

26 September Hands Percussion - The Story SthlmsMusikTeater SMT, Sweden Text and music by Jan Erik Saaf In 1997 Bernard Goh, formed the FREUDS CIGAR THE ONE MAN MUSICAL ABOUT SIGMUND HANDS PERCUSSION group, FREUD becoming its Artistic Director. With Directed by Andrias Boonstra Venue: Kote Marjanishvili State Drama theatre, small a small team of full-time performstage ers HANDS began a journey of a Duration:90 without intermission lifetime. Despite the challenges 20:00 30 September Hands Percussion, Malaisya South East Asia Music, Contemporary Percussion DIALOGUE IN SKIN Artistic Director Bernard Goh Venue: Kote Marjanishvili State Drama theatre Duration: 85 with 1 intermission 20:00

of being a self-funded group they are now a crowd- favorite at local performing arts venues, with a steadily growing reputation locally and internationally. HANDS functions on a mechanism which works

About performance: ‘Dialogue in Skin’ uses eastern astrology elements of earth, water, metal and fire to tell the story of a musician through his instruments.

The art of handling and playing

World News

13 August 6, 2018 #249

Huawei Surpassed Apple as the world’s second-largest Smartphone Maker Huawei has surpassed Apple to become the world’s second largest smartphone maker.

It’s the first time in eight years that the US tech giant has not been the number one or two smartphone company in terms of market share.

Apple hangs onto its historic $1 trillion market cap Apple hit a market cap of $1 trillion on Thursday — and hung onto the record valuation at market close — as the iPhone maker became the first publicly traded U.S. company to reach $1 trillion.

Trump's trade war just sank a $2 billion investment for a top Russian steelmaker MMK, one of Russia's largest steel producers, has postponed the launch of a lucrative project in Turkey due to uncertainty created by global trade wars, Andrey Eremin, the company's director for economics, told Reuters in an interview.

Robot Sophia to be Keynote Speaker at Global Influencer Day in Baku Robot named Sophia will be one of the keynote speakers at “Global Influencer Day”, which will be organized with the cooperation of Keepface DMCC and FA International Trade Events on 27th-28th of October in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan, Ukraine intend to bring mutual trade to $1B Azerbaijan and Ukraine can bring mutual trade to $1 billion in the near future, according to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine.

Demand for World Bank Group Financing Rises to Nearly $64 billion in Fiscal Year 2018 World Bank Group commitments to developing countries hit nearly $64 billion in fiscal year 2018, which ended June 30, with record increases in human development, climate finance, and IDA support.

Turkish lira hits fresh historic low The sell-off in the Turkish lira continued on Friday with the currency hitting a fresh record low against the dollar following US sanctions on two senior government ministers announced earlier in the week.

Pashinyan invites Armenian entrepreneurs from Russia to invest money into Armenia’s economy Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan flew Thursday to Saint Petersburg and met with dozens of Armenian entrepreneurs from Russia’s north-western region, the premier’s press office reports.

Ukraine establishes center to promote Belt and Road trade, investment The Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) here on Thursday inaugurated the "One Belt One Road" Trade and Investment Promotion Centre in Ukraine.

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15 August 6, 2018 #249 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: 29167-40/41/42 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 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, 291-2689/59 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, 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 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

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