Caucasus Business Week #290

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July 8, 2019 - www.cbw.ge

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Motorways as an Economic Development Indicator – Georgia and the World

Made in Georgia Production of Electric Cars Launched in Kutaisi

Unique Event Halls by Meidan Group

Russia’s Ratio in Georgian Economy

How Efficient AntiDumping Legislation will work


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Fitch Ratings: Russia Flight Ban to weigh on Georgian Growth, Current Account Russia's ban on flights to and from Georgia is likely to weigh on Georgian economic growth and could hamper the reduction of the sovereign's external vulnerabilities, Fitch Ratings says.

Economy Ministry: Railway Station will not be built at Kutaisi Airport A new railway station will not be built for Kutaisi International airport, but the existing one will be rehabilitated, Deputy Economy Minister Akaki Saghirashvili told Channel 1 TV company.

Georgia and Serbia sign Trade-Economic Cooperation Document Prime Minister discusses Prospects of Increased Export Volumes to China Increased export of Georgian output to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and transformation of Georgia into a regional hub has been discussed by Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia and Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the PRC held at a State Residence in Dalian today.

Tbilisi has hosted the first meeting of Georgia-Serbia intergovernmental commission on trade-economic cooperation.

TBC takes over Controlling Interest in TKT.GE TBC has grown the 26% stake in TKT. GE to 55% and taken over the controlling interest. TBC had bought the 26% stake a year ago.

Price of Food and Non-alcoholic Beverages increased by 7.9% this Year The share of the rural population in the total population decreased slightly, from 42.6% in 2015 to 41.3% in the beginning of 2019.

Levan Davitashvili: Soil and Climate Conditions of Georgia are Favorable for Olive Industry Georgia has become a member of the International Olive Council, Trend reports citing bizzone.info.

Georgia's Annual Inflation Rate amounted to 4.3% In June 2019 the Consumer Price Index decreased by 1.0 percent compared to the previous month, while the annual inflation rate amounted to 4.3 percent.

Murtaz Kikoria becomes Member of Liberty Bank's Supervisory Board Former Vice president of National Bank of Georgia, Murtaz Kikoria has become member of Liberty Bank's Supervisory Board.

Government imposes VAT on Cryptocurrency Mining Government of Georgia has taken decision on imposing VAT on cryptocurrency mining.

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;


Wizz Air celebrates 7 Years Anniversary Serving 2 Million Passengers in Kutaisi International Airport It has been 7 years since Wizz Air started operating in Kutaisi International Airport and since then the airline has served 2 000 000 passengers. Ana Heintz has become 2 millionth passenger, who traveled from Dortmund to Kutaisi. Ana Heintz has met Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable development, Akaki Saghirashvili, CEO of 'United Airports of Georgia', Giorgi Chogovadze and Head of Pricing and Revenue Management of Wizz Air, Garth Lund. Ana Heintz was gifted with 200 euros travel voucher, with which she can travel to more than 600 destinations from 146 airports and 44

countries. "United Airports of Georgia" has also gifted rest of the passengers, who were mostly foreigners, with Georgian wine and dried fruit of "Chikora". As Giorgi Chogovadze declares, with the anniversary of 7-year operation, Wizz Air has become the leader on the Georgian air market. "For me it is a big pleasure, to meet her as a 2 millionth passenger in my country. The increase of Georgian Airlines is the straight guaranty of the tourism growth, hospitality development, building additional workplaces and therefore, economic stimulation. In this field, the work of Wizz Air is utterly relevant. Our

goal is to achieve Kutaisi Internatioanl Airport to be the regional hub between the Caucasus and Europe. In 2018, this airline has become the number one airline in Georgia and during the seven years, it has served more than 2 million passengers. This day is the successful

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summarizing of what we achieved through years with our united work. Annually, our plans become more ambitious with Wizz Air.", stated Giorgi Chogovadze. Last week Wizz Air has announced 12 new routes from Kutaisi International Airport.


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Russia’s Ratio in Georgian Economy Russia’s fierce reaction came after protest rallies broke out in Tbilisi against the speech that Russian parliament member Sergei Gavrilov delivered from the seat of the Georgian parliament’s chairperson – Gavrilov was made to leave the parliament building and anti-occupation and antigovernment rallies started in Tbilisi. Under Vladimer Putin’s decision, direct flights between Georgia and Russia will be suspended on July 8. According to statistics, in July 2018 this transportation channel handled 40 000 passengers. Under the June 21 decree by Russian President Vladimer Putin, Russian airlines were banned to perform flights to Georgia. Direct flights will not be performed from Russia to Georgia starting July 8. Moreover, Putin urged Russian citizens to refrain from visiting Georgia. As a result, many Russian citizens started annulling orders and bookings. Russian tourism market, which increased its influence on Georgian economy over the past years, today has become economic pressure mechanism in the hands of the Kremlin. Flight ban brought expectations that Russia may employ other mechanisms too. How Georgian economy depends on Russia and what financial losses the country will bear if the northern neighbor does not confine with only flight ban and employs other mechanisms too. More than 1.4 million Russian citizens arrived in Georgia in 2018 and their number grows year to year. Over 1.13 million visitors arrived in Georgia from Russia in 2017. The country hosted 8.7 million international tourists in 2018 and they spent 3.2 billion USD, including Russian tourists spent 2 billion USD in 2018. In January-May 2019, a total of 539 432 Russian visitors arrived in Georgia, that is 21.6% ratio in total visits, including 429 179 Russians stayed in the country for more than 24 hours. Consequently, this very category is considered as tourists and their ratio accounts for 25.9%. Forecast expenditures of tourists in 2019 made up 1.1 billion USD, however, if the inflow is ceased by the end of 2019 the amount will decrease by 750 million USD. Special focus should be made on investments and money transfers from Russia to Georgia. According to unofficial indicators, today about 1 million citizens of Georgia live in Russia and FDI inflows from Russia in January-March 2019 made up 14.3 million USD (total FDI inflows in the reporting period made up 281.1 million USD and the Russian ratio amounted to 5%). The figure made up 60 million USD in 2018 (total 1.232 billion USD), 43.7 million USD in 2017 (total 1.894 billion USD); FDI inflow from Russian is not much, but it makes certain impact on economic revival in Georgia; As to money transfers in January-May 2019, the figure made up 163.7 million USD, 24.7% in total money transfers (662.4 million USD in 2019), 457.1

million USD in 2018 (1.579 billion USD), and 455.4 million USD in 2017 (total 1.387 billion USD). Russia’s ratio in money transfers from Russia in 2013 was 54% in total inflows, while the figure constituted 25% in January-May 2019. In the same years the ratio of EU rose from 28% to 39%. Money transfers from EU in January-May 2019 surpassed money transfers from Russia by 57%, while transfers form Russia was twice higher in 2013 compared to EU transfers. Today Russia remains major exporter country for Georgia. Our country exported 218.5 million USD products to Russia in January-May 2019, which is 14.9% in total exports. In 2018 Georgia exported 437.3 million USD products and 396.6 million USD products in 2017. Consequently, in the event of economic embargo, Russia market should be replaced by other markets as soon as possible to save Georgian business and economy from collapse; At the same time, Russia is one of the major imports markets and ranks second after Turkey. Georgia imported 349.5 million USD products from Russia, which is 10% in total imports (in January-May 2019), 935.6 million USD in 2018, and 786.8 million USD in 2017. Winemaking field should be analyzed separately. According to National Wine Agency, in JanuaryApril 2019, Georgia exported 26 million bottles to 38 countries, including 16 850 331 (64.8%) bottles to Russia. In whole, Russia’s ratio in exports tourism, money transfers and FDI inflows makes up 8.5% in Georgian economy. We have made sure again that Russia is not a reliable economic partner. Despite this Georgian entrepreneurs maintain active trade relations with our northern neighbor and Russia’s leading position in exports proves this. Russia’s economic engagement in Georgian economy is not limited with only money transfers and external trade. We should take into account Russian capital in Georgian business, including: power sector, telecommunications, industry, finance sector, construction business, oil products and food products. In this situation both the Georgian Authorities and major businessmen should have preliminarily developed anti-crisis plan so as the country meet any Russian economic blackmail ready and prepared. By Merab Janiashvili


How Efficient Anti-Dumping Legislation will work The Government of Georgia has already approved anti-dumping legislation, and the bill will come into force on January 1, 2020. The goal of the legislation is to protect domestic entrepreneurs and industry from price dumping. To this end, we should identify the correlation between the dumping of imports and domestic industrial losses. If the research reveals such a relationship between these two factors, anti-dumping measures will be carried out against the offending foreign companies. “The new law will protect domestic production from dumping imports, and promote domestic business”, as noted by officials from the Economy Ministry. According to the bill, the Competition Agency will assume control of the field, and it will investigate each charge of dumping imports. At the same time, it is the government’s responsibility to take regarding anti-dumping measures based on the conclusions of the Competition Agency. The administration of tariffs as part of antidumping measures will be carried out by the Revenue Service. Under the law, bodies that dump imports in Georgia are obliged to remunerate losses to domestic industry, and this component will increase budget income. “The efficiency of the employment of antidumping legislation will depend on how the Competition Agency acts,” Levan Silagava, head of the Association of Entrepreneurs noted. Legislation alone cannot bring benefits if the authorities do not show due readiness to enforce the legislation. This law raises many questions,

namely regarding whether it will limit imports, Silagava said. “I would like to note that this is a high-level and high-quality law. All business associations have participated in these discussions, and we have developed this law through our joint efforts,” Silagava noted. The law protects the rights and interests of both parties (importers and domestic businessmen). For example, it is necessary for the whole industry, not just one company, to apply to the Competition Agency to institute investigation. However, certain exceptions will work, anyway. Namely, if one company with a significant market share is entitled to apply to the Competition Agency regarding dumping tariffs, he noted “The law has many procedures to protect importers. When the government sees that a specific field faces problems and specific fields submit the relevant applications, the government is entitled to take decision regarding the cessation of certain imports and launching an investigation. At the same time, the government is entitled to warn importers and set a certain equilibrium. If the investigation process does not provide justification for an antidumping tariff , the importer will receive compensation,” Silagava said. In response to the question of how efficiently the Competition Agency will work, Silagava noted that this is a new law, and there are certain risks in terms of the efficiency of the investigation process. Therefore, before the law enforcement, the Competition Agency staff will be properly trained, he said. Will the antidumping law raise prices

on Georgian products? Silagava explains that this may happen at the first stage, over a short-term period. As a reminder, the Parliament of Georgia finished working on a bill about the introduction of Antidumping Measures in Trade in 2015, but in that period, the process was halted. In 2017-2018, the government did not submit an antidumping bill to the Parliament. In that period, Zurab Uchumbegashvili told Kommersant that “the economic team of the previous authorities blocked antidumping legislation.” Amid the absence of antidumping legislation, specific companies or business bodies frequently talk about losses from the excessive inflow of low-quality and low-cost products. Sometimes, these losses lead companies to bankruptcy and so on. As a result, many citizens lose their work. For example, at the end of 2018, the Rustavi Metallurgical Plant halted one furnace, and the plant plans to stop another furnace in July 2019 as a result of failed competition with dumping from Iran. The plant management has been talking about problems resulting from the dumping tariffs for several months. The authorities protract the problem’s resolution, and 2000 people may lose their jobs. HeidelbergCement has also talked about the necessity of introducing antidumping legislation. This company asserts that low-quality Iranian product penetrates Georgian market without a dumping tariffs.


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ow-quality road construction works, protracted projects, thwarted tenders and blacklisted contractors; regretfully, this is our reality in Georgia. An almost similar situation existed in China several years ago,though this country has overcome such difficulties. And today, 750 meters of roads are constructed in China every hour. “To become wealthy, we should, first of all, build roads”, the Chinese people said, and undertook an infrastructure project with this aim. They developed special legislation, determined the quality and standards of road construction works. A special fee was introduced for driving on new motorways. Construction companies received simplified access to financial resources, credit resources were essentially cheapened, and various preferences were offered to road construction companies. All these efforts brought real, rapid results and, in 10 years, by 2000, China had built new roads of more than 10,000 kilometers. The total length of motorways in China reached 4 million kilometers by 2013. In the end, in 2018, the total length of motorways in China exceeded the total length of roads in Europe 1.5 times. According to the Chinese government, by 2020, China will have longer motorway infrastructure than Europe, Japan, the USA and South Korea combined. According to the last report, China annually spends 12 billion USD on road infrastructure development, and builds motorways worth10,000 kilometers a year. Besides the timeframe, quality also matters. Under Chinese standards, the new motorways must work for 25 years. Stricter standards are maintained in the USA and Europe, at 30 years. According to the Global Competitiveness Index, China spends about 2.2 million USD on constructing a 1 km motorway, the EU – 6.9 million USD, and the USA – 5.9 million USD. However, there are cases, when 50-100 million USD is spent on building a 1 km motorway, depending on location and climate conditions.

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On June 26, Georgian Industrial Holding Aigroup held an official presentation in Kutaisi, within the framework of which the attendees found out more about the electric car manufacturing factory to be built in Kutaisi, western Georgia. At the beginning of the event, a multimedia show was arranged, followed by speeches delivered by the Minister of Economy Natia Turnava, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company Airgroup Kakha Guledani, other representatives of the company, as well as industrial and transport designer Zviad Tsikolia. “Some time ago, Georgia's Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze promised Georgia that we would be the first electric car manufacturer in the region. Today, I am honored to announce this project and say that we are fulfilling the promise. Georgian Company Aigroup, with the help of the leader of the industry in the region, Chinese company ‘Changan,’ are starting construction of the first electric car manufacturing factory in the region,” Minister Turnava told the gathered attendees, among them representatives of governmental agencies, local authorities, diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia, business and media. Aigroup is to construct an industrial complex on 100 hectares in Kutaisi. The first project is an electric car factory where about 300 local residents will be employed, and the capacity of the enterprise will be 40,000 electric cars. “At the beginning of 2020, the world will see the first electric cars manufactured in Georgia. At the first stage we will employ 300 local residents, expanding to 3,000 people countrywide,” Guledani noted. At the first stage, four models of electric car will be produced in the factory. Electric cars with the inscription ‘Made in Georgia’ will be distributed to the markets of EU countries, becoming Georgia’s main product for export to the EU market. Aigroup announced that 18 months after the factory becomes operational, it will have 5,000 electric cars on the market. With this project, Kutaisi is regaining its old status as a machine-building capital, soon to become the 8th city in the world where the service of sharing electric cars will be available. With prices of electric cars needing to be affordable for the local segment, social and public leasing services will be offered. Besides an electric car factory, the new industrial complex will also include a factory for solar panels and other high-tech factories, making it the most important hub in the region. The main goal of the ambitious project is Georgia’s energy independence. Within the framework of the program, projects of the future will be implemented, which will make Georgia equal to countries where doing green business and the creation of alternative sources of energy are priorities. Aigroup is the first industrial group in Georgia to develop a global approach towards the challenges of the 21st century, and a vocational college founded by Aigroup will prepare and train staff for further employment. “Ecology is our priority. We are introducing world tendencies in Georgia,” said Giorgi Khurodze, the Director General of the company Aicar. “The establishment of a healthy, environmentally clean business is the main direction of all the companies united under the name ‘Aigroup.’ The first part of construction will be completed in 2019, from which we will manufacture the first electric cars. Next, painting, welding and other factories will be added to the complex. We also plan to create a factory for car batteries. The aim of the project is to prepare Georgian production quickly and get it on foreign markets.” Industrial and transport designer Zviad Tsikolia will be working on the design of the first Georgian electric cars. “It was a dream of mine for Georgia to produce electric cars. I’ll be working on the design of cars that will be sold not only in Georgia but worldwide,” the designer said. According to renowned Italian expert and industrial designer Giancarlo Perini, who visited Kutaisi and accessed the project, the project is set for success. “Development of electric car production is the choice of the new generation and modern states. If you look at tremendous investments in the leading industries around the world, from Germany to China, we really have to expect that in future, more and more modern technology and related systems and infrastructure will be improved and developed. Great opportunities for employment will be created in Georgia, especially considering that the country has many creative and talented people, designers and engineers who will definitely contribute to the development of various industries,” Perini said. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in May 2019 between Aigroup and the Changan Corporation, which is of Chinese origin with a track record of 157 years in the industry. The memorandum was signed by the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava, Chair of the LEPL National Agency of State Property of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Dugladze, representatives of Georgian company Aigroup and Chinese company Changan.

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Nino Kusrashvili: "Education is the Key to a Successful Future" Interview with Head of the Public Relations and Marketing Service of "European School", Nino Kusrashvili. Tell us about how you got into the field of marketing, and what factors played an important role in choosing this profession? Every business needs public permission at the beginning, at least in democratic countries, and keeps existing with the acquiescence of the public. That is why this profession is very demanding in the modern era. I am a PR and Marketing Specialist, and before this, I graduated from the journalism faculty, and I still use my professional training and 17 years of experience in this field. I believe that in this multicultural environment, it is important to identify the skills that this profession gives. In regards to technological changes, what challenges do you face as the head of a marketing service? New technologies are one a prerequisite for progress in PR and marketing. Under the existing technologies, the work regarding the implementation of digital format increases the quality of successes in these professions. Web sites, blogs, RSSs, Internet brochures, social networks and mobile apps are new platforms where the company has the opportunity to create a positive reputation, or sell product and achieve success using advanced technologies. What has changed in the field in the last 5 years, and what changes are expected? In the first decade of the 21st century, we have seen technological and social changes which demonstrate that public relations and marketing practices in this field are developing day by day by making use of digital technologies. What important features should a marketing manager focus on, and what are their roles in an organization? The American professor Fred Cook said "people in the field of public relations and marketing are storytellers. It's our job to find peculiarity in our companies and clients, and tell this to the whole world, and with easy words it can be. " What’s your organization’s business model like in regards to PR and marketing?

A coordinated and integrated approach with regards to our communication strategy is required. The main activity of marketing and public relations is to communicate effectively with external auditors, and plan and implement results-oriented campaigns. The right selection of a target audience in the field of education is very important. One word that describes your work. "The European School" is an international school where Georgian, IB-International Bachelor and AHC-American High School programs are studied. The graduates of our school successfully get into top American and European universities. My main job is to plan and implement promotional and imaging activities, using integrated marketing communications. It is very important for me to work where there is innovative learning and globally-minded citizens. Education is the key to a successful future, and the future is our main concern. The most useful advice you’ve ever received in your life?

International trainers have been focused on integrated marketing communications and new technologies in recent years. This is the main focus for me. Think of a person who inspires you, professionally. Winx Wilcox is a member of US PRA, and an American PRAIPPI, and I organized his trip to Georgia. With his works, you can get acquainted with the professional literature, so his books and meeting with him personally were very important for me, as well as many others. Dennis Wilcox is a member of the US PRA and an American PR Specialist, whose visit to Georgia was also organised by me. You can get acquainted with his professional literature, and his books and meeting with him personally meant a lot for my professional development.


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Business News

Liberty launches New Cut-Price Offer for Taxi Drivers

program for producers, Rotterdam Lab, which takes place during International Film Festival Rotterdam - IFFR.

Liberty Bank offers Taxi offers a specially designed lending program for them. The special conditions will be used by the drivers who wish to receive A-category license but their car's condition does not meet the requirements of the license.

Belgian Company to develop Wastes Recycling Project for Finished Zones of Lilo Trash Dump Belgian company Geo Consultant will develop a conceptual project for bio gas production in the finished zones of Lilo Trash Dump, Tbilisi mayor Kakha Kaladze told the Tbilisi Government meeting on July 3.

Hiking Festival in Lagodekhi Forest-park Area National hiking federation is organizing hikers festival on the 5th, 6th and 7th July, which will take place in Lagodekhi forest-park area. Partners of the event are the National Tourism Administration and Lagodekhi Municipality. Traditionally, hikers can enjoy will a grand concert with music bands.

Georgian Wines presented in the US Cities

AtlasGlobal to return on Georgian Air Market

Presentation of Georgian wine was held in New York, Chicago and Boston. The presentation, and tasting, included a seminar on Georgian wine culture and modern wine industry. The events were led by American top-sommelier Taylor Parsons.

Turkish airline AtlasGlobal returns on Georgian air market after an interval of 1 year.

Georgian FIlm Inga to get funding by Eurimages Georgian movie, Inga has been funded by Europian Cinema Support Fund with 60 000 euros. The story follows a girl, named Inga, who lives in an orphanage and is always oppressed. This main character is portrayed by Ani Bebia.

Georgian Startup Lingwing may win 500 000 USD Grant Lingwing, Georgian online platform for learning foreign languages has won Seedstars Tbilisi 2019 global startup competition. Value of Georgian Exported Wine exceeds 98 Million USD In the first half of 2019, Georgia exported 40 million mln bottles (0.75 l) of wine to the world's 44 countries which is 6% more than in the same period of 2018.

Producer Elene Margvelashvili awarded the Rotterdam Lab Scholarship Award

Giorgi Shvelidze to become member of American FIlm Academy

Georgian producer Elene Margvelashvili, has been awarded the Rotterdam Lab Scholarship Award and she will participate in the professional training

Georgian cinematographer, Giorgi Shvelidze is among 842 members, who are new members of American Film Academy, for instance: Lady Gaga, Tom Holland, Claire Foy. Giorgi Shvelidze is not the only Georgian, who is a member of the Film Academy. American Film Academy has chosen Nana Jorjadze, Georgian film director as a member.


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Unique Event Halls by Meidan Group

Old Tbilisi has preserved a lot of historical and unique monuments, among which Tbilisi Qarvasla occupies a special place. Today Tbilisi History Museum functions in a part of the building. Qarvasla (Caravanserai) exhibition and event space is located on the first floor. Qarvasla (Caravanserai) is an only monument in Tbilisi, where visitors are able to look through a long period of development of Tbilisi building art and traditions. That’s why this building attracts so many foreign

guests. Besides its historical importance, today Qarvasla (Caravanserai) performs several other functions, including it is a rehabilitated space (Event Hall) that shapes unique environment for any guest. The existing architecture and appearance adds double effect to any event. Event Hall is a universal space for holding public or private events (conferences, diplomatic receptions, awarding ceremonies, concerts and so on). Qarvasla (Caravanserai) space was restored by initiative and engagement of Meidan Group and this historical building has found its new life. Besides the mentioned event space, Meidan Group unites several event halls and conference space. Namely: Congress Hall, the conference hall at Mosaika business center that is able to host about 600 guests and

is equipped with all necessary equipment and provides all services. This space is employed for various events, including conferences, workshops, summits, theatrical performances, concerts and so on. It should be also noted that Garden Hall complex at Ilia Garden, owned by Meidan Group, hosts various events. The complex consists of both external territory and multifunctional exhibition space, which represents a restored historical building of the 19th century.


11 July 8, 2019 #290 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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