Caucasus Business Week #319

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Electricity Consumption Increased in Georgia by 9.9% in February

EBRD Reveals €1 Billion Emergency Coronavirus Financing Package

Electricity consumption in Georgia in February increased by 9.9 percent compared to the same period last year and amounted to 149.23 million kWh.

The EBRD has unveiled an emergency €1 billion “Solidarity Package” of measures to help companies across its regions deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Georgian Post to be Entrusted to Create Service for Pensioners and Socially Vulnerable Group Georgia Started Exporting Frozen Fish to Azerbaijan Georgia started exporting frozen fish to Azerbaijan. In January-February, $ 1.72 million worth of fish was exported to the neighboring country.

Ministry of Economy and Georgian post, together with the Ministry of Healthcare are entrusted to build the service offering mechanism for pensioners and socially vulnerable groups.

25 Medical Authorities are Ready to Assist Patients

Only Georgian Airways to Operate in Georgian Airspace

"In the case of necessity, 25 medical authorities are ready to assist patients infected with the coronavirus.", noted deputy of the Ministry of Healthcare, Tamar Gabunia.

Only Georgian Airways will fly in Georgian airspace.

Prime Minister’s Instructions for Economy Ministry and Georgian Post for Assisting Elderly over 70 Years Old Agriculture Minister: The Country Has Enough Reserves of Tinned Products. Growing Demand Cannot Generate Deficit Georgian Agriculture Minister Levan Davitashvili has met with directors of three major canneries – Marneuli Food Factory, KULA and Kaspi Cannery.

In order to prevent the coronavirus spread, the Georgian Government urges aged people over 70 years old to stay in self-isolation

Besides Facemasks, Georgia Starts Production of Hand Sanitizers Following facemasks, Georgia has decided to launch production of hand sanitizers, Irakli Chikovani, Prime Minister’s Advisor, noted.

Prime Minister Instructs Agriculture Ministry to Keep Prices Unchanged on Seven Key Products As noted by Irakli Chikovani, the Prime Minister’s advisor, the Agriculture Ministry and business sector will develop a new mechanism to minimize changes of product prices.

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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Closed Restaurants and Café-bars amid Coronavirus Spread Coronavirus prevention measures, café-bars and restaurants closed amid coronavirus outbreak and the current challenges in the HoReCa industry – Guram Baghdoshvili, president of the Gastronomy Tourism Association, has analyzed the mentioned issues for Business Partner TV Program.

The Association is receiving information that employees are fired and salaries are paid partly.

“A lot of calls are made to the Association and people notify that part of them were fired from job places. Some hotels have paid about 70% of salaries, some of them paid only 50% or moved to the so-called Standby regime. This is a confusing figure. Let’s imagine the scales of HoReCa industry and how many people were left without incomes. All of them have o pay micro credits and they have no savings. Nobody expected this crisis”, Baghdoshvili noted.

Restaurants should activate courier delivery services to save business, Baghdoshvili noted.

‘Today my restaurant is bearing losses, because the turnover has declined and I have to maintain at least 4-5 employees. With corresponding opportunities, we will open restaurants and activate courier delivery services to save his business, because it took many years to drag out Georgia from the abyss of the 1990s”, Baghdoshvili pointed out and explained that educational and training projects should not be suspended in HoRea industry, despite the country has been paused, in practice.

After the coronavirus crisis is over, Georgia is expected to become of the popular tourism destinations, because more developed economies than Georgia have failed to withstand corona effectively as Georgia has done.

Therefore, qualified staff will be always in demand in HoReCa industry.

As explained by Baghdoshvili, Georgia may become one of the first destinations, where tourists will rush to, because we are a small country and we have so few infected persons.

“Citizens worldwide support each other in this crisis. We try to stay safe and avoid communication so frequently as Georgian like. Some

European countries have not closed kindergartens and schools and this is an absolute irresponsibility. In Georgia, we actively fight against coronavirus. As for the tomorrow of tourism industry in Georgia, regretfully, the recently-established gastronomy academy has suspended operation. The Academy was supposed to train about 100 persons starting April, 2020. These persons would receive the worldstandard certificates.

Regretfully this project was halted and I hope until autumn”, Baghdoshvili noted and added that the Gastronomy Academy will receive the first course in autumn presumably.

It is necessary to develop agriculture sector to ensure steadiness of tourism and restaurants business, Baghdoshvili explained and added that in the HoReCa sector imports should be replaced by domestic products and he expressed readiness to cooperate with the Government in these aspects after the coronavirus crisis is cimpleted.

“In the event the Authorities ask for the assistance of restaurants, I will say, on my behalf, and I believe many colleagues will agree that we should assemble and introduce a scheme how to assist the agriculture sector development. Regretfully, HoReCa was developed without strong foundation and we were dependent on imports. It is necessary that the Agriculture Ministry make focus on arranging hothouses in regions to develop domestic production for domestic citizens and tourism industry. As for exotic fruits and products, we will be always able to import this category of products.

Without firm fundament for the Authorities and tourism, we will have problems. Regretfully, many things were done and the Authorities had no time to scrupulously supervise and examine all aspects in this regard.

And now we will try to rapidly invent new bicycles. I believe and our peasants will also agree that the agriculture sector should be developed to ensure steady tomorrow for restaurants business”, Baghdoshvili said.

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Closed Hotels, Cancelled Bookings – Coronavirus Hits Restaurants and Accommodation Facilities

A

new challenge has attacked ski resorts. After a disappointing winter season, the coronavirus-related restrictions also began to apply to highland regions and ski resorts cannot host visitors any more.

The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development announced the decision to prematurely bring the season to a close at a government meeting.

We have taken the right decision on ending the season at ski resorts, and this is a justifiable step to prevent spreading the virus, Economy Minister Natia Turnava noted.

Representatives of family guest houses have also commented on the early closure of the ski resort season. As noted by Giorgi Gorjoladze, owner of the Bakuriani-based hotel Premier House, coronavirus-related restrictions coincided with the winter season; however, the domestic market was affected after ski resorts suspended operations several weeks earlier.

“The current developments coincided with the closure of the ski resorts season. Traditionally, this period sees a lower number of visitors, but the coronavirus has aggravated the situation, and the number of visitors has dramatically declined. We would bear many more losses if these restrictions had appeared in January, because the tourism industry reached its peak over the previous months. Today, our hotel has already been closed for the season, and now we are operating in this new fashion. We have temporarily suspended operation”, Giorgi Gorjoladze noted.

“Prematurely closed ski resorts will negatively affect domestic business”, a representative of the Gudauri-based hotel Edelweiss, noted.

“We had an unfortunate season, because very few tourists visited the resort this year. The majority of bookings were cancelled, and we faced certain financial problems.As for the challenges posed by the coronavirus, the situation is very serious, because vacationers left the resort in just a few days.

We will still continue operations, as several tourists remain here.

Tomorrow, they will also leave the hotel, and we will suspend operations temporarily”, the Edelweiss representative noted.

At a government’s interdepartmental board meeting, Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia proposed closing restaurants, café and bars, as well. Closed hotels and restaurants, cancelled bookings, a 90% contraction in tourist inflows – in this way the coronavirus has already affected restaurants and accommodations.

To rescue facilities and enterprises “on hiatus”, the Prime Minister introduced a detailed action plan to introduce economic stimulation measures; however, Kote Gabrichidze, head of the Association of Restaurants, assures us that this action plan is infeasible.

“They are discussing action plans, but I think they do not know how to act in this situation. In foreign countries, the government gives compensation to furloughed employees, but nobody knows what to expect in our country.

As for the temporarily closed restaurants, cafés and bars, the worst thing is that many citizens will lose their jobs. They talk about 2 weeks, but, in reality, nobody knows how long this situation will last”, Kote Gabrichidze noted.

The action plan prepared by the Georgian government specifies economic stimulation measures to cushion the negative effects of the spread of the coronavirus.

As for the decision regarding the early closure of ski resorts, this decision was announced by the Economy Minister Natia Turnava at a government meeting after two Czech tourists were found to be infected in the Czech Republic, a day later they left Georgia, having spent a weeklong vacation in Gudauri.

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Online Education Prospects The COVID-19, suspended academic work, and shifted to online instruction.

Tina Tsomaia, professor at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA), has comprehensively analyzed these issues for the Business Partner TV program.

Online education is an important tool for the students of tomorrow. GIPA has fulfilled a huge intellectual gap in this regard, and today it successfully overcame the existing challenges, Tsomaia noted.

The Georgian Education Minister has met with principals from high schools, and suggested the launch of online education platforms amid the raging pandemic.

GIPA moved to an online learning system on March 14.

As explained by Tina Tsomaia, online education is a very familiar format for GIPA. For many years, GIPA has accepted international students and participates in international projects. Naturally, this process requires an online education format, she said.

In addition to the existing experience, the institute has introduced a newly licensed platform, ZOOM, that enables to hold lectures online, she noted.

“We have bought the licensing for ZOOM, as one of the appreciated and highly praised products among our teachers. This licensed program enables the program coordinator to connect students and teachers in an online classroom; and lectures are held in this online room.

Naturally, the teachers will have to adapt to this platform, prepare these tasks, record lectures and adjust them to this platform. The nature and essence of the whole academic process has changed. We should efficiently transmit the knowledge to our students through this platform, which will enable us to share a presentation with our computers, connect several people simultaneously, and arrange discussions or a forum in an interactive format”, Tsomaia noted.

It is the current crisis that has made us move to a long distance education format, but, in reality, this is the teaching platform of tomorrow, she added.

“This reform was carried out in a rush,

amid the current crisis, but we know that this very online education is a very important criterion for future students. We have performed a huge intellectual task in this regard, and we believe we are able to successfully fulfill this mission”, Tsomaia noted.

Giorgi Abashishvili, a PhD in Business Administration and the Business Partner’s co-presenter, analyzed general problems that the coronavirus has generated in the global economy, and noted that Georgia, as an inseparable part of the global economy, is facing the same risks as other economies across the world do.

Maintaining jobs is one of our key objectives amid declining economic performance. To this end, both the business sector and employees should demonstrate mutual understanding, in the same way as the government and the business sector ensure constructive partnership in this regard, Abashishvili noted.

“These serious times have come, and there are no simple solutions, but the key thing I see, and want to see, will continue in this period, as a close partnership between the business and the government. We have a full mutual understanding, in practice. The authorities are trying to satisfy every issue that the business sector raises.

I know of no problems that remain unresolved, at this stage. Naturally, it is impossible to solve every issue 100%, but I say that both parties should stay coordinated. Now, we should maintain this procedure. As for relations between the business sector and employees, naturally, corporate social responsibility should be prioritized, and we have to weather this test.

The business sector and employees should interact in the same way as the authorities and the business sector do. A

mutual understanding is required in this case, too. Business should take cues from how the state treats it, and employees should realize how businesses make concessions to the government”, Abashishvili noted.

There are no grounds for panic, and it depends on every citizen how the country overcomes this crisis, he explained.

“A lot depends on each of us, each citizen.

I would like to reiterate that we have no grounds for panic. Georgia shows exceptional stability amid this crisis, and we have only to prove solidarity and devotion to each other. This means that we should encourage each other, and avoid panic. I do believe that in the short term, we will talk about how bravely we can overcome this crisis”, Giorgi Abashishvili noted.

Distribution and Food Stocks

T

he coronavirus’ spread has triggered a growing demand for food and other essentials. The TV program Business Partner analyzed this issue, together with the TV program’s guests.

As noted by Iva Chkonia, head of the Distributors Association, photo materials with empty shelves at supermarkets do not reflect reality, because even the smallest retailers have no problems with supply.

The country has no problems with imports, and there are no grounds for panic in our society, he said.

“Do not succumb to unfounded panic. We have no problems with reserves in our country. The public shouting just weakens the GEL’s exchange rate, and triggers inflation”, Iva Chkonia pointed out.

The government is actively working to ensure efficient logistics. The recently established coordination board unites the efforts of the Finance Ministry, Economy Ministry and Agriculture Ministry, he noted.

“Naturally, there are countries from risk groups, such as Germany, Austria, France and Italy, from which we have been importing products as normal. All products are examined and controlled at the state border, and the police service delivers these products to the economic zone of registration, where cargo is loaded onto trucks owned by a Georgian transportation company.

Then, these products are disinfected, and only after that all cargo is delivered to the storehouse. We have arranged a very smartly-constructed logistical chain, and supervision is carried out in real time. As for the reserves themselves, we have no grounds for panic.

Somebody shared photos from the same supermarket, where the photos focused on products from the same brand, and I believe that this artificially provoked panic that will have negative effects visible in 2-3 months”, Chkonia said.

Artificially growing consumer demand negatively affects the national currency, and promotes the inflation of prices, he said.

“Excessive demand badly affects the GEL exchange rate, while there are no grounds to worry about such a situation. I declare, in all seriousness, that we will have no deficit of food products, because we have no breaks in supply. If this artificial hysteria lasts, the situation will worsen, because the growing demand will cause imports to grow, and accelerated imports will further burden the GEL. As a result, product prices will hike, and this process will badly hit distribution companies.

We should show public responsibility and solidarity to each other to secure our economy from heavier future. We have no problems with the reserves and it is only upon you whether products rise in prices or not”, Iva Chkonia pointed out.

The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) should intervene timely, otherwise the inflation rate will be worse than in 2019,

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Chkonia added.

The ungrounded growth in consumer demand makes negative impact on the GEL exchange rate and prices increase. Therefore, the NBG should interfere as soon as possible to prevent worsening the inflation rate in the year on year context, Iva Chkonia noted.

“If the National Bank does not intervene in this process and does not apply the currency intervention instrument, amid this panic, we will receive the 2019 situation, when the inflation rate surpassed 7%. Therefore, they should show reasonability and intervene in this process timely, because this hysteria will pass away, but when you buy products with the exchange rate of 1 USD=3.20 GEL, you will have to sell the same product with the same prices even if the GEL strengthens to 2.00 point”, Iva Chkonia said.

8 March 23, 2020 #319

Lela Kikaleishvili: "If You Have a Communication Goal and Strategy, You Can Take Your Audience Wherever Way You Want" Interview with Head of Communications at the United Water Supply Company of Georgia, Communications Expert of EU Program for Erasmus + Youth and European Solidarity Corps in Georgia and Mass Communication Researcher at GIPA, Lela Kikaleishvili.

Tell us about how you got into the field of marketing, and what factors played an important role in choosing this profession?

My professional experience includes 5 years of working in the media, 12 years of PR, and 4 years of marketing experience, all simultaneously. Since 2009, I have been a PR consultant for EU programs, Erasmus + projects, organizer of over 60 national, regional, international conferences and training sessions, including working as Communications Manager for these projects. In 2015, I was awarded the highest award of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia - Honorary Degree, for active participation in the regulation of Georgian-Abkhazian relations, confidence building and reconciliation.

I'll rewind back a bit to my childhood. I think that, generally, childhood reveals aspirations, interests, desires, and dreams that evolve over the years.

I remember waiting for a representative from the Ministry at school (1995-96). All night, I thought about what I was planning to do with my class, so that the guests will be happy with the visit. I took classmates to the nearby mountains, we picked plants, planted them in hand-made pots, and placed them on the school’s window shelves. Then, I remember sketching this story, bringing it to my mother to the district newspaper for print.

I have this example because relationships, organizing events, packing and delivering something, has been fun to me from the time I was a child. For the most part, it was probably my character that drove me to the field of communications.

The path through the most intense competition was not easy. It was the result of great hardships, challenges, 17 years of strenuous and busy day-to-day professional work, a lot of endless nights at work.

I am constantly looking for something new, to get familiar with foreign experiences, colleagues' practices, innovations. It has never been satisfying to move in one direction, which may be a dogma for others. I have done so much, with the utmost enthusiasm, and I am still present. Whenever someone needs my professional support, I try to help everyone get involved in many social and charitable projects, to make a professional contribution.

Looking for new discoveries, making interesting contacts, constantly evolving motivates me.

I have worked in various media outlets for five years, since 2003. I took almost every step - from a news agency internship to being an editor at a magazine and a newspaper. I have been working, actively, with the Georgian, Ukraine and British Diasporas for several months in the field of television as an anchor for the morning program. However, I realized that I wanted something more than news, something that would organize a whole story, interact with people in different fields, get them involved in creating something new, planning and then delivering the finished product to the media.

In 2007, I received an offer and went to the Press Service of the Government of Abkhazia, where I worked for 8 years. At the same time, I have been involved in many projects, including the opening and closing ceremony of "Tbilisi 2015", ceremonies for public figures, artists, singers and star winners.

Here is another example - I have been in the UK for 3 months as part of an EU project in 2013. During this time, the London Film Festival happened. People who created the golden era of Georgian cinema - Kakhi Kavsadze, Givi Berikashvili, Lana Ghoghoberidze, Merab Ninidze, Eldar and Giorgi Shengelaia and others - came together for the evening. No part of the coverage of this event was organized. I asked the diaspora to hire a cameraman, and the whole week I was preparing materials for the Georgian media. Invited as a guest that evening, I felt it necessary not to become silent and let the public know about the success of Georgian cinema in Britain.

I have chosen an active life for myself, and I think that a communications specialist should always think about making his or her work more diverse and interesting. I create the rhythm of an exciting life for myself, and constantly strive to be active, impart new knowledge to myself, acquire additional skills to be more in demand, to be interesting and always relevant to the market.

There have been many such examples in my life. I think that with such practical examples, the time needed to do the work has grown into a kind of work by itself, and I have

become a specialist in the field of communication.

Amidst the current technological changes, what challenges do you face?

The field of communication is still in the developmental stage. To address the challenges posed by technological change, we need to look more deeply into the context of how it is important to plan the right kind of communication to implement a successful corporate strategy.

There are, of course, accompanying and contingent reasons why it can be difficult to communicate effectively with all users, but it is important to know what to say, how to say it, and how to communicate it. The instinctive behavior of the target audience may not change, but a long-term, well-planned strategy alters can alter the entire consciousness.

The biggest challenge in the field of communication is the lack of a plan, which we unfortunately often face in Georgia. Basically, an organization's communication strategy is planned for a week, or spontaneously, giving us relevant feedback, and the results are clearly not going to be what we aspire to.

In many cases, the needs of the audience and their communication have not been studied, the purpose of communication is unclear.

Therefore, it is difficult to put the right messages in context, so that we can see from the perspective of the user, and not the organization. Having a perspective helps us create the right context, which will make communication more effective and help you build trust in the organization.

What has changed in the field in the last 5 years, and what changes are expected?

The field of communication is in its developmental phase, and I think that a creative approach and an innovative vision in this field is crucial.

Recent technological changes have introduced new communication platforms. The evolution of communication platforms has made it easy and flexible to operate, remove geographical barriers, and connect the whole world together. It changed the fundamentals of communication, shifted priorities, and had a tangible impact on the work environment.

Co-operation isn’t limited to boardrooms and offices, it has crossed the boundaries of the workplace. People can now collaborate in real time on a global scale.

As even new technologies are being replaced by emerging technologies, it has been my most flexible and easy to use chat program in recent years.

I receive dozens of emails every day, but instant messaging, social networking, sharing information this way is much more practical and comfortable. It is much easier to respond rapidly to a quick question and provide information this way. Regarding the issue or activity, the relevant services, responsible parties are kept equally informed, you do not have to send mobile messages or emails with all of them, separately. Especially in crisis communication management, instant messaging makes information work significantly easier for a communications specialist, and much more efficiently.

Technological evolution has changed both internal and external collaboration communication platforms.

We first shifted from telephone communication to exchanging information and materials via email; in recent years, the process has become much easier through social media, chat rooms, and content groups. If, five years ago, you were reporting the story to the media by telephone to reporters, today it’s replaced by instant messages.

Years ago, press services would bring materials recorded on CDs to television stations, then this method of collaboration was done via email. Today, we work through chat.

We share files, text, video. We have an opportunity to edit, exchange ideas, video conferencing, live chat.

Technology has changed verbal communication in recent years, with people spending more time using online forms of communicating - statuses, photos, videos, sharing others' posts, and so on. There is a lot less talking on the phone, because it is faster and more comfortable to work with. Processes can be managed remotely, and we have access to information. However, we are slowly losing our verbal and face-to-face relationships.

What do you think are the most important qualities a marketing manager should have, and what is his or her role in the organization in general?

Each individual has a natural communication style, but in order to work effectively, a PR manager must identify some form of communication and approach to make the work environment comfortable for everyone.

It is important for a communications manager to have leadership skills, to be sociable, responsible, and committed to the job. It is necessary to be able to concentrate and write, simultaneously, on several topics. Over 17 years of experience have shown me that, if you possess these skills and qualities, along with theoretical knowledge and the rules you need to know, you will be able to establish yourself in this field.

PR is at a turning point, toward a correct and successful management style of organization.

However, it is important for management to follow and trust it, as it largely decides a company's success and failure in planning the right communication strategy and decision making.

PR represents a company to the outside world, its role in the organization is huge, and broad.

It can successfully overcome all kinds of internal misunderstandings or external crises with just a successful communication strategy.

Effective communication in an organization is always important, and it does not matter on a company-wide scale.

What do you do to keep the organization from falling behind on the latest trends, and keep applying innovative approaches to marketing?

The water supply company serves more than 1 million customers throughout Georgia, and we strive to facilitate communication and access to information and their services in a variety of ways.

We periodically produce video clips to showcase the hard work and excellence of our employees - accountants, engineers, builders, operators. In many cases they have to work 24 hours a day, for several days, in difficult terrain and climates, in order to provide citizens with a stable supply of water.

Although the water supply sector is specific and, today, it is difficult to find specialists in the Georgian market. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend, and more young people are interested. One of our goals is to introduce these young people to the community, to support the development of the field and to motivate the next generation. We tell their stories, we make video clips of these people, we organize educational tours of the facilities to make it easier for the audience to see how difficult it is for water to reach customers - it's not an easy process, and it requires enormous financial and human resources. Therefore, it is necessary to protect and take care of water resources, as a rational

use of water is necessary, and this is a challenge not only for Georgia but for the world.

We want to raise awareness and civic self-awareness in this area even at the schools.

We have already launched a pilot project on awareness campaigns in Gori public schools, together with international partners, and we plan to cover other regions and cities as well.

The flow of diverse information is so high in the media. If you do not constantly share your voice on the information market , you will get lost and lose relevance.

You have to follow the innovations, challenges that digital technology era is preparing for, and properly adapt to the Georgian reality.

Otherwise, in a competitive war, your "voice" will not be heard.

What is needed for successful communication with the public?

Effective communication is a journey of a lifetime, and just like in your personal life, it is very important to get to know the people we are trying to influence. To know what their interest is, their usual communication style, what their level of knowledge and understanding is, what information they require, etc. We need to think about the risks, given how we respond to any possible objections.

I think that the more we can understand, the more we can build the right kind of communication.

Obviously, this era of technological development has made communication very easy, fast and effective, making it easier for users and organizations to communicate, but managing information is difficult. At any time, the company's image and reputation can be compromised by sharing a text, message, video or photo from any person. Hence, the responsibility and involvement of communications specialists has increased significantly in the work of successfully managing an organization.

In my opinion, if you have the right communication goal, you can take your audience wherever you want to go.

One word that describes your job.

Rough like the sea, excitable and creative.

The most useful advice you’ve ever received in your life.

Time will pass, it will help you reevaluate everything, and you will realize that if someone made the wrong decision, and therefore did not appreciate your hard work, it is also part of your life experience, and can be necessary for your future success.

Think of a person who inspires you professionally.

People who never stop, are not happy with what they’ve already achieved, and always strive for development.

9 March 23, 2020 #319

Business News

Beeline Closes All of Its Offices

Fifty-three employees of five closed hotels in Tbilisi will be employed by Carrefour network on temporary basis, Shalva Alaverdashvili, manager of the mentioned hotels told BM.Ge.

Because of preventing coronavirus from spreading, Beeline closes all of its offices from March 20th. The decision is made within the framework of the goal to ensure the health and safety of its employees and users. The offices will be closed until April 1st.

decrease the discomfort brought by this situation. This is the reason why we want to notify you that from tomorrow - March 19:00, our dining rooms will be closed temporarily. You still will have an opportunity to continue using Mcdrive.

Temur Chkonia Plans to Close Georgia Palace Hotel

TBC Business and Vendoo.ge's Joint Initiative to SUpport Local Entrepreneurs The e-commerce platform - Vendoo.ge and TBC Business jointly decide that entrepreneurs who sell Georgian products through the Vendoo platform will have reduced fee by one month.

Because of preventing coronavirus from spreading and decreased users, businessman Temur Chkonia plans to close hotel in Kobuleti, Georgia Palace temporarily.

Adjara Government to Grant 4-Monrth Grace Period for Serving Investment Obligations The business sector will be given a 4-month grace period for serving investment obligation, Minister of Finance and Economy of the Adjara Autonomous Republic noted.

Metro Georgia Works on Loss - Amount of Passengers Decreased by 80%

Adjara Textile Remodels Production Line to Launch Facemasks Production “Today our company will start production of facemasks�, Adjara Textile financial director Gia Lominadze told BM.Ge. Initially, the company will produce 500 000 facemasks, but the quantity may increase, Gia Lominadze noted.

By the decision of the Georgian government, from today, routed taxicabs stop functioning temporarily. At this moment, Metro Georgia continues to work, which ensures the intercity transferring of passengers.

Carrefour to Temporarily Hire Fifty-Three Employees of Closed Hotels

Giorgi Abashishvili to Head the Business Research House at Chamber of Commerce and Industry The Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has founded the Business Research House. The so-called Think Tank will be led

by Giorgi Abashishvili, doctor in Business Administration and the national advisor of the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs.

Mcdoland's Closes Dining Rooms in Response to Coronavirus "We fully acknowledge our responsibility, try to serve you in the given circumstances with high standards in the safe space. We are oriented to

Georgian Platform Feedc to Create Distance Learning Space "Feedc is ready to serve every educational platform online. As a result of the world situation nowadays, team of Feedc decided to offer educational institutions simple and flexible methods of learning", stated the company.

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11 March 23, 2020 #319 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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