Caucasus Business Week #320

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March 30, 2020 - www.cbw.ge

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2 March 30, 2020 #320

Government Pays $5.5 for One Fast Test Kit

Government Plans to Double the Number of Quarantine Spaces

The Georgian Health Ministry has already signed an agreement with Chinese company Shenzhen Bioeasy Biotechnology on purchase of 215,000 fast test kits.

The government plans to double the number of quarantine spaces and urges hotels to stand by.

Movement of All Intercity Transport to be Restricted Including Train TBC Bank Pens USD50 Million Loan From OPEC Development Fund

The Interagency Coordination Council on Coronavirus of Georgia has imposed restrictions on intercity transport in the country.

TBC Bank Group PLC on Monday said it has signed a USD50 million loan from the OPEC Fund for International Development.

UNWTO Forecast: International Tourism May Lose Incomes of 250-400 billion USD in 2020

Liberty Bank Launches 100 Million GEL Program with Its Own Resources in the Direction of Prepaid Pensions On behalf of Liberty Bank, I would like to remind you that due to the current state of emergency in our country, our team's main challenge is to take care of our customers.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the international tourism is expected to lose 250-400 billion USD, the UN World Tourism Organization (WTO) reports.

Restrictions Applied to Batumi Boulevard Territory Due to the new Coronavirus pandemic, the following restrictions will be imposed on the entire territory of Batumi Boulevard within the state of emergency in order to avoid the risks of spreading the virus.

Educational System Based on Minecraft Base to be Launched in Schools in September Mikheil Chkhenkeli, the Minister of Education discussed the matters of quality of education, discipline and their future project in the broadcasting programme "SWOT Analysis".

School Pupils to Receive Live Lessons on Public Broadcaster Starting from March 30 The live broadcasting of lessons for school pupils will begin on the Public Broadcaster on 30 March.

Georgian Company Prints 3D Respiratory Valves to Assist Virus-Infected in Breathing A lot of people are dying of pneumonia amid the coronavirus outbreak. These patients need ventilators to automatically take oxygen to the lungs.

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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How will Georgiabased hospitals act if the coronavirus’ spread comes to a peak in the country?!

- As the Business Partner TV program’s guest, EVEX Hospitals Director General Giorgi Mindiashvili has analyzed whether Georgiabased hospitals are ready to withstand the challenges of the pandemic. Our six hospitals are ready to receive infected patients if necessary. EVEX Hospitals started preparations 10 days ago, and today the network is fully ready, Giorgi Mindiashvili pointed out.

“At this stage, we do not face such urgency.

However, we have prepared a clear plan, and we are ready to adjust our six hospitals for new challenges, to better serve infected patients. I would like to stress that in this situation, it is of vital importance that the private sector and the government work in coordination and support each other.

Consequently, we will fulfill our mission without any benefits or business interests, and we will assist the government as long as necessary. We have already prepared six hospitals”, Mindiashvili pointed out.

The company launched medical staff training 2-3 weeks ago, and the process is continued on a 24-hour schedule. The trained staff is ready to manage tests, the isolation of patients, and ensure their transportation to the best hospitals, Mindiashvili explained.

“What’s called “pretriage” was conducted in all hospitals. This will be planned to accommodate the emergency inflow of patients through pretriage, questionnaires or primary diagnosis; the identification of potentially risky patients.

If there are such patients, they are separated from the general inflow, and are directed to an isolation box until we get an answer from the laboratory. A negative answer means that treatments will continue as normal, while a positive means that the referral of the patient will go on to the relevant facility.

Today these facilities are – Republican Hospital, Infectious Diseases Hospital, and various state clinics. However, if necessary, our six clinics will also join the referral centers”, Mindiashvili noted, and added that their clinics have enough resources to fully manage

the pandemic in the country.

“At this stage, we have about 240 respirators, of which 40-50 are not occupied. Furthermore, we have taken measures in preparation and, two weeks ago, we ordered 30 additional respiratory devices. I can assure you that, based on the current epidemic in the country and based on certain reasonable calculations, I believe these resources are absolutely sufficient”, Giorgi Mindiashvili noted.

If the staff is infected, our six hospitals will be able to replace them with new staff, Mindiashvili added.

The training courses also include risk management skills. This plan means that the staff in contact with infected persons will move to full self-isolation and a new team will replace them.

This plan will apply only in emergency departments, Mindiashvili said.

“The training course is carried out in several parts. An emergency department is one of the most important topics, such as the emergency medicine department, urgent assistance department, and the therapy department. I suggest other departments

pass a training course in this division. It has not been ruled out that the coronavirus will infect our staff soon. Therefore, it is very important that after the self-isolation of the infected staff, other staff remain in these departments that provide vital services to our citizens. We are ready for such scenarios. If we have such situations like an emergency department with big referral centers, in this case, we have a plan on how to replace the staff. The new staff will completely replace the old one, and I stress that this process will take place in departments which are of vital importance for the country, and that provide continuous services in a particularly critical situation”, Giorgi Mindiashvili told Business Partner.

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How has the recently announced state of emergency the Georgian business sector, and how prepared was the private sector in meeting the government’s instructions – BDO Legal Company’s partner Dato Gelashvili discussed these issues for the TV Program Business Partner.

The state of emergency does not necessarily imply either a regime of force-majeure or the abolition of obligations agreed to by all parties.

As noted by Gelashvili, the recently announced state of emergency raises certain questions in the private sector regarding property management, force-majeure or taxation.

The state of emergency entitles the government to use hotels and related infrastructure, land and other forms of transport for quarantine or evacuation purposes. However, the government’s decision does not explain whether the owner of this infrastructure will receive compensation for these services, BDO’s legal partner noted.

The decision does not include instructions about paying or not paying compensation. It only gives a general description of the rules of expropriation, and this means that the process implies the payment of an appropriate compensation, he said.

“I cannot specify how this compensation will be determined, and when they will be given out, but as I was informed, the government had achieved an agreement with certain hotels prior to the adoption of this resolution, and some properties have been already been transmitted

for quarantine purposes, in exchange for a reasonable compensation”, Gelashvili said.

As for force-majeure , the state of emergency does not mean force-majeure will be applied in all cases, Gelashvili noted.

“To better understand how force-majeure works –it takes effect in certain conditions: Unexpected circumstances that cannot be prevented and changed by the relevant parties. The most important thing is that similar circumstances make it impossible to fulfill obligations.

Consequently, if there are legal resolutions with no disincentives, the announced state of emergency cannot affect these obligations and, most likely, the parties will have to fulfill their obligations. However, if the transport traffic restrictions or closed facilities directly affect these obligations, naturally, this factor will be appraised in the context of force-majeure.

This means that companies will not bear responsibility for their unfulfilled obligations”, Gelashvili said.

The government has already prepared certain preferences for injured business sectors, however, there are a lot of painful issues related to tax payments. Many issues remain unanswered, and the Tax Office should implement a single decision-making mechanism.

“As for tax payments, there is the decision that tax preferences have been determined for the organizations in the tourism industry, including – hotels, business operators, transport

companies and their obligations for paying February-May incomes taxes, and 2019 property tax payments were postponed. We are waiting for other decisions that the government should take regarding other tax preferences. However, many painful aspects were underlined, and there are no responses to them”, Gelashvili said.

Regarding leases, for example, he said.

“This issue has touched empty offices, malls, trade outlets, the entertainment and restaurant infrastructure, leased real estate. They have to pay VAT on a monthly basis, because these relations remain in force and on the other hand, these relations have been disrupted in practice, because the business process has stopped, while this process is a key factor in paying this tax. In my view, when the state of emergency is over and we return to a normal, the relevant taxing organizations have very good instruments and mechanisms to take individual decisions in the form of tax agreements for specific cases”, Gelashvili said.

Economic activities not related to the sale of products are not restricted, provided the business sector scrupulously follows obligatory safety norms that were enforced amid the pandemic, he added.

As explained by law firm BDO, the government’s resolution on the state of emergency primarily bans business activity related to the direct sale of products. All other actors are able to continue activities by protecting safety standards.

“The record on the restriction of economic activities seems to be banning or closing all suppliers of goods or products. This list does include services. These two different restriction regimes seem to mean that bodies, enterprises, companies and other providers of services, not engaged in product sales, are not restricted in their work, and their activities are not limited.

They must just fully protect safety standards, including a 2-meter distancing between employees and the protection the Heath Ministry recommends on hygiene”, Gelashvili noted.

I believe that the Georgian private sector will have no problems with abiding by the government’s resolution.

“The business sector should be ready. In practice, there are no unenforceable norms and naturally, first of all, we should take into consideration that this situation refers to the health and life of people. This is a priority issue, instead of mathematical calculations and finances. Consequently, despite the scale of the difficulties, these conditions should be observed.

I think that the majority of businesses are trying to retool production, and get adapted to the new situation, and they have already finished this process”, Dato Gelashvili told Business Partner TV Program.

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Businessmen are abstaining from implementing investment projects amid the COVID-190 pandemic. They are laying off staff and taking various radical measures to overcome the damage from declining incomes.

The Caucasus Business Week (CBW) has inquired as to how the long-term investment indicator has declined, and whether the business sector has a specific plan to cushion the crisis burden.

The Telavi Wine Cellar founder Zurab Ramazashvili has analyzed the problems in the winemaking industry that arose after the government announced the state of emergency and restaurants and cafes suspended operations.

“In general, times of crisis are considered to be the best for making investments. However, now we have partly reduced investments.

Everything depends on resources. If these resources are attainable when trying to make long-term investments, we will not lower the pace of work. At this stage, we are thinking of reducing investments to a certain degree”, Ramazashvili noted, and added that the winemaking industry is one of the business sectors that has most closely tracked the coronavirus pandemic and the closure of various facilities.

“People should determine their expected risks when starting a business. The government cannot assist in everything. We should agree that in this case, all of us will bear certain losses, and we should share the burden. As

for the winemaking industry, consumption has declined, because restaurants, cafes and public places are closed. Therefore, this crisis has badly hit the winemaking industry.

Consequently, we will bear serious losses. To be frank, we turned out unprepared for such a scenario. Amid the current developments, we will take appropriate decisions; however, our business activities will not be halted. We have not laid off staff, however, we have fired older employees because of the existing risks”, the businessman pointed out.

As noted by Irakli Iashvili, founder of the Vaziani winemaking company, paused investments, and the uncertain prospects for future development have essentially frustrated businesses, and the number of employees will inevitably decline.

“Naturally, the number of jobs will decline. I have no idea how businessmen can maintain staff. Shopping malls are closed. Our facilities were also closed. At this stage, there is no income, investments are paused. If anybody has a bit of cash, they should buy real estate or securities. I think the situation will further worsen in stages. Everything depends on how long this crisis will last. For example, China is demonstrating positive trends. The main thing is that we should also find a positive thing, and inspire positive economic moves”, Irakli Iashvili noted.

“In March the product's sales will be far lower than we planned. As for salaries, our employees will not be hurt this month”,

DIO Co-Founder and Executive Director Tamaz Daushvili noted, and added that the consumers’ activities have dramatically declined, and the company is trying to prepare a plan for maintaining staff.

Based on recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), together with many other organizations, DIO has carried out disinfection in its offices and showrooms, while the company staff serves consumers with special equipment.

As noted by Tamaz Daushvili, amid efforts to thwart the virus, consumer interest is declining, and this factor complicates operations on the market, and it is unclear what situation the month of April will see for the business sector.

‘Everybody turned out unprepared for such a crisis. We have done our best to continue operations. We have taken all decisions for ensuring safety, carried out disinfection at our offices and equipped the staff with all the necessary equipment.

We were ready to fulfill every recommendation, however, the more regulations in our business, the more difficult it is to operate. Consequently, the consumer shows lower activity. Our key task was to continue operations and protect our staff, company, family members and society. At this stage, our company has partly moved to working remotely. Employees come to job places in shifts. Incomes have also decreased.

As for April, we are longing to resume operations, because our company is not included in the list of industries that were banned from doing business. As for April salaries, everything depends on the development of the pandemic. If the consumers’ interest reaches zero, we will have an absolutely different reality; however if we manage to continue operations, we will maintain a maximum number of employees so as to receive guaranteed incomes.

I urge everybody not to give up and follow the recommendations, and we will manage to continue operations, and prevent the suspension of business ’, the DIO founder noted.

Our investment plans were temporarily postponed, including projects involving expanding plants in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, he added.

“We have already implemented several investments, built new enterprises, and we are waiting for the new season. We had plans for the official inauguration of new enterprises in Kutaisi and Tbilisi. Regretfully, these plans have been suspended. Nevertheless, we hope that, thanks to coordinated efforts together with commercial banks, we can overcome this crisis, because these investments were carried out thanks to commercial service bank credits, which is a key challenge”, Tamaz Daushvili noted.

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Economy in Hostage to Medicine Challenges in the coronavirus-paused economy and various problem resolution versions – PMCG Consulting Company director general Aleksi Aleksishvili has discussed the mentioned issues for Business Partner TV Program.

Economic stimulus decisions will bring no effect as long as the coronavirus-generated crisis period lasts, he said.

The global economy has never faced such a catastrophe and there is no recipe for the problem resolution, even more so, there is no medications and vaccines against the Corona Virus. Amid this crisis, it is more reasonable that the Government abstain from taking any incentivizing measures and think of only overcoming the crisis, Aleksi Aleksishvilipointed out.

Any recommendations or steps growing expenditures and narrowing incomes are wrong and ineffective. At this stage, we should just think of maintaining the state system to function and this mission requires financial allocations from the state budget. At this stage, the Government copes with this task very well, as well as the health issues. Simultaneously, the Government should show willpower and ignore requests from various groups for taking economic stimulation decisions, Aleksishvili said.

No special step and decision will bring economic stimulation effect as long as the crisis lasts, he explained.

Amid the state of emergency, the Government should ensure a valuable operation of vitally important economic fields such as banking sector and transport sector. We should maintain macroeconomic stability. As for economic simulation decisions, I believe these steps should be taken after the crisis, because the problem exists in the whole economy, not in its separate sectors, Aleksi Aleksishvilipointed out.

“Only thing that we can do now is to alleviate the burden from current challenges. In similar situations, the existing problems primarily damage the most socially vulnerable citizens.

Consequently, insisting on economic stimulation decisions such as lowering taxes, on the one hand, and subsidizing some industries, on the other hand, will be a wrong way. At this stage, the revenues will considerably decline if we cut taxes, while we need the revenues for everything.

At the same time, we should remember that higher subsidies may be taken only at the expense of other industries. It is impossible to do both things simultaneously without damaging other fields”, Aleksishvili said and added that the Government should take timely steps for attracting foreign assistance, because international financial institutions have already expressed readiness to provide such assistance for Georgia.

We should work on attracting foreign assistance packages. This is a necessary component and we should take decisions in this regard as soon as

possible. I think the Government and other offices of the economic team have been taking due steps in this regard. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a statement that it plans to place instruments of 1 trillion USD and incentivize an introduction of currency swaps and this is also a very important issue, Aleksishvili said.

“We should definitely attract these instruments, but even in this case, we should maintain the balance. We should remain moderate in everything to prevent more damages”, Aleksishvili noted.

It is desirable and expedient to halt infrastructural projects in 2020 that have not started yet. The country is expected to face financial needs and it is expedient to postpone the planned infrastructure projects that have not started yet, Aleksishvili assures.

“In this emergency situation, I believe we should assume obligations for the infrastructural projects planned for 2020, because we may face financial needs. This money is vitally important. The country needs financial resources that should be efficiently used. I understand that infrastructural projects are very important and the launched projects must be finished. Nevertheless, we can postpone in inauguration of the infrastructural projects that we have not launched yet.

We are facing existential challenges. The world has never encountered similar problems. Therefore, there are no ready recipes in either health system or the economy on how to overcome the existing challenges. Consequently, any efforts may bring counter-productive outcomes”, Aleksi Aleksishvilisaid.

As for the national currency and its devaluation trends over the past days, GEL cannot withstand turbulent phase, because it is a trustless currency, however, amid the current currency shocks, the National Bank has taken a proper decision to carry out currency interventions, because these

steps settle the panic and balance the market. It is recommended to apply other mechanisms too, he added.

The confusion generated by the current crisis situation has driven the Georgian national currency depreciation, because GEL remains a trustless currency he said. „Nnaturally, there is panic demand on the market, but the fact is that the trust to the GEL, as the national currency of Georgia, is low. Despite any artificial interventions to restore the GEL reputation, such as Larization programs and so amid similar turbulent periods, is unrealistic. Even when the Larization programs and regulations were introduced, we were saying these measures were effective in Good Weather, but these efforts would collapse in Bad Weather”, Aleksishvili said.

Currency interventions by the NBG aims to settle the existing panic, but this does not suffice and additional instruments should be also applied such as lowering the mandatory coefficient on foreign currency reserves that makes up 25% today, Aleksishvili said. „Banks’ currency reserves management is the most important issue and the NBG can give certain space in this regard. Supposedly, the NBG knows precisely how much the rate may be lowered.

Anyway, these instruments should be applied.

Another aspect – I do not think the refinancing rate should be raised. This measure cannot be effective. As for artificial suspension of the GEL rate, at the moment we can argue about the NBG interventions, but I believe the NBG interventions are a reasonable decision, because amid similar panics it is important to settle panics and these steps definitely bring desirable effects”, Aleksi Aleksishvili concluded.

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Gvantsa Skhirtladze: "We always Maintain the Values and Traditions of Georgian Wine, as It’s the Business Card of the Country" Interview with Marketing Manager of Teliani Valley, Gvantsa Skhirtladze.

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

During my undergraduate years and earlier, I devoted a lot of time to thinking about where I could better represent myself in the future, like attending educational exhibitions, attending university orientation meetings, getting to know programs, getting recommendations, and so on. Eventually, I made the choice to get into business administration, and a little later, marketing became my area of interest, as I realized this to be a field that allowed me to create something important and valuable.

However, before I made that decision, I challenged myself to work at a financial institution, and my next job was at an advertising agency, where I finally made sure I was on the right track.

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

Technology is evolving in our world at the speed of lightning, affecting company and customer relationships, feedback, behaviors and expectations. Technological advances in this regard make it possible, over a short period, with less effort, to identify, analyze, customize a product or service, but on the other hand, we have little time for the implementation of the above, do not have the right to relax, we are constantly learning and adapting our plans. It requires caution, because the information spreads very quickly, and is critical to its timely and accurate delivery. Otherwise, the benefits that it brings can quickly turn negative.

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

The technological developments mentioned above have had a huge impact on marketing, changing the relationships between companies and customers, the customer experience, the decision making process.

It can be said that social networks have become the most important channel for communications and sales. If only a few years ago, there was a website or just advertising as a source of information about the company, today Facebook, Instagram and other social networks are much more relevant and effective in terms relevant to their budget, and providing information dissemination and direct and instant contact with consumers.

In addition to increased corporate social responsibility, the high quality of products and services offered in exchange for loyalty is no longer sufficient, and consumers are demanding even more, which is crucial in the developed world.

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?

A marketer surely has to have the desire to build, the ability to orient and listen, you must constantly have a hand on the pulse, otherwise even the best decision may prove futile. In short, a marketing manager is a bridge between the producer and the market, helping the company create adequate demand for the product, and on the other hand planning and implementing effective communication with the targeted segment.

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

I constantly monitor world trends, market demands, listen to our customers, and keep our communication channels updated accordingly.

Different markets need different products, strategies and activities, so our action plans are idiosyncratic and constantly updated.

However, depending on the specifics of the product, we always maintain the values and traditions of Georgian wine, as it is not just an easily disposable product in the export market, but a business card of the country.

What's an organization's business model in marketing? How is it focused on the customer?

The business model of the company is fully focused on consumers, their needs and interests, besides, it’s important for us to contribute to the development of the country, presenting Georgian products, and especially Georgian wine in foreign markets.

One word that describes your job.

Dynamic.

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

Finding one helpful piece of advice is a bit difficult, as I often get tips and advice, spend a lot of time analyzing it, and in the end, one particular piece of advice isn’t what defines my decision, though I always tell myself "it's worth a try!"

Think of a person who inspires you professionally.

At different stages of professional growth, different people inspired me, and finally, to summarize it all up, these people combined some of these traits: professionalism, an ability to take risk and achieve!

9 March 30, 2020 #320

Business News

Georgian Business Association and its Member Companies Donate GEL 5 Million StopCov Fund

Business Association of Georgia in response to COVID-19 outbreak.

TBC to Spend more than GEL 5 Million to Tackle the Challenges of COVID 19

Georgian Business Association has allocated 300 000 GEL from its own funds to fight COVID19.

The Association disseminates information about it.

''TBC for you'' - TBC creates a program to support the Georgian population, which will combine all TBC-initiated projects to reduce the harm caused by COVID-19.

Georgian Company Doctor Goods Produced 40,000 Medical Gowns in a Week Georgian producer of medical textiles, Doctor Goods, was able to produce 40,000 medical gowns in a week after 12 additional sewing machines were purchased with support from the European Union and German Government funded Clusters4Development project implemented by GIZ.

Brand Hotels Arranging Quarantine Spaces Free of Charge in Georgia Georgia, along with the rest of the world, faces the greatest challenge flighting the Coronavirus, unity, support and the social responsibility of business are vitally important.

More than 4 200 people are placed in quarantine space in 64 hotels, which is financed from the state budget.

APM Terminals Poti to donate GEL 100,000 to “StopCoV Fund” APM Terminals Poti operator of Poti Sea Port will contribute 100,000 GEL to the special fund of the Business Association of Georgia in response to COVID-19 outbreak.

Humans for Humans - Campaign to Help Damaged Businesses and Employees National Association for Human Resources of Georgia started campaign within the frameworks of fighting against coronavirus pandemic and its results.

Supermarket Chain Magniti Allocated Financial Resources to Fight the Virus Due to corporate social responsibility, Magniti has allocated GEL 50,000 to combat the spread of the virus.

Georgian industrial Group Donates 300 000 GEL to “StopCoV Fund” Georgian Industrial Group (GIG) will contribute 300,000 GEL to the special fund of the

Company "Vendoo" to Offer its Users 24/7 Free Delivery Service Based on the existed circumstances, Vendoo already canceled commissions upon deliveries.

As they declare in the company, one can buy anything, then Vendoo will deliver the product to them free of charge.

SOCAR donates GEL 200,000 to “StopCoV Fund” SOCAR Georgia will contribute 100,000 GEL to the special fund of the Business Association of Georgia in response to COVID-19 outbreak.

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11 March 30, 2020 #320 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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