Caucasus Business Week #256

caucasus

DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE

BUSINESS

October 15, 2018 - www.cbw.ge

#256

WEEK

p.13

EU4Energy Talk: Flexibility and Gas Market Design

p.8

Interview with Head of Public Relations Nutsa Kistauri of Georgian Co-Investment Fund

p.4

Commercial Banks against National Bank

Frankfurt Book Fair

Spotlight on Georgia, a Country of Contrasts Photo by Georgia Made by Characters

2 October 15, 2018 #256

First Direct Flight from Kutaisi to Vienna Performed

Young Actors Perform Nart Sagas in Georgian and Ossetian

The first regular direct flight from Davit Aghmashenebeli Airport to Vienna was performed.

Nart Sagas, one of the oldest Caucasus eposes, received its second life on a theatrical stage of Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film State University of Georgia. A group of young actors performed the ancient stories of courage, friendship and love in Georgian and Ossetian languages.

Adjara to Pick 50-60 Thousand Tons of Citrus in 2018

Georgia’s Annual Natural Gas Consumption may Exceed 3.5 billion Cubic Meters by 2030

According to the 2018 forecast indicators, about 50-60 thousand tons of citrus will be picked in Adjara Region. The citrus picking process will start in mid-November in Adjara Region and the processing plants will launch operation on November 25, representatives of Ministry of Agriculture of Adjara Region told BM.GE.

Georgia’s annual natural gas consumption may exceed 3.5 billion cubic meters by 2030, Temur Gochitashvili, head of the GOGC department for Strategic Planning and Designing, noted.

Technical University to Launch Laboratory for Testing Bridges and Tunnels

Turnover in Georgian Sea Ports Dropped Turnover in Georgian sea ports has plummeted. According to G&T, Over 2012-2017 cargo handled in Batumi (-46.6%) and Kulevi (-37.1%) decreased substantially, while in Poti (-10.9%) and Supsa (-2.8%) the decrease was moderate.

According to the director of Municipal Development Fund, the rehabilitation of Georgian Technical University Academic Canter and Research Laboratory for Resting Bridges and Tunnels will be finished in January 2019.

Georgia to Participate in Europe’s Major Wine Exhibition – EXPOVINA The Swiss city of Zurich will host the 65th festival of Europe’s biggest wine exhibition – EXPOVINA. The event will last from November 1 to November 15.

ADB Raises 2018 Growth Forecast for Georgia to 4.9% The Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised Georgia’s 2018 growth forecast to 4.9% from the April estimate of 4.5% reflecting strong growth in tourism and robust investment after an increase in business and investor confidence.

Georgian State Electrosystem Participated in Bluberries Working Session in Munich Georgian State Electrosystem participated in the consultation company Blueberries’s working session in Munich, Germany.

Georgian Writers at The International Literature Festival lit.RUHR The international literature festival lit.RUHR will take place for the second time from the 9th to the 14th of October 2018. For a total of 79 events on six festival days, German and international authors will be coming to Villa Hügel in the Ruhrgebiet.

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;

3 October 15, 2018 #256

4 October 15, 2018 #256

Commercial Banks against National Bank New Regulations to Take Effect in November With the aim to enforce the responsible crediting framework, the Financial Stability Committee has taken decision to put retail loans regulations into effect on November 1. According to the mentioned decision, financial institutions will be obliged to examine solvency of their clients prior to issuing loans. Moreover, PTI and LTV coefficients should not exceed the NBG-determined maximum norms.

Starting November 1, loans will be issued only to those borrowers, whose co-borrower will be his/her family member, the NBG provision on retail crediting reads. Under the provision, regulations for commercial banks will come into force on November 1 and other crediting institutions will take effect on January 1, 2019.

It is also noteworthy that if the borrower’s/co-borrower’s solvency has not been analysed, the client will not be able to take property-guaranteed loan without haviung more than one residential real estate.

“If the borrower’s/co-borrower’s solvency has not been analysed by the crediting organization, real estate guaranteed loan/credit may be issued only if the borrower/co-borrower owns more than one residential real estate and, at the same time and the borrower/ co-borrower has not mortgaged property that he/she uses for residential purposes. A co-borrower must be member of the borrower’s household” the provision reads.

The NBG regulations will come into force in several days and they set additional restrictions on issuing loans. Namely: 1. The mortgage loan’s maturity must not exceed 15 years; 2. Consumer loan’s maturity with real estate guarantee must not exceed 10 years; 3. Auto loan’s maturity must not exceed 6 years; 4. Maturity of any loan must not be over 4 years.

The new regulations of NBG will apply to all credit organizations starting 2019. Crediting organizations, namely, any commercial entity, to which more than 20 physical bodies have loan/credit liabilities, will be subjected to the NBG regulations and supervision.

The NBG has approved regulations for registration of crediting institutions, cancelling registration at NBG and their supervision.

Under these regulations, the authorized body of an organization or an individual entrepreneur must submit application to the NBG for registration of a crediting entity. Moreover, the applicants must also submit a document proving that it has paid the determined registration fee at the NBG. The fee for registration of a crediting entity is 10 000 GEL. Commercial banks object to the mentioned regulations referring to clients’ interests and demand for

suspension of them. On the other hand, borrowers have not protested against the fact that the crediting is restricted without income references. „ I think this provision should be suspended. Regretfully, these provisions are introduced in forced regime. I do not know why there were not meetings and communication with the Association of Farmers? This will not be reflected on only commercial banks and micro finance organizations. This refers to everybody in practice.

Neither new borrowers will be financed nor the existing borrowers will be able to increase the existing loans”, Aleksandre Dzneladze, head of the Association of Banks noted.

The banking sector expert Giorgi Tsutskiridze says that the leading commercial banks of Georgia cannot really analyse political and social risks. The liberal regime that they had in previous years is over and the announced regulations will not be changed, he said.

“Demands for postponing the mentioned regulations and its expected negative impact on economy, even more so in this pre-election period, comprises signs of certain ultimatum and consequently, it is a losing move from commercial banks. It is less expected that somebody will make concessions. I do not expect other business associations will engage in this game, even amid high anti-bank moods in the country.

Regretfully, this case demonstrates that the leading commercial banks of Georgia cannot realistically perceive the existing political and social risks. The new regulations were brought by the time. Commercial banks should realize this factor and switch to the new reality. The previous liberal regime is over. The 20082010 global crisis consequences have reached our country a little later”, Tsutskiridze said.

One of the NBG managers has also announced plans for implementing new regulations. This step is necessary for growing and develooping the finance sector of Georgia, the NBG vice president noted. Murtaz Kikoria released explanations regarding the new regulations with media.

The National Bank does not plan to suspend or postpone new regulations, he said. “it is absolutely groundless consideration as if the new regulations may negatively affect development of small and medium business companies”, Murtaz Kikoria said. The new regulations will restrict crediting of either micro business or agriculture sector”, Murtaz Kikoria noted.

By Merab Janiashvili

5 October 15, 2018 #256

6 October 15, 2018 #256

From January 1, 2013 to September 25, 2018 the Government of Georgia has written off debts of 3 117 219 960 GEL from 65 604 taxpayers.

After amendments to the Tax Code came into force on August 1, 2018, a total of 10 690 taxpayers were free of tax debts of 325 147 262.40 GEL. The Commersant has requested the information from Revenue Service.

According to Revenue Service, the tax debts were pardoned on the ground of both private initiative and taxpayer’s application. The process of writing off debts will be continued.

The Caucasus Business Week has inquired what consequences the tax amnesty will have on state economy and how pardoned debts will influence the business sector.

Zurab Lalazashvili, managing partner for BDO, explains that amnesties encourage dishonest taxpayers.

“In general, I have negative attitude to writing off debts, because we encourage tax evader companies. If companies do not agree with the tax, they should be able to sue the decision and the debts will be decreased through the Board of Disputes.

Some companies feel that unjust decisions are made. When these debts are written off from so many companies, the feeling of injustice arises for businessmen, who pays all taxes timely.

Frequently, overdue loans are pardoned. In reality, the Authorities cannot collect these debts and similar money cannot make influence on the economy. When a company has suspended operation for 3 years and it does nothing, the pardoned debts cannot add any benefits, however, I think, in this case, the debts may be written off, but very carefully and in exceptional cases, to shape healthy competitive environment”, Lalazashvili said.

Paata Bairakhtari, vice president of Association of Young Financiers and Businessmen (AYFB), says that the Authorities should help companies get rid of problems because one suspended company signifies at least tens of unemployed persons, reduced GDP and so on. „When we talk about writing off debts, this signifies that companies cannot pay the debts. Frequently, after similar pardoning, companies resume production. Naturally, we have such cases when companies cannot continue production even after loan pardoning.

The main thing is that business process not be suspended because of debts”, Bairakhtari noted.

The AYFB vice president also mentioned the Omega Group case with 50 million GEL debts accrued for 3 years.

“According to my information, the Government postponed tax payments to Omega Group several times. At this stage, the Authorities should use available mechanisms to assist the company. No business company is to suspend operation in Georgia.

The Authorities should do their best to prevent business companies from suspension of operation.

I would remember one of the major campaigns in this direction, which commenced when Irakli Gharibashvili was Prime Minister. I imply development companies and suspended construction projects, where huge tax debts were pardoned.

If we analyse indicators of the following years, we had good indicators in development sector and this tendency was maintained for many years. Objective of the preferences and pardoning was to encourage the economy and vivify the suspended business. The Government believes that pardoned taxes enable suspended business companies to become potential taxpayers in the future”, Bairakhtari noted.

TechnoBoom founder Anzor Kokoladze says the suspended companies will have the chance to resume operation and this aspect will promote Georgian economy.

“When one company honestly pays taxes, but another ignores taxes and the later is written off debts, naturally, the first company feels injustice. At the sae time, when you realize that the tax amnesty frequently refers to companies that have suspended operation for many years, then the feeling of injustice disappears. This money was lost for the state budget anyway, while tax pardoning gives a chance to the companies to resume operation. I think only 5 % of similar companies resume operation, but I welcome even them anyway”, Anzor Kokoladze said.

7 October 15, 2018 #256

Frankfurt Book Fair Spotlight on Georgia, a Country of Contrasts

Frankfurt Book Fair, the world's largest trade fair for books, has opened its gates to professionals on October 10. Georgia, this year's guest country, is presenting its literature and culture with nearly 350 events at the fair. More than 70 authors, including Aka Morchiladze and Nino Kharatishvili, will attend readings and conferences until October 14th. The pavilion of Georgia, which was designed to reflect the letters of Georgia's unique alphabet, was opened on Tuesday night

by Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadz and EU’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini at an official ceremony.

Exhibitors will introduce nearly 300 literature works from Georgia and around 600 books about the country.

Mamuka Bakhtadze: We never had such a strong platform of promoting our culture in Europe throughout the history of independent Georgia "We never had such a strong platform of promoting our culture in Europe throughout the history of independent Georgia" noted Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia after opening the topical stands of Georgia at the Frankfurt Book Fair. Europe has officially declared that Georgia is the cradle of wine and we started winemaking 8000 years ago, which is a very significant contribution of Georgia to the European civilization. It is acknowledged by everyone" added the Prime Minister of Georgia.

Frederica Mogherini: Georgia is a Guest of Honour that is the Right Place for the European Union “Georgia is a guest of honour that is the right place for the European Union“,

EU supreme representative in foreign and security policy issues, European Commission vice President Federica Mogherini said. I want to be very sincere – I am always, but tonight I will put an additional element of “personal touch” in what I will share with you. My first thought, when I received this invitation, has been: “What an honour!” There are two reasons that are self-evident. The first one is that wherever Georgia is a guest of honour that is the right place for the European Union to be. And the second one is that wherever human rights are celebrated, promoted, protected, that is the right place for the EU to be, Federica Mogherini noted, Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze also delivered his speech at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Surrounded by the 33 letters: The Guest of Honour Pavilion at the Frankfurter Buchmesse Tsikara Museum Exhibition Opened Within the framework of the 70th International Fair of Frankfurt Book, an exhibition of Georgian folk tale “Tsikara” was opened with the support of TBC in Frankfurt “Struwelpeter” Museum.

Based on the wish of the “Struwelpeter” Museum – Georgian illustrations were exhibited with them within the framework of the cultural program – the National Library of Georgia announced competition for the exhibition concept. The joint idea of two organizations – “Contact” and “Illustrator” was selected for the exhibition “Museum in Museum”.

More than 70 Georgian authors are attending the Frankfurter Buchmesse More than 70 Georgian authors are making guest appearances and presenting their books in Frankfurt. Among them is Aka Morchiladze, one of the most highly respected contemporary Georgian writers who made incredible speech at the opening ceremony.

Visitors were also able to encounter Georgian authors, artists and creatives in events and readings around the rest of the book fair site, for example, at Georgia’s National Stand, at the Literature for Children and Young Adults Stand.

Outside the book fair, countless other events – from theatre productions and performances to exhibitions – provided even more insights into Georgia’s diverse cultural landscape. The programme presented

by Frankfurt’s museums and cultural institutions combines the best of prehistory, ancient and contemporary art, photography, architecture, design, typography and illustration.

Georgia is cooking – culinary experiences around Frankfurt Not only in the Georgia Pavilion or the Gourmet Gallery book fair visitors had chance to experience a taste of Georgia.

Using the tagline ‘Georgia is cooking’, promoter Leon Joskowitz joins forces with five top Georgian chefs and culinary ambassadors – like the celebrated chief Tekuna Gachechiladze – to share the experience of the country’s culinary diversity around Frankfurt, for example, during the ‘Books n’ Wines’ series.

8 October 15, 2018 #256

Nutsa Kistauri: “Face To Face Communication Is The Best Practice That I Believe Can Never Be Changed“ Interview with Head of Public Relations Nutsa Kistauri of Georgian Co-Investment Fund.

Why did you decide to enter this field and what opportunities does it give in terms of career growth?

It’s widely known that Public Relations is a strategic communication process that aims to spread the information between an individual or an organization and the public. But beyond that simple definition there are numerous aspects that can lead to a mutually beneficial relationship, as it incorporates much broader theme named “Global Communications”.

That’s why I chose to make BA degree in Global Communications with the minor in Social Psychology. These studies give me opportunity to identify, connect, share, relate and mobilize across geographic, political, economic, social and cultural divides, which is drastically important for my personal and professional growth.

What is it necessary to hold successful communication with public?

The first and the most important factor before initiating any kind of communication is to define the purpose what you expect, just simply asking the question: “Why do I need to communicate with the public?”. Then, comes the part where one has to identify the target audience and to implement a Communication Plan.

What three tips would you offer someone just starting out in PR? I can’t be a right person who gives the tips about PR, as I personally don’t believe in strict margins in this field. All I can tell is that for me, Public Relations is just about mastering the art of communication, emotions, cultural intelligence, and if a person is committed to this field, then all the universe will conspire in helping him/her to achieve it.

What do you wish you would have known before starting your career in PR?

As I can’t state only one subject matter that I would have loved to know before starting my career, I will briefly say about the importance of developing social skills before starting a career in PR. One can’t deal in this field only with theoretical know-how. But, Social skills are like any other skill. If you study and practice, you'll develop it, as no one is born with natural charisma and sophisticated social skills.

Describe your typical work week.

Everyday, I start by organizing my work desk and making a to-do list for the day. No single day/week is like the other and that’s why this field is so interesting for me. You never know what challenge you will face or how you will deal with it.

How would you go about finding relevant contacts and sources?

Just simple and very direct ways. You need somebody’s contact information? Just ask for it. You don’t know an individual personally?

Just go and make a new connection. Don’t be ashamed if you lack contacts, as people come and go, just be alert and form as many new ties as possible.

What skills does successful PR Manager need?

Public Relations is all about communications, and communication is all about storytelling.

But, you can’t measure the success of a PR Manager, you can only measure the success of PR Plan. As an example, It is known that the first United States political campaign to distribute information over the internet about the political issues was the 1992 Presidential campaign. The politicians realized that the Internet was a great way to connect with their voters and citizens of the United States.

In 2003, Senator Howard Dean was the first to create a blog (most relevant mean for storytelling) where people would have the

opportunity to exchange their ideas with him and receive back some answers. Thus it can be said that Dean pioneered Internet-based fundraising that is based on mass appeal by promoting active “participatory democracy” among broader public.

"The Internet isn't magic, it's just a tool that can be used to do things differently” said Dean to demonstrate the effective differentiating power of Web 2.0. But nowadays, We don’t remember the name of the PR Manager who identified the very specific and accurate mean of storytelling, but we do know the story how he/she pioneered in internet based era and reached the super goal of his/her candidate.

On a global market, where international teams, initiatives, and joint ventures are increasingly common, it is extremely important for people to integrate themselves quickly with new cultures.

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

Face to face communication is the best practice that I believe can never be changed. With technology developing and AI conquering the world, the importance of face to face communication gets more vital each day. Communicating face-to-face sends a message before one makes a statement, as it incorporates eye contact, body language, emotions etc.

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

It depends on which market we are talking about, but overall the most relevant themes that can be identified are: the rapid advent and development of Artificial Intelligence, integration of social media platforms within the press release strategy, high demand in influencer marketing and the supremacy of virality within the attention economy structure.

9 October 15, 2018 #256

Business News Business Sector Regains 333 million GEL Surplus Tax

and the year on year growth constituted 22%.

Bank of Georgia Appoints New Communications Director

As of October 2018, the business sector got back 333 million GEL surplus taxes. According to Ministry of Finance, as a result of revised procedures, the business gets back surplus tax without obstacles.

Giorgi Chlaidze has been appointed as the Director of Communications department at Bank of Georgia. According to the bank’s press office, Mr.Giorgi joined the company three years ago and was the head of operations.

collection of Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum of Georgian National Museum. Also in 1972, Ilia Zdanevich’s handmade book in Paris, titled “Pirosmaniashvili 1914”. The book includes Pablo Picasso’s engraving “Portrait of Pirosmani”.

Silk Road Group Plans to Set up a Graphene Battery Plant in Georgia

Young Beekeper from Tsaishi Continues Beekeeping Tradition

New York Silk Road Group, Silk Tech Group LLC and Georgian Partnership fund on the one hand and Phi4 Incorporated/Phi4 Technology Sl, on the other hand have concluded a MoU that is setting out the general principles of cooperation in the field of development of a joint project regarding manufacturing plants, production facilities and/or operations centre for first of its type Graphene Batteries/Graphene Energy Storage Technologies to be built at various sites in Georgia.

Co-Investment Fund Invests 21 million USD in Sighnaghi – Photo

New Winery Launches Operation in Ambrolauri Municipality LLC Zedashe, a grapes processing enterprise equipped with modern technologies has launched operation in Ambrolauri municipality.

The enterprise was established as part of the Joint Agro Project of the Projects Management Agency of Ministry of Agriculture. With the support of Government, the company has obtained preferential agro loan of 550 000 USD.

Shako Karchava is 22 year old entrepreneur, the student is from the village of Tsaishi in Zugdidi.

Young entrepreneur wanted to continue beekeeping traditions of the ancestors and to turn it into business.

Georgia Exports 142 million USD Wines in January-September According to LEPL National Wine agency, in January-September 2018 Georgia exported about 60 million bottles of wines to 53 countries, up 13% compared to the same period of 2017. Total value of the exported wines made up 142 million USD

A four-star hotel will be built in Sighnaghi as part of the Tourism Development Foundation of Co-Investment Fund. The hotel with 130 suites will combine spa and fitness centres, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, wine cellar, wine bar, top-class restaurant, lounge bar with 360-degree views and large conference hall.

Vienna Albertina Museum to Exhibit Niko Pirosmani The exhibition will feature 29 paintings from the

TBC to Appeal to the Court for Damaged Business Reputation Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, General Director of TBC Bank, said at the press briefing on the allegations of Omega Group founder Zaza Okuashvili that the bank is going to appeal to the court for damaged reputation.

Georgia-Germany Business and Cooperation Forum

On October 9 the German city of Frankfurt is hosting Georgia-Germany Business and Cooperation Forum, which was organized

by Government of Georgia, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as part of the Frankfurt Book Fair.

10 October 15, 2018 #256

EU4Energy Talk: Flexibility and Gas Market Design Interview with Mr.Peter Pozsgai, EU4ENERGY Gas Expert, Energy Community Secretariat, Austria What reforms and activities is EU4ENERGY implementing to organize natural gas market in Georgia?

The Energy Community Secretariat – as an implementing body of the EU4ENERGY Governance Project – provides assistance to Georgia in developing such a legislative and regulatory framework, which is in line with Georgia’s obligations as a Contracting Party of the Energy Community. In 2017, the Secretariat developed a draft natural gas distribution network code in order to put in place European standards in the contractual relations between final consumers such as households and their suppliers. These rules include for instance how consumers can connect to the gas distribution network and how they can switch to another supplier if they want to. For the year 2018, the Secretariat is currently assisting the Georgian energy regulatory authority (GNERC) in updating its tariff methodologies both for the transmission and for the distribution levels. This means that the prices for the transport of gas for consumers both on the wholesale and on the retail markets will be calculated via a similar methodology as for the consumers in the European Union.

In addition to the actions implemented within the EU4ENERGY Programme, the Secretariat delivered further inputs to its Georgian partners such as the draft Law on Energy and a draft Natural Gas Market Concept Design. These acts are currently discussed in the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and are expected to embark on the legislative procedure in the Parliament of Georgia.

Could you tell us, what does Natural Gas Market Concept Design mean and why it is important for Georgia to develop it?

While the Law on Energy defines the high-level scope and principles, it cannot address all the structural details in the setup of the gas market. The Natural Gas Market Concept Design, which is foreseen by the draft Law on Energy to be developed, provides a more detailed guidance on the functioning, the structure and the organization of the gas market, including the rights and obligations of the market players. It also sets out how a more mature, open and competitive Georgian gas market is expected to operate introducing the forward and day-ahead market concepts and rules related to the balancing of the gas system. The Natural Gas Market Concept Design is expected to be adopted in the form of a Government Decree and as such will represent one of the pillars of Georgia’s legislative framework for the gas market.

The Concept Design will be complemented by other acts of GNERC, which will govern the concrete rules and procedures for identifying and registering market participants and which will inter alia define the types and templates of contracts, the standard products that are to be sold on the gas market and the way the organized market place (virtual trading point or gas exchange) should work.

How would you assess current gas market environment and infrastructure in Georgia, what are the key issues in the sector?

A very high level of market concentration features the Georgian gas market today both on the wholesale and on the retail levels. Consumers have no real choice of other market players in case they wish to switch away from the dominant supplier.

This may lead to monopolistic behaviour and may raise security of supply concerns in case the dominant supplier is unable to provide the necessary amounts of gas. The merit of an open and competitive gas sector is not just about market-based pricing but also about the opportunity to choose alternative suppliers. The draft Natural Gas Market

Concept Design proposes regulatory measures to provide opportunities to new market players for entering the Georgian market. This is to be done via a so-called gas release programme, via which the dominant supplier would be forced to offer part of its gas for sale, openly available for everyone to purchase.

On the other hand, Georgia lies on the path of the EU’s flagship project, the Southern Gas Corridor, which is planned to connect Azerbaijan and the Caspian area to European consumers. According to the intergovernmental agreements currently in force, and to the exemptions negotiated during the accession process to the Energy Community, Georgia does not implement the EU’s Third Package rules on the major gas transit pipelines that cross its territory until 2026. This exemption also means that Georgia cannot have access to the gas that is transiting the country, and it cannot carry out trade operations along the transit pipeline. With this in mind, it is still worth to consider how and when the Georgian market could be linked to the EU’s internal gas market via the transit infrastructure. This would obviously be the cheapest way to be connected to an almost 500 bcm market.

Georgia has been an Energy Community Contracting Party for a little more than a year but the ambitions for reforms from the side of the successive governments have been remarkable, which we sincerely hope that will continue.

The energy regulatory authority GNERC is one of the most active and highly qualified regulators among the Contracting Parties.

What are the initial steps Georgia has to take to develop and open the natural gas market and regulate prices?

The legal obligations stemming from the Energy Community membership foresee that all non-household consumers will be free to choose their suppliers from 31 December 2018 and that households will have the same right starting from 31 December 2019. The question to

exercising this right is how it can actually be implemented in such a highly concentrated market.

The rest of the reforms need to be implemented until 31 December 2020 and they include numerous actions. The company responsible for transporting natural gas will need to be separated from the gas production, supply and trading activities both on the wholesale and on the distribution level as well. The operator of the transmission network will have to provide open access to third parties and it will need to charge tariffs in a manner that is non-discriminatory and is defined in a transparent way.

One of the tools to foster gas trade in the Georgia is the establishment of a virtual trading point, which would serve as a central platform for buyers and sellers and which, on the longer term, could provide credible price signals. Of course, the establishment of the structure is not enough in itself. Companies will have to be comforted via a predictable regulatory framework and consistent government commitment to the reforms in order to have confidence and engage actively in the Georgian gas market.

What are the high level goals and aim of the project?

The EU4ENERGY project is part of the European Union’s Eastern Partnership initiative. The EU4Energy Governance project focuses on Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine in preparing and adopting legislation that is in line with the Energy Community acquis. It also helps to improve the institutional framework for the entire policy cycle and to increase the pace of adoption of the legislation.

Through workshops and seminars, we engage in developing greater technical, institutional and administrative capacity in the energy ministries and agencies to progress beyond the adoption of primary legislation.

11 October 15, 2018 #256

HUAWEI’s Innovative Smartphones Shoot the Best Moments The World in Vivid Colours – this is a key inspiring idea of cellular phones manufacturing companies. AI technologies have brought entirely new standards in mobile photography. In this respect, smartphone manufacturing companies care more for the customer’s comfort and try to embody absolutely innovative features into their devices. In this respect, HUAWEI is a leading company that delights its consumers with innovative smartphones with improved camera features and renewed design.

New epoch in mobile photography – this is how experts appraise the latest success and innovations in this technology.

And everything started in this way …

The first generation of mobile phone cameras appeared in 20002003. In practice, the widespread “Selfie” was invented in this period. In 2000, 256-color display was introduced, while a little later Sharp J-SH04 created the first

100K pixel (352x228) camera.

In 2013-2014 the operating systems of SMART enhanced mobile cameras and the resolution of cameras was improved to the level of megapixels. Smartphone manufacturing companies represented on the market have actively developed this direction.

Thanks to their efforts, the quality of photo images was improved more. In this period, image editor applications were also introduced.

Photo image editor applications have become irreplaceable components for smartphone users. At the same time, applications for taking and sharing photos have become more attainable thanks to the G2 smartphones.

considerably advanced the smartphone camera characteristics.

Generation 4 – HUAWEI Company and Revolution in Mobile Photography

HUAWERI supplies its products and services to one third of the world population in more than 170 countries worldwide. A total of 16 research and development centres operate in the USA, Ger-

Generation 3 and HUAWEI P9Leica with Dual Camera Photography is the art of light.

However, the phone sizes limit the camera capabilities and it is impossible to take phots like professional photo cameras. This signifies phone camera development has been a little protracted.

However, in 2016, HUAWEI company jointly with Leica developed and manufactured a smartphone with dual camera. Thanks to 2 separate sensors, HUAWEI has

In 2018 HUAWEI introduced revolutionary innovations in mobile photography and offered HUAWEI P20 Pro - unique smartphone with AI and three cameras and super tele-photo zoom.

HUAWEI P20 Pro has surpassed its competitors and commenced a new era in the history of smartphones.

Today, customers give preference to smartphones for taking photos, as smartphones reflect everyday life of a modern individual.

HUAWEI as a leading company aims to offer the best products to customers to enable them to see more and discover the world in better colours.

many, Sweden, Russia, India and China. HUAWEI Consumer BG is one of the business units of HUAWEI with a main focus on production of smartphones, personal computers, Tabs and cloud services. The global network of HUAWEI is based on the 20-year experience in telecommunication business and aims to offer innovative technologies all over the world.

World News

13 October 15, 2018 #256

American Economists win Nobel Prize for Work on Climate and Growth Two American economists at the forefront of work on climate change and the role of governments in boosting growth have been jointly awarded the prestigious Nobel Memorial prize for economics.

Facebook Disables Accounts Tied to Russian Company that Allegedly Scraped User Data EBRD: Renewables are Now Cheapest Energy Source The EBRD is urging a step change in levels of investment in renewable sources of energy. Competitive pressures have led to a significant reduction so that renewables are often the cheapest sources of energy.

Facebook has disabled accounts operated by a Russian business that the social network says scraped user data from its platform. The Russian company, SocialDataHub, advertises insights through publicly available information. According to Facebook, that includes information gleaned from its users.

Nobel Peace Prize for Anti-rape Activists Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege The 2018 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to campaigners against rape in warfare Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege.

Azerbaijan to Open Trade and Wine Houses in China’s Shanghai City Azerbaijan’s trade and wine houses are planned to be opened in China’s Shanghai city. This statement was made during a meeting between Azerbaijani Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Wei Jinghua.

Russia Remains without Voting Rights in Council of Europe, for now After much anticipation of the vote, the Council of Europe (CoE) on October 9 decided to postpone a decision on whether a rule change should be enacted to restore Russian voting rights in the assembly. If passed, the law would also make it harder to sanction a country’s delegates if the Council’s principles are ignored.

Pashinyan: Our Goal is to Turn Armenia into a High-tech Country Armneian revolution will have no value if we fail to carry out an economic revolution, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan announced in his speech at the economic forum in the sidelines of the Francophonie summit.

Belarus Supermarket Chain Launches London IPO Turkey Asks Shops to Cut Prices in Radical Approach to Inflation Turkey’s finance minister has set out a new approach to tackling the country’s soaring inflation — urging the nation’s shops and businesses to give consumers discounts to keep prices in check.

Eurotorg, the largest grocery retailer in Belarus with a market share of 19 per cent in 2017, has formally announced its intention to launch an initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The retailer is offering a combination of primary and secondary proceeds. It expects to raise approximately 200 million US dollars in primary proceeds, and the total offering is expected to top 300 million US dollars.

14 October 15, 2018 #256

15 October October15, 8, 2018 2018#255 #256 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

16 October 15, 2018 #256