Health and Beauty 2012 by The FINANCIAL

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19 November, 2012

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beauty Georgian Meat Products Contain Hazardous Bacteria, Study Finds The FINANCIAL

tain coliform bacteria which can cause Hepatitis A and E, Ascaris, enterovirus infections, Lambliasis, Typhus Abdominalis, Shigellosis and cholera. The Georgian National Food Agency (NFA) has fined over 50 enterprises in 2012 that broke food safety standards in the country. The average fine amount per single business operator consists of GEL 1,000 (USD 600). This is the price that retailers have to pay for risking people’s health. NFA said under the current code it regularly runs state control of business entrepreneurs.

Tips for Avoiding Viruses this Winter The FINANCIAL

lu season just started. Infections typically begin with a sore or scratchy throat, fatigue and muscle aches, and develop to such symptoms as coughing and tightness. These

symptoms can last for several weeks and seriously damage your health and lifestyle. According to Elene Gabunia, Doctor of Medicine, the common cold can be caused by a wide variety of viruses. Continued on p. 31

Bank of Georgia to Focus on Financing Hydropower Projects The FINANCIAL

ditional assistance in technical, economic and ecological issues from Bank of Georgia and KfW, German Development Bank acting on behalf of the German Government, which have signed a loan agreement totalling EUR 25 million within the framework of KfW’s Renewable Energy Programme. Continued on p. 10

That includes regular and unscheduled inspections, supervision, monitoring, specimen collection and documentary examination. A momxmarebeli.ge representative said that the Agency has no real power and can’t properly execute its duties. The major problems with food safety are in high-risk foods such as meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, and baby food. Continued on p. 8

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Condom Sales Doubling in Georgia See on p. 29 347 Million People Worldwide Have Diabetes See on p. 14 Earlier Treatment for Women With Dilated Artery

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Top Spa Benefits for Beauty and Health See on p. 16 Affordable Prices and Guaranteed Relaxation at Radisson Blu Batumi Spa See on p. 16

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FINANCIAL

19 November, 2012 | finchannel.com

PwC ACADEMY – Officially Launched in Georgia

19 November, 2012 97 (324)

Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy The FINANCIAL respects the intellectual property of others, and we ask our colleagues to do the same. The material published in The FINANCIAL may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. All material in The FINANCIAL is protected by Georgian and international laws. The views expressed in The FINANCIAL are not necessarily the views of the publisher nor does the publisher carry any responsibility for those views. Permissions If you are seeking permission to use The FINANCIAL trademarks, logos, service marks, trade dress, slogans, screen shots, copyrighted designs, combination of headline fonts, or other brand features, please contact publisher. “&” is the copyrighted symbol used by The FINANCIAL FINANCIAL (The FINANCIAL) is registered trade mark of Intelligence Group ltd in Georgia and Ukraine. Trade mark registration by Sakpatenti - Registration date: October 24, 2007; Registration N: 85764; Trade mark registratrion by Ukrainian State Register body - Registration date: November 14, 2007. ADVERTISING All Advertisements are accepted subject to the publisher’s standard conditions of insertion. Copies may be obtained from advertisement and marketing department. TO GET the ADVERTISING RATE CARD please contact marketing at: marketing@finchannel.com see financial media kit online www.finchannel.com/MediaKit DISTRIBUTION The FINANCIAL distribution network covers 80 % of key companies operating in Georgia. 90 % is distributed in Tbilisi, Batumi and Poti. Newspaper delivered free of charge to more than 600 companies and their managers. To be included in the list please contact distribution department at: distribution@finchannel.com contact Us eDITOR-IN-cHIEF zVIAD pOCHKHUA E-MAIL: editor@financial.ge editor@finchannel.com Phone: (+995 32) 2 252 275 hEAD OF mARKETING lALI jAVAKHIA E-MAIL: marketing@financial.ge marketing@finchannel.com Phone: (+995 577) 74 17 00 consultant mamuka Pochkhua E-MAIL: finance@financial.ge Phone: (+995 599) 29 60 40 head of distribution department Temur tatishvili E-MAIL: distribution@financial.ge Phone: (+995 599) 64 77 76 Copy Editor: Iona MacLaren Communication manager: Eka beridze Phone: (+995 577) 57 57 89 Photo Reporter: KHATIA PSUTURI Mailing address: 17 mtskheta Str. Tbilisi, Georgia OFFICE # 4 PHONE: (+995 32) 2 252 275 fax: (+95 32) 2 252 276 E-mail: info@finchannel.com on the web: www.financial.ge daily news: www.finchannel.com

Intelligence Group ltd. 2012

wC, the world's leading professional services network is introducing PwC Academy, a new concept in professional training and development to the Georgia market. The PwC Academy provides high-level training workshops, practical courses and case studies, to support business in developing future leaders and high level HR professionals. The trainings are provided by experienced practitioners and professional PwC tutors from Georgia and CEE region who hold international qualification (inc. ACCA, ACCA DipIFR, CIA, CFA, CIPD and other) and have extensive international experience. PwC Academy offers professional qualification trainings on the competency area of PwC’s own core business, namely: Financial Accounting and Reporting (ACCA & ACCA DipIFR), Internal Control and Auditing (CIA -Certified Internal Auditor), Financial Management (CIMA Diploma in Performance Management), Human Resource Management (CIPD), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and extensive offerings in open/ public seminars including IFRS and soft skills programs. “The mission of PwC Academy is to share the unique know-how and experience accumulated within the global firm during the years. A major objective is to bring expertise and best practice from modern developed markets and to implement high-standards of business oriented training to Georgia,” said Yuri Dolidze, PwC Academy leader in Georgia. The most distinctive reason why an individual should choose to attend courses at PwС Academy is the extremely attractive cost-value proposition which brings world-class quality of training at a price point well within the reach of professionals working in Georgia. The program manuals include the latest publications of PwC Academy. Further, PwC Academy will ensure the instructor's ongoing support throughout all training courses as well as full administrative support.

Financial Accounting & Reporting (ACCA & ACCA DipIFR) The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, ACCA is one of the largest and fastest growing international ac-

countancy bodies, recognized and respected in 170 countries and has over 500,000 members and students. In order to qualify as an ACCA member, you need to complete 14 examinations, relevant practical work experience, and an Ethics Module. The ACCA program is most suitable for those that aspire to become professionals in any sector of business. No previous knowledge of accounting or finance is required to start ACCA studies. The ACCA Diploma in International Financial Reporting (ACCA DipIFR) is an IFRS qualification developed for accountants, financial reporting specialists and auditors who prepare and/or audit statutory financial statements and wish to obtain skills in IFRS reporting and become specialists accredited by the ACCA. “ACCA DipIFR qualification offers an exceptionally attractive opportunity to certify one’s proficiency in IFRS at an internationally-recognized level, through passing a single exam. When studying for the exam, the candidates will improve their knowledge of the requirements of IFRS, re-enforce their financial reporting skills and learn to apply professional judgment to practical applications of IFRS. Those ACCA DipIFR holders, who decide to pursue full ACCA qualification, are automatically granted exemption from paper F7,” explained George Okroashvili, Manager at PwC Georgia, (a qualified ACCA member). “Geocell has been preparing financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards for several years and we try to follow IFRS updates. However, the DipIFR trainings held by PwC Academy indeed helped to become proficient to apply the principles of International Financial Reporting Standards in my day to day job. Moreover, it’s very significant and interesting when sessions are delivered by a team of highly qualified professionals,” commented Tamar Ghubianuri, financial planning and international reporting senior specialist at Geocell. In order to register for the exam, a DipIFR candidate has to satisfy the following eligibility requirements: the individual should have either, three years' work experience; or a relevant degree plus two years' work experience; or ACCA Certificate in International Financial Reporting plus two years' work experience.

CIA - Certified Internal Auditor

CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) is an international qualification awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors (the IIA). The CIA qualification ranks equally among other globally recognized qualifications such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, CIMA. Knowledge and skills gained through the CIA qualification tuition programme is a standard for internal audit professionals of international and local companies. Four exams should be attempted to gain the CIA qualification. The exams may be attempted in any order. The CIA exam is available through computer-based testing using multiple-choice questions (each question has four answer choices). Each exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes 2 hours 45 minutes to complete. “The CIA qualification is the only internationally accepted designation for internal auditors that signifies the holder’s achievement and commitment to the profession. Whether the person chooses to stay within the field of internal auditing or move up within your organization, the broad-based understanding of business, governance, risk, and control required of CIAs will serve as an invaluable basis of knowledge. CIAs offer additional expertise and thorough knowledge of operations; CIAs are a valuable resource to executive management and boards of directors in accomplishing overall goals and objectives. Such diversity gives internal auditors a broad perspective of the organization,” commented Nino Kadagishvili, Assistant Manager at PwC Georgia, (a qualified ACCA member). “The training was attended by three of our employees, including me. All of us would evaluate the training very positively. The three days that the training went on, was very comprehensive theoretically. Information received was very interesting and to the point. However, due to the heavy weight of the information received, it would have been better to prolong the training days and involve more practical examples. In addition, I would like to comment on the high qualification of the tutor and a very comfortable environment,” commented Zurab Beselia, Deputy Head of Internal Audit Service at Georgian State Electricity, after attending the CIA Training. Apart from professional qualification programs, PwC Academy offers open seminars, including seminars on IFRS up-dates, IFRS 13 and other complex IFRS, and seminars on treasury operations and accounting. The seminars on

IFRS up-dates are designed to discuss all the recent changes in IFRS including new standards as well as the latest published drafts of IASB’s ongoing projects. PwC Academy is the first in Georgia to provide these IFRS up-date seminars. "In addition to general programs run by PwC professional tutors, we offer interesting seminars on specific topics tailored to the local context, prepared and held by experienced subject matter experts invited worldwide from PwC network firms. The seminars involve discussions and analysis of latest developments as well as provide concrete solutions for day-to-day business. PwC is the largest professional firm throughout the world that gives us great opportunities to leverage cutting edge solutions from more developed economies," said Anzor Mzhavanadze, Manager at PwC Georgia, (a qualified ACCA member). “The IFRS update seminar that we have attended during 16-18 October 2012 has been very informative and practical. The update covered all the areas that were interesting and useful for TBC Bank. The trainer, Gabor Balazs, ACS Partner was great at providing real-life examples, sharing his experience and answering our questions,” told Sophie Jugeli, Deputy Chief Finance Officer at TBC Bank. In addition to these ongoing programs, PwC Academy plans to introduce the following new courses: CIMA Diploma in Performance Management, CIPD – Human Resource Management Program, Mini MBA, Seminar on Treasury Operations and Accounting, Project Management Courses, tailored tax and legal seminars, and soft skills courses.

About PwC PricewaterhouseCoopers Central Asia and Caucasus B.V Georgia Branch is a member of the PwC network of firms, serving clients in Georgia since 1996. In July 2005, PwC opened an office in Tbilisi which now employs 70 professional staff. PwC Georgia’s service offerings are organized into three lines of service: Assurance, Advisory, and Tax and Legal. According to the report by Georgian Auditing Council for 2011, PwC Georgia, by a healthy margin, has taken up the market leader position. PwC network employs more than 180,000 people in 776 offices in 158 countries and achieved total gross revenues of USD 31.5 billion for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2012.

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FINANCIAL HEADLINE NEWS & ANALYSIS finchannel.com | 19 November, 2012

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Self help advice for dry eye syndrome

Battling Hair Loss

here are several selfcare techniques that can be used to help prevent or reduce the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

Keep your eyes clean Good eye hygiene will help prevent dry eye syndrome and the associated condition of blepharitis, which is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the rims of the eyelids.

To clean your eyes: wet a cloth with warm water and hold it against your closed eyes for five to ten minutes massage your eyes by gently rolling your first finger over them in a circular motion this will help to push out any of the mucuslike fluid from the tiny eyelid glands gently clean your eyelids using cotton wool and hot (but not boiling) water - a cotton bud can also be used to clean your upper and lower eyelid and remove any crustiness

The FINANCIAL By Mariam Papidze

air loss, split ends and hair breakage are the most common problems that people in Georgia encounter with their hair. Doctors say that none of these problems are curable by using any shampoos, hair masks or hair lotions. The promising slogans on hair care products are just a marketing trick for selling these products successfully, doctors warn. “No shampoo, hair mask or

lotion is effective when a patient has hair loss or other similar problem,” said Akaki Tsilosani, Doctor, Director of the Clinic Talizi. “These products do not hurt the hair but do not cure it either. It is also impossible to accelerate hair growth, so do not let the producers of different hair care products fool you. This is the same as a patient trying to cure cancer by taking vitamins instead of undergoing chemotherapy,” said Tsilosani. Despite this however, tons of hair care products are being imported in Georgia every year. This year about two tons

of shampoo were imported, to a value of USD 7.4 million, according to the National Statistics Office of Georgia. This data has remained almost the same for the last five years. 45.8 tons of hair spray were imported in 2012, while 52.5 tons were imported in 2011 and 62.2 tons - in 2010. The average value of imported hairsprays for the last five years consists of USD 350,000. 1.2 tons of hair lotions and other products were imported this year consisting of USD 8.5 million. As for the top companies whose products sell the best in Georgia, here are the following

Protect your eyes Certain environments can irritate your eyes. Keep your eyes protected eyes from: wind, hot air, smoke. Wraparound glasses may provide good protection. Avoid smoky environments and, if you smoke, try to quit.

Adjust your computer Make sure that your computer workstation is positioned correctly in order to minimise eye strain. Most companies have a health and safety officer or representative who can advise you about this. Your monitor (screen) should stand at eye level or just below it. If you use a computer, make sure that you take enough breaks away from your computer screen, and blink your eyes regularly. Taking breaks every hour to rest your eyes may help to reduce your symptoms.

Use a humidifier A humidifier at work and at home will moisten the surrounding air. If you cannot afford a humidifier, lightly spray your curtains with water several times a day to help keep the air moist. Open the windows for a few minutes on cold days, and for longer in the spring and summer. This will also help to keep the air moist and prevent the build-up of mould.

Diet There is evidence to suggest that a diet high in omega-3 fats can help to prevent dry eye syndrome. The exact reasons for this are unclear, but it is known that omega-3 fats are used in the production of tears. The best source of omega-3 fats are oily fish such as: mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, fresh tuna. Aim to eat at least two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily fish.

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19 November, 2012 | finchannel.com

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LTDs: Diplomat Georgia, Sarm Trading, Labote, Oriflame Georgia, PSP Pharma, Global trade, Kalina Georgia, Avon Cosmetics Georgia, GPC, Alisance-Georgia, Sps Sarm-trading. Baldness treatment is a USD 1 billion per year industry in the United States. Past the early 20s, the incidence of balding or pattern hair loss in males is roughly equivalent to chronological age. Thus, by age 50, roughly half of men experience male pattern baldness (MPB). Genetics and testosterone are the main reasons for hair loss, doctors say. They explain that in such a situation, it is better to transplant new hair then try to cure existing hair, because this is a disease that is impossible to be treated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only two medications for the treatment of male pattern baldness; these are minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). Both agents are recommended as first-line treatment for male pattern baldness. They may also be used simultaneously when hair loss is progressive or further regrowth is desired after twelve months. Both medicines have side effects including allergy, unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body, sexual dysfunction. “Internal problems reflect on one’s hair. So before starting to cure the hair it is better to explore the internal problems and cure them,” said Mari Sinauridze, Doctor, Derma-Cosmetologist at Hairline International clinic. “There is no result from shampoos and other hair care products. They are just used for hygiene and cleanliness. Plasma Lifting is one of the newest ways to cure damaged hair roots. In this case we take the patient’s blood, add the needed elements and inject it in to the hair roots. To make the hair healthier laser combs are also very useful. Brushing the hair with laser combs is good for blood circulation. The prices of this comb start from GEL 800 and are available at pharmacies in Georgia. Folk medicine treatments are widely unsuccessful as well,” she added. “More than 95 percent of men have androgenetic alopecia, which is the most frequent reason for hair loss. This means when a man is genetically predisposed to baldness, but hair loss begins when the male hormone testosterone reaches a certain level in the blood. Other reasons are skin diseases, infectious diseases, stress and vitamin A deficiency. In such cases, when hair loss is not caused by genetic reasons, the lost hair will recover. Stopping or preventing genetic hair loss is largely impossible,” said Tsilosani. “If the cause of the hair loss is androgenetic alopecia then it is incurable and a patient should try hair implants. If there is another reason, hair care products can still not cure hair loss. The patient should first find out the reason for the hair loss, cure that problem, and then the hair will recover by itself. Also, sometimes environmental factors such as bright sun in the summer and freezing cold in the winter can damage the hair. Again, no hair care products can actually cure unhealthy or damaged hair. When the negative environmental factors are over, then the hair will return to its natural state of healthiness,” he added. “Besides genetic reasons, hair loss may be caused by hormonal imbalance and lack of zinc, manganese or selenium,” said Lela Pateishvili, hair transplant surgeon at Hairline International clinic. “Hair loss caused by endocrinological problems is frequent in women. Nowadays hair transplantation is considered as ‘must’ operation for combating baldness. Whereas people were shy before and would hide that they had had hair implants, nowadays it is the contrary. Whereas some time ago advertisements were bringing patients to the clinics, today patients are following their friends’ advice. Most patients use the micro grafting method in hair transplantation,” she added. Hair loss generally starts from the age of eighteen. Hair transplantation is possible at every age. Mostly people from the age group 25-40 undergo hair transplants. Georgian hair transplanting clinics are visited by foreigners as well. Doctors say that if a man is not bald by the age of 30-35 then he will not go bald when he is older either; he will maintain the hair condition he has at that age. 800-10,000 grafts are transplanted in one operation. On average four operations are conducted per day in Georgian hair transplanting clinics. One operation lasts about three to four hours. Leasing is available for hair transplantation but insurance companies do not cover this service.

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19 November, 2012 | finchannel.com

U.S. and Chinese Consumers Willing to Pay More for Made in USA Products The FINANCIAL

ore than 80 percent of U.S. consumers and, perhaps more surprising, over 60 percent of Chinese consumers say that they are willing to pay more for products labeled “Made in USA” than for those labeled “Made in China,” according to new research released today by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In September, BCG surveyed more than 5,000 consumers in the U.S., China, Germany, and France regarding their attitudes toward the value of the Made in USA brand and their actual buying behavior. The results reveal that U.S. consumers will pay a premium for the Made in USA brand across a broad range of product categories, although the premium varies significantly depending on the category. The following details are among the findings: About two-thirds of U.S. consumers are willing to pay a premium for ten key product categories that were tested—from baby food and appliances to electronics and apparel. The premium they are willing to pay varies, ranging from about 10 percent to more than 60 percent in the categories tested. In every one of the ten categories, at least 20 percent of U.S. consumers are willing to pay a premium of more than 10 percent. Nearly 60 percent of U.S. consumers had chosen Made in USA products over less expensive Chinese goods at least once in the month before the survey. In surveying Chinese consumers, BCG found a similar willingness to pay more for U.S.-made goods. The

results showed the following: More than 60 percent of Chinese consumers are willing to pay more for Made in USA goods. Nearly 50 percent of Chinese consumers prefer a product made in the U.S. to a China-made product of equivalent price and quality. The premium that Chinese consumers are willing to pay ranges from about 10 percent to almost 80 percent in the categories tested. More than half had chosen U.S.made products over less expensive

Chinese goods at least once in the month before the survey. “These findings suggest that there’s a big opportunity for manufacturers and retailers to command a price premium by promoting the Made in USA brand—not only in the U.S. but also in China,” said Harold L. Sirkin, a BCG senior partner and coauthor of the research. “Retailers may want to adjust their strategies to capitalize on the strong consumer interest.” The findings—part of BCG’s on-

going study of the changing global economics of manufacturing and its Made in America, Again research series—support previous BCG analysis showing that the U.S. is becoming increasingly attractive as a location for making certain products for the U.S. market and as a base for global exports. The U.S. has improved its cost competitiveness compared with China and the advanced economies of Western Europe and Japan, leading BCG to estimate that higher U.S. exports—combined with production

“reshored” from China—could create 2.5 million to 5 million new U.S. jobs in manufacturing and related services by the end of the decade. “The higher brand value of U.S.made goods is a further reason why companies should rethink their global manufacturing footprint and consider the U.S. as a manufacturing location,” said Michael Zinser, a BCG partner who leads the firm’s manufacturing work in the Americas and is a coauthor of the Made in America, Again series. In both the U.S. and China, respondents of all age groups and income levels expressed a concern for quality, a key driver of the consumer preference for U.S.-made products. Eighty-five percent of U.S. consumers and 82 percent of Chinese said they “agree” or “strongly agree” that they feel better about Made in USA quality. Patriotism is another strong consideration among U.S. consumers: 93 percent said that they would pay more for U.S.-made goods in order to keep jobs in the U.S., and 80 percent said that buying U.S. products demonstrates patriotism. “Quality and patriotism are powerful factors that retailers will have to consider in their marketing communications around Made in USA products and in their sourcing strategies,” said Kate Manfred, leader of BCG’s Center for Consumer and Customer Insight in the Americas and a coauthor of the survey. In contrast to U.S. and Chinese consumers, European consumers strongly prefer products made in their own countries. More than 65 percent of consumers in both Germany and France said that they would be willing to pay more for products made in their home country than for those made in the U.S.

The Affluent Will Be a Major Driver of Consumption Growth in China The FINANCIAL

he affluent will be a powerful force behind the growth of China’s consumer market and account for 5 percent of global consumption by 2020, according to a new report released today by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The report, titled The Age of the Affluent: The Dynamics of China’s Next Consumption Engine, discusses the rapid rise and significance of this consumer class. Much attention has been paid to China’s middle-class and high-networth individuals. But the affluent— richer than members of the middle class but not as wealthy as the superrich—have spending habits and attitudes that are distinct. With annual household disposable incomes of at least $20,000, these consumers are set to become an important driver of growth, especially for premium product and service categories. Today, the affluent are 120 million strong, and their annual buying power is $590 billion. By 2020, this group will number 280 million—35 percent of China’s urban population or 20 percent of its total population. Additionally, the annual buying power of the affluent will reach $3.1 trillion. That will be nearly the equivalent of Japan’s total consumption in 2020, 28 percent more than Germany’s, and three times more than South Korea’s total consumption. Businesses that aspire to contin-

ued success in China—and in their home markets—need to deepen their understanding of this complex, diverse, and rapidly growing group.

The Affluent Opportunity

\Vincent Lui, a BCG partner and a coauthor of the report, stated, “Reaching the affluent is important not only because of their sheer numbers but also because they have the financial resources and willingness to purchase premium goods and services.” According to BCG’s research, $20,000 in annual household dis-

posable income (which equates to $38,000 in developed countries) is an inflection point—the point at which consumers accelerate trading up in the categories that matter most to them. The categories most poised to grow are those with products and services that are differentiated and

those that have higher thresholds for affordability. These categories include cars, overseas travel, and luxury goods such as watches, jewelry, leather, apparel, accessories, skin care, and cosmetics. “Businesses need to establish lasting relationships with these consumers,” added Jeff Walters, a BCG partner and a coauthor of the report. “The time to get to know them is now.” Distinct and Evolving Consumers According to the report, China’s affluent consumers have several key attitudes and behaviors that set them apart from the middle class and the superrich. The affluent trade up for emotional gratification. They seek status and recognition. And they are relatively sophisticated, traveling abroad and adopting new brands. Although they are willing to pay more for convenience, they buy with a shrewd “investor’s” eye. The affluent are also a rapidly evolving class. Increasingly, more affluent are living in lower-tier cities, affluent women are becoming key decision makers, affluent men are trading up in new categories, and the “veterans” of affluence are pursuing experiences. An important subgroup is the “sugar generation”—the children of current affluent consumers. This generation currently accounts for 10 percent of the affluent class, a number that is expected to grow to 30 percent in five years. Notably, these young consumers, who have led “sugarcoated” lives, seek out products and brands that set them apart—from their peers and their parents.

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Georgian Meat Products Contain Hazardous Bacteria, Study Finds The FINANCIAL By Madona Gasanova

ertain products of daily food producers in Georgia contain coliform bacteria which can be dangerous for the health, a laboratory study by a local NGO showed. Momxmarebeli.ge - an organisation focused on the protection of consumer rights, showed that various products offered by leading retailers including Careffour, Ioli, Lider-food, Vake, Nikora, Pasanauri and some others contain coliform bacteria which can cause Hepatitis A and E, Ascaris, enterovirus infections, Lambliasis, Typhus Abdominalis, Shigellosis and cholera. The Georgian National Food Agency (NFA) has fined over 50 enterprises in 2012 that broke food safety standards in the country. The average fine amount per single business operator consists of GEL 1,000 (USD 600). This is the price that retailers have to pay for risking people’s health. NFA said under the current code it regularly runs state control of business entrepreneurs. That includes regular and unscheduled inspections, supervision, monitoring, specimen collection and documentary examination. A momxmarebeli.ge representative said that the Agency

has no real power and can’t properly execute its duties. The major problems with food safety are in high-risk foods such as meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, and baby food. The polluted food can cause toxic infection in a person. That being said, however, any type of food product is at risk of becoming harmful if the company, distributor or salesperson does not protect and conform to the conditions of production, storage and sale of food. Nikora JSC, Vake LTD, Carrefour and other leading food producing companies in Georgia refuted the allegations and said that after second analyses done on their products they did not find any harm-

ful features. Meanwhile, Lia Todua, Director of the website momxmarebeli.ge, owned by the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG) which ran the study, said that she plans to sue companies that break the law. “This is criminal. We were afraid of attack. That is why we did not sue before,” Todua told The FINANCIAL. The companies listed as the sellers of unhealthy products are flooding the website of momxmarebeli.ge with comments, as a result the website’s administrators have been forced to ban certain users, considering their actions to be on a par with spam activity. Todua said that during a second analysis the products

of food company Nikora did satisfy norms. But products offered by Vake still contained unhealthy bacteria, a second analysis showed. “We did a double check of Khinkali Mtiuluri at LTD Cito 2. The result did not reveal any coli bacteria. We cooperated with LTD Future World, where we have had bacteriologic analyses of our products done from time to time. We also cooperate with Cito 2. We recently did additional sanitary works,” said Tamaz Mezurnishvili, Main Technologist at meat producing company Vake. The website momxmarebeli.ge is financed by Open Society Georgia, Eurasia Partnership Fund, Church Development Agency and the

Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation and Development. There is not a single case of a customer suing a retailer for selling an unhealthy product. Customers are simply not investigating what might have damaged their health. “After the research of CSRDG, the company’s Quality Management Department did a double check of the products. The results verified that our products fully comply with microbiological performance standards,” said Nona Dzneladze, Director of Marketing at Nikora JSC. Dzneladze mentions that the microbiological laboratory of the enterprise Nikora is one of the best in Georgia.

“We have all the modern technologies that are necessary for producing products of international standards here,” she said. “Nikora product quality is strictly controlled at each stage of production,” Dzneladze said. State control on food products in Georgia has been carried out since 2010. The National Food Agency aims to protect the rights of consumers to be informed about each and every violation. The Agency works with non-governmental organizations working in the field of food safety. At the same time, the Agency is focused on the protection of business entrepreneurs’ interests. “There are different types of penalties for the various violations, regulated by law. For example, if it turns out that a company has ‘critical irrelevance’, which means that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the factoryproduced food may be harmful to human health, the enterprise must interrupt the manufacturing process, otherwise be guilty of critical noncompliance. In such an event business operators will be fined GEL 1,000. If a laboratory analysis establishes that food is harmful, the business is obligated to remove and destroy the whole amount of the food under the supervision of an authorized officer,” an NFA official revealed.

Grabbing opportunity: leading a health revolution in Georgia By Daan Harmsen, Financial Manager, GeoCapital Microfinance Organization

he most successful enterprises often attain this success because they are able to respond effectively to changes that are taking place in the societies in which they operate. These companies see that society is no longer the same, that the game has changed, and that there are opportunities that are up for grabs. For example, around Tbilisi we have seen the rise of restaurants with various types of foreign food. The marketplace was altered - disposable incomes had gone up, there were more foreigners in Tbilisi, and there were more Georgians coming back from abroad - so these restaurant entrepreneurs saw an opportunity for foreign food and entered the market. Another such opportunity that is relatively unexplored is the rise of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles: 51% of Georgian men and 57% of women are considered overweight, and 22% of people are considered “insufficiently active” by the World Health Organization. In fact, in terms of deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are typical lifestyle diseases, Georgia ranks very high compared to other countries, especially when it comes to men. The causes can be split out into two groups: food and lifestyle. On the food side, the Georgian diet is not very healthy, because it is heav-

ily dairy and meat based. We are also seeing that the ingredients of people’s diets are shifting from natural to processed and refined. Furthermore, there is often a cultural tendency to stimulate kids to eat more than they need to, and in fact 19.9% of Georgian children under five years old are overweight. This is more than double the American number, and Georgia ranks only behind a handful of other countries on this measure. On the lifestyle side, a growing number of people now have seden-

tary professions, which means that they sit down for most of the day. These office workers don’t move around as much as people who stand up while doing their work. A related problem is that Georgians don’t exercise very much, and especially not in groups: only 0.3% of Georgians are active members of sport or recreation organizations, according to the World Values Survey, and this is the lowest number for any of the countries surveyed. To me, this indicates a market op-

portunity: there are a growing number of problems related to unhealthy lifestyles and obesity, while there is still very little participation in organized sports or other forms of exercise. The gym industry in the United States has an estimated size of $25 billion dollars, while in Georgia the fitness industry smaller and mostly concentrated in Tbilisi, with a focus on the higher segment of the market. “Gyms are either very expensive or very low-quality,” says Mariam (22).

A player looking to enter this industry with a high-volume, low-margin type of business could capture a significant part of the market in quite a short period of time, especially if they also focus on other parts of the country. Because Georgia is such a family-oriented country, any business where parents and their children could be engaged in different activities at the same time may gain traction too. However, it is not only the gym industry that stands to benefit from this change that is taking place in Georgian society. The diet industry is an industry that we have also seen ballooning in America, and it can boom in Georgia too. While there is quite a lot of “diet food” available (mostly sold as fasting food), the dietary advice industry is not very developed yet. For those of you who are not in the know yet, two liters of “matsoni” every day does not constitute a diet! Dietary advice, both in consultations by dieticians, selfhelp groups, and writing, can help to meet this demand. And let’s not forget that this is not just a profit opportunity: these are a real problems, that have ravaged the health of millions of people in the West and that are now threatening the health of millions more in the developing world. By operating in this market, and grabbing the opportunity that is clearly present, you are participating in the fight against obesity and unhealthy lifestyles: you have the chance to lead a health revolution in Georgia. daan.harmsen@geocapital.ge

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Bank of Georgia to Focus on Financing Hydropower Projects The FINANCIAL By Nana Mghebrishvili

ank of Georgia is offering EUR 25 million to finance investments in renewable energies, mainly the construction or rehabilitation of small sized hydropower plants. About five to six long-term projects will be financed by this programme. Investors will get additional assistance in technical, economic and ecological issues from Bank of Georgia and KfW, German Development Bank acting on behalf of the German Government, which have signed a loan agreement totalling EUR 25 million within the framework of KfW’s Renewable Energy Programme. Loans are available for small hydropower plants with an installed capacity of up to 20 MW. Loan terms will be set according to the risks of the individual projects and will be specific for each one. The Bank claims that the interest rates will be lower than current market prices. Each loan amount has not yet been determined but will be issued according to the individual projects as well. “The agreement envisages the provision of technical support from KfW with co-financing from the Austrian Development Bank, for Bank of Georgia as well as for potential investors,” said Irakli Gilauri, Bank of Georgia CEO. “Bank of Georgia does not have great experience in financing hydro plants. It makes up a very small percentage of our loan portfolio. Therefore this additional support is essential for us.”

The energy sector currently holds seven percent of the total loan portfolio at Bank of Georgia. Hydro plants hold a small share of this amount. The Bank is financing only a few small hydro plants. One of them was

launched recently. “The signing of the loan agreement with KfW will allow Bank of Georgia to extend its financing to business and contribute to the growth of Georgia’s economy,” Gilauri added.

“In our opinion investing in hydropower allows Georgia to rely on its own power sources, rather than import expensive non-renewable sources,” said Enrico Spiller, KfW Director for Energy Sector Coordination in the

South Caucasus. “Hydropower ensures reliable and inexpensive energy for Georgians while protecting the environment and climate.” “We have been in the Georgian market for nineteen years already and I think that the country is now ready to focus on renewable energies. Hydropower is the cheapest and most efficient energy here. The potential is huge for both local use and export. We are delighted to be responsible for important improvements in the energy sector in Georgia during this period,” he added. In 1993, when KfW entered the Georgian market, the country was suffering from power failures and their aim was to stabilize and at least meet minimum demand. This was followed by projects of sector management and investment in infrastructure. A transmission line coming from Turkey to Georgia is partially financed by KfW. This line adds export development potential to Georgia. “The sector has experienced great development but there are still two aspects that have to be improved,” Enrico Spiller explained. “There is a lack of long-term financing or loan amortization for such hydro projects. Simultaneously there is a lack of economic, technical and ecological knowledge among the investors who are starting to operate in this sector. Exactly for that reason we are additionally giving money for the solving of these technical problems.” KfW has invested EUR 240 million in the energy sector alone since 1993. Its other main fields of activity are municipal infrastructure, environment and the financial sector.

A Family Matter Frank Klobucar GORBI

ver the course of a single year, Georgia has seen a fairly drastic change in attitudes toward domestic and gender violence. People have become more aware of, and less accepting of gender violence: in 2010, 21% of Georgians believed domestic violence was an acute problem in Georgia, and 61% thought it was somewhat of a problem. This was an 8% increase over the number of people who said the same the previous year. This increase comes in spite of the general Georgian inclination to “keep it in the family.” In fact, these data suggest a possible move away from familial governance of domestic violence matters. Every year for the last three, Georgian Opinion Research Business International has conducted a criminology and crime attitudes survey for the EU and the Georgian Ministry of Justice, known as the Crime and Security Survey in Georgia. It surveys 3000 Georgians nationwide, and asks questions meant to measure the victimization rates for a variety of crimes, as well as attitudes toward crime and safety. The first two years, this included both attitude and victimization questions about domestic violence.

How acute is the problem of domestic violence in Georgia? 2010 2011 Very acute 21% 29% Somewhat acute 61% 56% Doesn’t exist 4% 3% DK 15% 13%

Unfortunately, domestic violence is officially underreported virtually everywhere, as there is strong social stigma attached to being “battered wives and children.” In countries such as Georgia, where the traditional attitude is one of “keep it in the family,” this is even true for victimization surveys conducted in total privacy.

Attitudes toward violence Even with the tendency to underreport, we can still collect some useful data on the general attitudes of the public. Each of the agreement/ disagreement statements are represented in this index by a single number: by subtracting the percentage of those who disagree from those who agree, we get a sort of index, with negative numbers representing general disagreement and positive numbers showing agreement. GORBI posited a series of statements to each respon-

If you become the victim of sexual violence, would you report to the police? (Yes)

2010

2011

50%

51%

How should constant domestic violence be punished? Severely Punished Punished, but not severely

dent with the aim of understanding the general perception of gender roles and rights within a household. For instance, we asked respondents to agree or disagree with the statements, “whenever a husband considers it necessary, he can prohibit his wife to go for a visit,” and “if a woman doesn’t do the housework, a husband has a right to force her to do domestic chores.” Both of these statements received significantly lower

55% 35%

65% 29%

support in 2011 than 2010. 2011 Georgians were 12% less likely to think that husbands should have control of their wives’ social lives, and 6% less likely to think a husband can be a task master. There was a 12% drop in the belief that men can force their wives into intercourse, down from the already generally low -14%, and there was a drastic decrease in the acceptability of beating children, down 34 points from an index of 12%.

A husband can prohibit a wife to go for a visit A husband has a right to force his wife to do domestic chores A wife is obliged to agree with her husband over any expenditure In some cases it is acceptable to beat up a child A husband can force his wife to have sex, and it is not rape Any rules that a parent imposes on children are a priori legitimate Verbally insulting family members is not domestic violence To avoid domestic violence, it's necessary for state institutions to be involved Domestic violence is a private affair of the family

2010

2011

10%

-2%

16%

10%

20%

22%

12%

-22%

-14%

-22%

-15%

-29%

15%

27%

12%

-10%

There was a shift away from agreement with the idea that verbal insults don’t fall under domestic violence, from 7% agreement to 1%.

Attitudes toward reporting Over the last decade, various branches of the UN and international aid organizations have been carrying out a number of studies, aid programs, and public outreach programs to encourage a change in the public mindset and the institutional orientation towards domestic violence. Two of the primary goals in Georgia, like with most similar programs, are to educate the public on the nature and prevalence of domestic violence, and to encourage reporting to the appropriate authorities. The change in public attitudes toward domestic violence show clear signs of improvement for those interested in the reduction of domestic violence, but changes in reporting tendencies have come up a mixed bag. On the one hand, more people said that the state should be involved in the prevention of domestic violence (with the use of social services, police, etc) in 2011 (27%) than in 2010 (15%). The propensity for labeling domestic

violence as “a family matter,” the chiefly identified culprit in underreporting, also dropped significantly: the agreement index for the statement, “domestic violence is a private affair of the family,” dropped by 22 points, from 12% to -10%. On the other hand, when women were asked directly, in a yes/no format, only half said that they would report domestic violence to the authorities. This is unchanged from 2010 to 2011. While only 20% clearly said that no, they would not report, another 30% did not give an answer. These numbers all point to a Georgian public that is actively changing its attitudes toward domestic violence. Over the next few years, the UNDP and several other organizations will be creating public awareness campaigns and other programs to encourage gender equality and to reduce domestic violence. GORBI will check back in some time to see if the Georgian people will continue to liberalize, or if they prefer to stick to their traditional gender roles. Visit our website at gorbi.com This report is exclusively provided to The FINANCIAL. Crediting The FINANCIAL is obligatory. Visit GORBI website at gorbi.com

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Earlier Treatment for Women With Dilated Artery The FINANCIAL

omen die more often than men following treatment for a dilated abdominal aorta. They are more prone to suffering a ruptured aorta, resulting in a need for acute surgery. They also tend to have serious complications. Women are treated too late, and the recently developed surgical technique is less suitable for them. Nathalie Grootenboer, physician-researcher at Erasmus MC, devoted her PhD research to these topics. In her dissertation, she states that lives can be saved by more accurate diagnosis and an adapted surgical technique. About two thousand people die each year in the Netherlands due to a ruptured artery. This rupture is the result of a dilatation of the artery. The most common place for a rupture is in the aorta in the abdomen. A dilated artery is often discovered by accident during an ultrasound or scan conducted for other purposes. There are usually no obvious symptoms. As a result, most people are unaware of the fact that they have an aneurysm. Hemorrhaging from a ruptured artery in the abdomen is usually fatal. More than half of patients die before arriving at the hospital. Of those that make it to the OR, another half die during or shortly after surgery. The risk of developing an aneurysm increases after the age of fifty. Nathalie Grootenboer, physicianresearcher: “In practice, we say that an artery is dilated when the diameter is greater than three centimeters. Treatment is initiated when the diameter of the artery is more than five-and-a-half centimeters. This guideline was developed based on research among primarily male subjects. On average, women have smaller arteries than men, meaning they are already in a more critical condition before treatment is commenced. It is far more accurate to speak of a dilated artery when the diameter is one-and-a-half times greater than normal. We can then diagnosis a dilated artery much sooner, and women can be treated far more effectively. The chance of a ruptured artery is then reduced.” Women die earlier than men following both acute and planned operations. The new surgical technique in which a stent is introduced through the groin results in twice as many deaths among women compared to men. Women also suffer more serious complications such as myocardial infarction and hemorrhaging during or shortly after surgery. The surgery also fails more often in women, the treatment takes longer or additional operations may also be needed. “This can partly be explained by anatomy. The instrumentation is more suitable for men than for women,” says Grootenboer. In addition to improving diagnosis and treatment, it is also important to raise awareness, according to Grootenboer. “Many women do not realize that heart and vascular disease is the leading cause of death. Even among those who are aware of this fact, many have no idea about the effects of certain risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and smoking.” Nathalie Grootenboer received her PhD on Wednesday, November 7, 2012. Erasmus MC is the largest and most authoritative scientific University Medical Center in the Netherlands.

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19 November, 2012 | finchannel.com Khachapuri Index is exclusively provided to The FINANCIAL by ISET

October 2012

KhachapuriIndex KHACHAPURI INDEX: A GLIMPSE INTO THE ECONOMICS OF TUSHETI HIGHLANDS AND GEORGIAN SUPRAS By Eric Livny, Nino Doghonadze and Lasha Labadze

n October 2012, the price of khachapuri increased in all Georgian cities, mainly due to higher prices of wheat flour and cheese. The price of flour should have increased already in July due to a 25% hike in its price in the global commodity markets, yet – apparently – political considerations played a role in delaying its increase until after the elections. The dynamics of cheese prices have nothing to do with politics and everything to do with the state of Georgia’s agriculture. In October 2012, the price of Imeretian cheese of the type that is used for khachapuri was up by 4% in Tbilisi, 4.7% in Batumi, 4.2% in Kutaisi, and only 3% in Telavi. Telavi was also cheapest in absolute terms: last month one could get 1kg of cheese in Telavi for 6.9 GEL on average, compared to 7.5 GEL in Tbilisi and 7.4 GEL in Kutaisi and Batumi. The puzzle. As anybody living in Georgia would notice, the ups and downs of cheese prices are closely tied to the annual cycle of milk production in Georgia: prices increase from June till December, when they reach an annual maximum, and then decrease till early summer. There are, however, interesting local nuances. As can be seen in the chart (look at the circled areas), every September something strange is going on in Telavi. Locally sold cheese increases in price from June or July, just like in Tbilisi. In August, the price of cheese in Tbilisi and Telavi is still almost identical. However, in September, Telavi sees cheese prices either stagnating or going down, falling behind Tbilisi by some 7-8%. What is going on? The answer requires some knowledge of the Georgian economic geography. A significant part of cheese sold in the Kakhetian markets, especially the higher quality brands, originates in the highlands of Tusheti. During the 4-5 months in which the cattle grazes in the Tusheti highlands, trucks would travel over the 3000m mountain pass to collect meat, milk and mostly cheese, but significant stocks are accumulated in the highlands by the shepherds (up to 100kg per milking cow), for whom cheese is the main store of value. Indeed, ripening and storing cheese in the cooler highlands makes sense during the hot summer month. By the end of September or in early October (depending on weather), the shepherds bring their herds back to Shiraq-Eldary lowland pastures. At this time, large cheese stocks simultaneously hit the markets of Telavi and Akhmeta, applying downward pressure on local prices in the Kakheti region. The stocks do not last long, as already by the end of October and certainly in November we see the local price of cheese catching up with the national level.

ECONOMICS LESSON OF THE WEEK: MASS FAMILY GATHERINGS IN GEORGIA: TRADITION OF WASTE OR A FORM OF INSURANCE?

losing favour with the wealthier and better educated Georgians. Or something else? Despite many similarities there is one feature that clearly distinguishes Georgian mass gatherings from typical cases of conspicuous consumption: the fact that guests, including relatives, neighbours and other acquaintances are expected to make sizeable financial contributions. This kind of arrangement makes these events more like an insurance scheme, rather than “bling-bling” consumption. A Georgian family would normally keep a detailed record of guest contributions at an event such as a funeral or a wedding, being prepared to reciprocate in case of need. Given There is a Georgian joke that goes: the long-term nature of the result“Relatives are the people you see ing financial commitment, it is not whenever their number changes”. surprising that wedding and funeral In other words, relatives all tend to contributions are enshrined in the gather when any of them gets mar- Georgian tradition. One might even ried, gives birth or dies. As a result, perceive such payments or gifts as a we frequently observe Georgians membership “fee” for being a part of organizing mass gatherings to ei- a “club” brought together by kinship ther celebrate or mourn numerical or social bonds. “changes” in their families. While However, we would argue that there is a recent trend among the the emergence of this type of club wealthier and better educated behaviour could also be driven by people to switch to more intimate the insurance motive: you help othevents, the poorer rural people con- ers when they are in need and thus tinue to arrange Georgian supras of expect to get help when it is needed monumental proportions. for you. Similar community-based A form of conspicuous con- insurance schemes in the form of sumption? Economists define funeral contributions can also be conspicuous consumption as con- found in the likes of Ghana, Ethiosumption of goods which serves to pia, Tanzania and other developing show off one’s economic prowess countries. without providing any positive ecoInsurance? Insurance is primarnomic benefits. Economists further ily used to hedge against the risk of a argue that it is the poor who are contingent, uncertain loss. People more likely to engage in acts of con- crave for safety when facing uncerspicuous consumption in order to tainty, and death is a rather uncerpretend that they are not who they tain event (at least as far as timing are (poor). is concerned). The ancient Romans Prima facie the grand Georgian are said to have been the first civisupras seem to fit this definition: lization to use insurance to cover the poor who organize mass funer- the costs of funerals. Today, people als could have invested their scarce who do not want to overburden their resources in much more profitable offspring with funeral expenses may ways, for instance by paying for take life insurance. A communityKHAC CHAPURI IND DEX: A GLIMP PSE INTO THE ECONOMIC OF TUSHEETI HIGHLAN NDS AND GEO ORGIAN SUP PRAS their children’s education. Organiz- CSbased insurance through the tradiing for hundreds of tion of funeral contributions may be By Eriic funeral Livny, Nino ofeasts Doghonad ze and Lashaa Labadze guests by the poor could be thought a handy alternative. InofOctas tobera 2012, t of the priceshowing of kkhachapuri in ncreased c categories mainlyy due to of high her prices of are form off. Whatin aall Georgian Somecities, people whea and cthese heese. The p price ofakin flour to should havee increased alreadyto in July y due to a 25 5% hike in its life alsot flour makes events conless likely purchase a formal price in the global – political consideratio in delay l commodity markets, t – apparent ons are: playedthe a rolepoor ying spicuous consumption is yethe fact ly insurance. These who untiltradition a after the elecctions. The dyynamics of cheese have nothin ng to do with h politics and its inccrease pricess afford that this is increasingly cannot an insurance product; everyything to do w with the state of Georgia’’s agriculturee.

Cheeese price es in Tellavi and Tbilisi ((GEL) 10 0 9 8 7 6 5 4

Tbilisi

Telavvi

In Octtober 2012, the t price of Imeretian cheese of the ttype that is u used for khacchapuri was u up by 4% in Tbilisii, 4.7% in Battumi, 4.2% in n Kutaisi, and d only 3% in TTelavi. Telavii was also cheapest in abssolute termss: last month one could get 1kg of ch heese in Telaavi for 6.9 GEL on averagee, compared to 7.5 GEL in n Tbilisi and 7 7.4

people belonging to strong and supportive family units; people who do not place trust in financial institutions and would rather participate in a community-based insurance arrangement with people they trust (relatives, neighbours, etc.), or people suffering from superstitions associated with death and are reluctant to consider any related arrangements in advance. Weddings also pose a challenge for families and are difficult to plan (sufficiently) in advance. As financial markets are yet to come up with a wedding insurance (at least in Georgia), poor families have the choice of having a large, community-supported wedding; a modest, affordable wedding; or no wedding at all. Economic analysis has it that the poor are more likely to opt for funerals and weddings financed by community-based insurance schemes and will therefore tend to arrange mass social gathering. Similarly, the more educated families (who have fewer superstitions about death), and higher-income individuals, are more likely to switch to marketbased insurance (or save). From funeral contributions to life insurance? There is a lively debate within Georgia whether the tradition of “qelekhi” – the feeding of guests before, during or after a funeral – should be retained or not. For the older generations, this tradition is meant to show respect to the deceased. At the same time, many younger people may consider such meals and associated drinking to be a direct insult to the mourners. Moral considerations aside, a more modest feast attended by a smaller number of guests, would help cut the costs incurred by the relatives of the deceased. The tradition of qelekhi is still surviving, particularly in large, tightly knit and poor communities where it plays an important insurance role and where defection (refusal to contribute) is more costly to the individuals involved. In wealthier and more educated urban circles, families are beginning to free themselves from the need to accept or make funeral contributions. By relinquishing this communal bond, such families undertake to finance own contingencies with savings or with the help of insurance. As Georgians grow wealthier over time, they will be more likely to switch from informal community-based insurance to life insurance products offered by insurance companies. This has been the trend elsewhere in the world, and to some extent may be already happening in Georgia, judging by the increasing share of life insurance in total insurance.

THE ISET KHACHAPURI INDEX The ISET Policy Institute (ISETPI, www.iset-pi.ge) is an independent think-tank associated with the International School of Economics at TSU (ISET). ISET-PI designed a simple and robust way of tracking inflation and the differences in the cost of living across Georgia’s major cities. Unlike traditional “consumer baskets” used for monitoring price inflation, our “basket” includes only those ingredients that are needed to cook one Imeretian khachapuri (cheese, butter, flour, yeast, eggs, and milk) and energy inputs (gas and electricity). We conduct a monthly survey of the major markets in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi and Telavi to measure the differences in the cost of living across Georgia and to track the monthly fluctuations in the prices of all relevant ingredients.

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347 Million People Worldwide Have Diabetes

orld Health Organization projects that diabetes deaths will increase by two thirds between 2008 and 2030. In 2004, an estimated 3.4 million people died from consequences of high blood sugar. More than 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. The burden of diabetes is increasing globally, particularly in developing countries. The causes are a complex, but are in large part due to rapid increases in overweight, obesity and physical inactivity. Although there is good evidence that a large proportion of cases of diabetes and its complications can be prevented by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco, this evidence is not widely implemented. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels. Type 1 diabetes Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. The cause of type 1 diabetes is not known and it is not preventable with current knowledge. Symptoms include excessive excretion of urine (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes and fatigue. These symptoms may occur suddenly. Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes (formerly called noninsulin-dependent or adult-onset) results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. Type 2 diabetes comprises 90% of people with diabetes around the world, and is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity. Symptoms may be similar to those of Type 1 diabetes, but are often less marked. As a result, the disease may be diagnosed several years after onset, once complications have already arisen. Until recently, this type of diabetes was seen only in adults but it is now also occurring in children. Gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes is hyperglycaemia with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Symptoms of gestational diabetes are similar to Type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is most often diagnosed through prenatal screening, rather than reported symptoms. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) are intermediate conditions in the transition between normality and diabetes. People with IGT or IFG are at high risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, although this is not inevitable.

What are common consequences of diabetes? Over time, diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. 50% of people with diabetes die of cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke). Combined with reduced blood flow, neuropathy in the feet increases the chance of foot ulcers and eventual limb amputation. Diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of blindness, and occurs as a result of long-term accumulated damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. After 15 years of diabetes, approximately 2% of people become blind, and about 10% develop severe visual impairment. Diabetes is among the leading causes of kidney failure. 10-20% of people with diabetes die of kidney failure. Diabetic neuropathy is damage to the nerves as a result of diabetes, and affects up to 50% of people with diabetes. Although many different problems can occur as a result of diabetic neuropathy, common symptoms are tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in the feet and hands. The overall risk of dying among people with diabetes is at least double the risk of their peers without diabetes. How can the burden of diabetes be reduced? Prevention Simple lifestyle measures have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. To help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, people should: achieve and maintain healthy body weight; be physically active – at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days. More activity is required for weight control; eat a healthy diet of between three and five servings of fruit and vegetables a day and reduce sugar and saturated fats intake; avoid tobacco use – smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Diagnosis and treatment Early diagnosis can be accomplished through relatively inexpensive blood testing. Treatment of diabetes involves lowering blood glucose and the levels of other known risk factors that damage blood vessels. Tobacco use cessation is also important to avoid complications. Interventions that are both cost saving and feasible in developing countries include: moderate blood glucose control. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin; people with type 2 diabetes can be treated with oral medication, but may also require insulin; blood pressure control; foot care. Other cost saving interventions include: screening and treatment for retinopathy (which causes blindness); blood lipid control (to regulate cholesterol levels); screening for early signs of diabetesrelated kidney disease. These measures should be supported by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use.

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days and a healthy diet can drastically reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.

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19 November, 2012 | finchannel.com

The Long Road China’s Transformation: Myth or Miracle Guy de Fontgalland

ast week, China, the most populous nation on earth, elected a new man at the top. Hu Jintao, after a decade of steering China to greater heights, steps down. Xi Jinping takes over as President and paramount leader of the Chinese Communist Party . He and his 7-man Politburo will direct China’s destiny through the next decade. I first flew into China in May 1995, some 18 years ago, to meet with the officials of the Shanghai Pudong Productivity Centre. I flew into the old airport in Shanghai where the girl at the Foreign Exchange counter did not wish to exchange Australian dollars to the Yuan. The airport itself was small, somewhat weathered and lacked basic comforts. The taxi drivers, as anywhere in the world, were clamouring to get a passenger. The Crown Plaza Hotel where I stayed had a Pakistani manager, an executive lounge where the red wine surely gave one a stomach ache, but the buzz of activity in construction, road building, apartments building, shops and restaurants, the immense traffic in the metro where one could hardly stand and breathe were all signs of a China waking up, fast and furious. At the lobby of the Hyatt hotel in Beijing, one young couple, whom I never met before, approached me to discuss my “investment” in a small web-design enterprise with a contribution of one desk top personal computer. I learned 2 years later that they had a thriving business with 40 professionals. And in the bars of Beijing, there were signs of big spending by young entrepreneurs, with bands from Brazil, wines from France and a cacophony of languages, English, French, German, Dutch, Arabic and a multitude of other languages. Just 18 years ago, China did not have much idea of ISO and supply chains, was not a member of WTO, did not enforce stringent regulations on breaches of intellectual property, did not have an elite management force which spoke many languages and who had global perspectives. Most of their state-run

enterprises were in fact massive production facilities operating at losses with financial support from the government. All that China did then was to produce acceptable quality products at the cheapest price and flood the global market, conserve its foreign exchange and continue to plan a” lead forward”. Within the last 20 years, China has totally transformed itself into an economic giant with massive foreign investments, upgraded manufacturing facilities, better practices and an increasing domestic wealth which has fired up domestic consumption levels, raised standards of living and projects China’s per capital income to rise from the current $ 5,500 per annum to $10,000 by 2020. President Hu Jintao, looking more like a monastic, disciplined, firm and focussed, grew China’s economy and its image, show-cased China’s abilities through the Olympics, and despite the recent global economic strife, hands over to his successor a nation which is robust, totally self-reliant and is rich in its human capital. New Yorkbased Eurasia Group’s analysis shows that Hu “ grew China’s GDP of $1.5 trillion in 2002 to $7.3 trillion in 2011, while maintaining an average GDP growth rate of ten percent. As the economic pie expanded, overall income surged, with average annual earnings among urbanites increasing from $1,000 in 2002 to $3,500 in 2011. Rural residents saw their incomes rise even more sharply, but given that their earnings averaged a meager $300 in 2002, they had nowhere to go but up”. “It is no coincidence that over the same period, China’s exports boomed as industrialization of a monumental scale took place and manufacturing provided income to hundreds of millions of workers who left the farm for higher earnings in the city. Although China’s decade of hyperindustrialization followed its entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001 -- the year before the current regime came to power -- the Hu administration played an important part in the story. By standing fully behind the broad political consensus

on the “growth imperative” and championing a liberal trade regime, Hu and his associates consistently helped China achieve growth rates that were the envy of emerging markets”. For long, the Western propaganda continued to ridicule China as a barbaric nation under Mao Tse Tung and his repressive regime which sent millions into the labour camps to starve and perish for the crime of dissent against a monolithic regime. Most China detractors continued to argue that the country would collapse and disintegrate into warring segments and feudal lords. Communism was not to deliver the goods. But the Chinese pulled a rabbit out of the hat with their new philosophy of communist capitalism where all people must be equally rich and must pursue the ultimate goal of seeking wealth. Within a short span of time since Deng Xiaoping, that chain-smoking giant leader of the Chinese Communist Party declared that communism and capitalism are not incompatible, China set the standards for growth and human capital mobilisation. Questions are now asked as to what long road China would take in its pursuit of growth, social justice and well being of its people. China’s democracy is of a very different kind, for some long years. People are free as long as they obey the rule of law laid down by the state, and understand clearly that the state, in the communist philosophy is paramount. Individual freedoms are subjected to the overarching tenet that the state is the embodiment of collective wisdom.. For me, this philosophy and control is what made China as a power bloc. In such a large country, any form of dissent and civil strife would have hurt the growth strategies deeply, especially when the nation was struggling to emerge from years of conflicts and poverty. But the winds of change will flow through China and the challenge for the new leadership in the next decade and beyond is to bring back more humanity and freedom without de-railing the delicate balance between individual freedom and national goals.

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FINANCIAL

19 November, 2012 | finchannel.com

Affordable Prices and Guaranteed Relaxation at Radisson Blu Batumi Spa The FINANCIAL By Tako Khelaia

adisson BLU Batumi Spa is inviting The FINANCIAL readers to its fascinating Batumi Spa. Readers who use promo code 0050 will be given a 50% discount on all Spa services and 50% discount on all membership types if they sign and pay for their membership in advance. This promotion is valid from Monday to Friday till 30th of November ‘12 . High standards and consistency is the main focus of Radisson Blu Hotel Batumi Spa according to Nico Dimitrov, Cluster Spa Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel, Batumi and Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel. According to its officials the Anne Semonin Wellness and Spa Center promises to transport the body and mind as well as awaken the senses with its calm setting and rare scented oils. Located in idyllic surroundings on the Black Sea coast, this Anne Semonin spa spans 1,800 square metres and is a sanctuary dedicated to tranquillity. The spa has five treatment rooms, a double VIP treatment room with hydro-bath for couples, indoor and outdoor pools, a sun deck with chairs and parasols, Finnish sauna, aroma steam bath and relaxing lounges. “During summer our spa is absolutely packed. Batumi is increasing its list of attractions daily, this is the right path for making the coastline

Nico R. Dimitrov, the Cluster Spa Manager of Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotel, Batumi

attractive for tourists. The winter period is slower than summer, but we are keeping relatively busy, we expect a better-off season this year as we have added great additions to our fitness and swimming pool. Prices are also quite low. I strongly suggest

to all your readers to come and try out our spa themselves. They will be pleasantly surprised,” Dimitrov said. “We mainly have Georgian guests, but the same as in Tbilisi, we also do not lack for regular expat guests. We have quite flexible prices at our spa,

where yearly membership is GEL 165 per month and even during summer the prices stay the same. We offer a 10% discount for members joining as part of a couple too,” Dimitrov added. “In regard to massage we have

our full range of more than 50 treatments in both Batumi and Tbilisi spas. Most popular is our De-Stress Phyto Aromatic Massage followed by Deep Release Massage with hot stones. Our body peelings, facials and body wraps are preferred by the ladies who visit the Spa,” Dimitrov said. “I would say that the spa business is still new for Batumi and there is room to grow, people need to try the experience at least once and I guarantee that they will be back. A healthy lifestyle is nothing one can compromise on. There is a great spa, so why not use its benefits for a great price?” Dimitrov said. According to Dimitrov, the Spa is preparing to run some special promotions in time for the New Year. “Large numbers of our hotel guests visit the Spa. Especially in the winter period it is one of the main attractions as the weather conditions are not great, weekends are the preferred time for people to have a relaxing massage and dip in the pool after a relaxing sauna or steam bath,” Dimitrov said. “I would say that we are very different from any other existing spa in the area by our service. We have managed to bring the quality of service up to a very high level, our staff force is very well trained. Cleanliness is second in this list, I would say that the spas in the area are more or less identical with regards to its facilities but my staff quality and the cleanliness of the facilities do make a huge difference,” Dimitrov said.

Top Spa Benefits for Beauty and Health The FINANCIAL By Tako Khelaia

he top benefits for clients who use spa facilities regularly are weight loss, reduction of the appearance of cellulite and most importantly, better sleep, according to Nico R. Dimitrov, the Cluster Spa Manager of Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotel, Batumi. As Dimitrov says, a massage session is a break from your job, your family, friends. It helps you relax and destress. A massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells. It stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products. It has been proved that massage releases a hormone called serotonin which enhances the body and mind’s “feel good” state. “When you receive a spa treatment, your mind, body and soul are in harmony. Professional athletes and fitness fanatics, along with physical pampering, experience great relief in the easing of muscle tensions and cramps through trained therapists and are able to then relax every part of their body through deep tissue massage,” Dimitrov stated. “The pre-natal and postnatal benefits for women are some of the most important factors in getting a massage. Massage therapy can help with pain management in chronic conditions such as arthritis, sciatica and muscle spasms,” Dimitrov said. “Body polishing gently exfoliates your skin, promoting

cellular renovation, refining pores and giving your skin uniform relief. Water treatments feed the soul. Like life, water is yin and yang; when your body is submerged in water you find true balance, as water provides equilibrium. Heat treatments in the form of either warm, dry air (sauna) or warm, moist air (steam baths) heat the body to stimulate blood circulation, initiating the purifying process,” Dimitrov said. “Body wraps are exceptionally beneficial as a quick way to remineralise the body, replenish it with the nutrients

and elements lost on a daily basis, thus boosting moisture in your skin, helping to rejuvenate and relax you,” Dimitrov said. According to Dimitrov, in contrast to heat treatments, cold water or ice applied to the body stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic and immune systems. “We are actively promoting personalized facial therapies made with Anne Semonin Cosmetics - Paris, and regular skincare sessions for individuals who want to look youthful and feel confident,” Dimitrov said.

“Weight loss is one of the top issues nowadays. To a great extent, an active lifestyle promotes weight lost. Clients who use the Spa on a regular basis are subject to a healthy weight lose indeed,” Dimitrov said. The Spa Center is located on the top two floors of the hotel, 18th and 19th respectively, over 1,600 square meters (17,222 square feet). The Anne Semonin Spa is designed as a haven of peace where luxury, relaxation and well-being reign. Overlooking the city, the Spa has been designed to provide an entire

range of tailored beauty care and holistic spa therapies for men and women. The Anne Semonin treatment collection combines an ingenious blend of aromatic essentials oils, trace elements and marine ingredients with the classic French touch and a holistic approach to treating the individual needs of your body and skin. Anne Semonin treatments are designed to be “tailor made” and are focused towards maximum comfort, absolute luxury and outstanding results. According to Dimitrov, Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel Spa

is quite busy and booked up at the moment. “I would say that we have quite a busy, quality-focused spa. As we are in Georgia the majority of our guests are Georgian, many foreigners also find our services attractive though and enjoy taking advantage of them. “In comparison with last year the number of our clients has noticeably increased. I would say that growth has been visible and stable. As we focus mainly on quality we keep our memberships limited while maximum in numbers. I can share the fact that our membership quota is almost full,” he added. “In the nearest future we will have various retail offers on at our spa. We recently added absolutely wonderful scented candles, aroma room sticks, and much more. They are a great gift idea too,” Dimitrov said. “We have a week’s promotion running at the moment; if you book a massage before 4 PM you may bring a friend to use the spa free of charge. We will soon start advertising our Christmas and NY promo. Last year we offered great gift voucher sales. Many Georgians and foreigners look at giving the gift of relaxation as a great and fresh present idea for any occasion, especially Christmas and birthdays.” “We have high usage rates for the infinity swimming pool, fitness room, saunas and steam rooms; guests enjoy a lot our relaxation areas too.We are looking forward to welcome you in Anne Semonin SPA’s Georgia, here in Tbilisi or on the coast line in our wonderful Batumi hotel ” Dimitrov added.

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FINANCIAL HEADLINE NEWS & ANALYSIS finchannel.com | 19 November, 2012

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finchannel.com | 19 November, 2012

Tbilisi Marriott Celebrating 10th Anniversary The FINANCIAL By Mariam Papidze

n 27 November Tbilisi Marriott Hotel will be celebrating its ten year anniversary of operating on the Georgian market. During this time Marriott in Tbilisi has contributed to tourism development in Georgia, brought the highest standards within the hospitality industry to the country and showed the world that Marriott can succeed in Georgia. “Marriott was entering into an unfamiliar environment when it arrived in Georgia,” George Togonidze, General Manager of the Tbilisi Marriott Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi, told The FINANCIAL. It was the first Marriott hotel not just in Georgia, but in the whole Caucasus region. It was at a time when global awareness of Georgia was still very low. But nevertheless the Marriott brand was here. I have personally met lots of tourists who back then knew very little about Georgia, but knew much more about Marriott. The Marriott brand is associated with the highest standards within the hospitality industry, therefore those people who know Marriott, perceive the country in which the brand operates as politically and economically stable. I must take this opportunity to convey my gratitude to our every associate at both hotels, who helped create such an environment that guests named Tbilisi Marriott and Courtyard Tbilisi as some of the very best Marriott hotels in Europe. People leave our hotels with a good impression and with the desire to return to Tbilisi,” he added. Q. How is Tbilisi Marriott Hotel going to celebrate its ten year anniversary? A. We plan to have a very special evening attended by our dear guests, who have been working with us over the last ten years. We would like to thank all of our partners for all the support we have had from their side. We could not manage an international brand hotel without their partnership and without the support of our clients. In 2015 the building of the hotel is going to celebrate its 100 year anniversary. We have this beautiful old building which represents the city’s history. It is a kind of reflection of the last 100 years of Tbilisi and Rustaveli Avenue, which has always been a centre of political activities. For these ten years that we have been on the market, we have seen increases in every division. There was a slow year after the war, in 2009, because of the global crisis. But almost every year since the crisis and before then was successful for the hotel. During this time, we have built very close relationships with our guests, who have become our loyal customers and our close friends. We have shown the world that Marriott in Georgia can succeed, because hospitality is in our blood. Georgians are known worldwide for their hospitality. When we combine Georgian hospitality with western and U.S standards, we get a product which everybody can appreciate. At the very beginning, there were twenty foreigners working as a director, supervisors and heads of departments at Marriott in Tbilisi. But today

George Togonidze, General Manager of the Tbilisi Marriott Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi

we have grown and developed our own management. Now we have 21 managers working at the Hotel and only one of them is foreign, everybody else is Georgian. These are people who started working with us and shared the success of the company of the last ten years. We have continued hosting VIP delegations, official delegations, countries’ presidents, prime ministers and diplomatic missions in 2012 as well. Despite the increased competition we still managed to improve our results and had better results than we had in 2011 and in previous years. We have been working hard during these years and now it is time to celebrate. Q. What is your outlook for 2013? A. We are as optimistic as we were last year and we hope that the year 2013 will be even more successful than previous years. We see growth year after year. Since I have been here (from 2009) every year has been better than the previous one. When I say better I mean financially better and better for the country itself. When we host more and more guests it is good for tourism development in the country. Q. With one more month to go till the end of 2011, Tbilisi Marriott Hotel was in second place in the guest satisfaction index out of all European Marriott Hotels year to date. What are the achievements in 2012 in this regard? A. Tbilisi Marriott remains in the top three this year. As for the Courtyard Marriott it is in the top four. For the last ten years the guest satisfaction index has always been very high. I would like to mention the previous General Manager of this hotel, Igael Porecki in

this regard. He was the General Manager of this property for seven years. During his time the Hotel established high marks in its satisfaction index. We are here with the plan to improve or at the least maintain the same level. He made a good base and we will continue to build on it. What’s important is the human factor. Our guests travel throughout the world and have been in many Marriotts and other hotels worldwide. Even these hotels do not have the same look as the Tbilisi Marriott, our personal touch is really different. Our guests value exactly this personal touch and that is why they prefer staying here. A personal touch brings a high guest satisfaction index. We have very skilled employees and management at the Hotel. What guests love about here is the hospitality, which is authentically Georgian. Nobody has taught us how to host, because it comes from our genes and family traditions. We are lucky that we do not need to learn it. The only thing we need to learn is extra professionalism. As we have very special guests, VIP guests always have their specific requirements. Over the years, we have learnt their requirements and incorporated it in our management. So nowadays, almost every requirement of our guests is fulfilled. This also reflects in the Hotel’s high guest satisfaction index. Our basic guest segment is from the United States and European countries. We are seeing a lot of growth in our neighbouring countries, from Ukraine, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Our neighbours are proving very active. Q. How would you assess tourism development in Georgia this year?

A. What has been most successful and important for tourism development in Georgia is that a lot of areas and resorts in Georgia have recently become accessible. I am referring to the rehabilitated roads, hotels and restaurants that have been built in different resorts. This development has lead to demand for Georgian resorts. For example there was a focus on Mestia, which has become a very good ski resort and very popular as a result, especially with Poles and Ukrainians. Mestia in the past was simply not ready to welcome guests. Wine tourism in Kakheti is also very attractive for guests. Wine tourism has big potential not only in Kakheti but in Racha and Imereti as well. Visitors have more options now which were not possible before. Because of the rehabilitated roads less time is needed to get to Stepantsimnda, Racha, Svaneti, Borjomi and Gudauri; this is crucial for the development of tourism in the regions of the country. Q. Is the Marriott going to expand further and open another hotel in Georgia? A. Marriott has a very aggressive development growth plan, not only for the European continent but worldwide. People who are looking for opportunities, always evaluate all the options. Investors, real estate developers and owners have to come to us and offer development plans, and I guarantee that we will then carry these offers to our development team and every proposal will be evaluated in very short time periods. So if any investor has a good project connected to a sea resort or ski resort, I encourage them to bring it to us and our development team will consider it. Q. Is Georgia a profitable country for the Marriott hotel brand? How does Georgia compete with other countries where Marriott hotels are represented? A. We are ranked in terms of house profit margins; we are ranked with 1315 competing markets like London, Paris, Moscow, Amsterdam and other European cities. In terms of financial profit we do much better than these cities, and at the least the same as they do. This is due to our proper management. We are lucky that more and more people are coming in Georgia and visiting Marriott in Tbilisi. Q. What constant growth do you see in the Marriott’s work here each year compared to the previous ones? A. Nowadays IT requirements are more necessary than ever, this includes internet, Wi-Fi, access to sockets, computer hardware. IT communications will be even more developed in the future. We will redesign our rooms and will implement some changes. New standards will affect our uniforms. We will have a new line in health and beauty items too. Q. As Christmas and New Year approach what will the Marriott be offering its guests for the holiday season? A. We will be holding certain festive events. For Catholic Christmas we will be offering Sunday Christmas Brunch in our restaurant, which will be specially designed for the occasion. Our menu will offer some traditional Christmas items. And for New Year’s Eve we will have a special event.

Got No Worries For a Year!

Auto Installment Loan Campaign from Bank Republic Société Générale Group

hinking of buying new or a used car and looking for best financing offer? From November 12 to January 1, Bank Republic Societe Generale Group offers an unprecedented opportunity to everyone wishing to purchase new or used cars and enjoy the most convenient terms, get unbelievable gifts and what’s most important, free yourself from carrelated expenses for a whole year. There is even more! For limited time only - 0% to 20% downpayment All those buying new cars will receive the following gifts: • 1 year of GPI Holding car insurance; • 1 year free C.T.PARK parking; • 1 year free car wash service. All those buying used cars will receive the following gifts: • 6-month car insurance in GPI Holding. For additional gifts please contact our Hotline 2 90 90 90 / * 90 90. There is even more! All those who buy new and used cars in Strada Auto will get a full fuel tank as a present. Loan terms • 0% downpayment for customers involved in the Bank’s payroll program, 20% for other customers; • Minimum income – Tbilisi 700 GEL, Regions 500 GEL; • Minimum loan amount - 2,000 (EUR/USD). To buy new cars, please visit the following dealerships: Hyundai, Audi, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Renault, Peugeot, Nissan, Subaru, Kia, Skoda, Mercedes, Ford, Range Rover, Suzuki, Toyota, Opel, Chevrolet, Mate Motors, BMW, FIAT; To buy used cars pelase visit the following dealerships: IaaWestline, Strada Auto, Mega Auto, Worldcars, Auto Credit, Car Rent and Trading Company or 112th hall at the Rustavi Auto Market. Those who would like to purchase a car from an individual, please visit Bank Republic branches or our representatives providing the sales support services at the following dealerships: IaaWestline, Strada Auto, Mega Auto, Worldcars. Campaign Lasts Until January 1 to be continued…

Self-prescription of antibiotics boosts superbugs epidemic in the European Region The FINANCIAL

ntibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. Viruses, which antibiotics do not affect, cause 9 out of 10 sore throats and 10 out of 10 cases of influenza. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily weakens their ability to work against infections when they are needed. This enables bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. On European Antibiotic Awareness Day 2012 (1), WHO advises the public to use antibiotics only when and as prescribed by a doctor. “Since their discovery over 70 years ago, antibiotics have kept most of us

alive by overcoming bacterial infections that could otherwise have been fatal. The use of antibiotics – and vaccines – has lengthened our life-spans by 20 years on average,” says Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “If we want to retain this medical miracle, we must fully understand when antibiotics work and do not work, and act accordingly. This is a matter for everybody, from those who set policies and strategies, carry out research, and produce and distribute antibiotics to those who prescribe and use them.” Awareness of the effects of overusing and misusing antibiotics is higher globally but lower in countries where

antibiotics are less regulated and can be obtained over the counter, without prescription: in two out of three countries in the eastern part of the WHO European Region. A global WHO survey indicated that over half of all medicines – including antibiotics – are prescribed, dispensed or sold inappropriately, while half of all patients fail to take medicines correctly. This leads to increased antibiotic resistance and thereby decreases the number of effective antibiotics. In addition, it is alarming that no new antibiotic classes have been discovered in the last 25 years, despite the efforts of research. The problem has not only enormous

health consequences but also large economic effects for both individuals and societies, as resistant infections can be up to 100 times more costly to treat. Incurable or hard-to-treat infections are already found in the European Region. Every year, over 80 000 people develop tuberculosis that is resistant to antibiotics. Some developed European countries recently reported cases of cephalosporin-resistant gonorrhoea, which is extremely difficult to treat. In this area, one of today’s main threats to the Region is the spread of bacteria that are increasingly resistant to antibiotics of the carbapenems family. These antibiotics are the only

available cure for serious diseases such as those from multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli bacteria. Virulent strains of E. coli can cause gastroenteritis, urinary-tract infections and more severe conditions, such as meningitis, haemolytic-uraemic syndrome, septicaemia and pneumonia. In the last two years, resistance to carbapenems has surfaced in several European Union (EU) countries, jeopardizing the ability to treat patients. The easy transmission of carbapenem-resistant bacteria between patients and the increasing introduction of these bacteria into Europe from countries where they are widespread worsen the situation.

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georgia: health profile

finchannel.com | 19 November, 2012 Georgia: health profile Selected indicators (2010)

Per capita total expenditure on health

Total population (thousands)

4 352

Regional av erage

Global av erage

...

US$ (at average exchange rate)

Georgia is located in the WHO European Region. Country

Country Regional average

Population liv ing in urban areas (%)

Last update: May 2012. 10 869

Male

Female

Both sexes

164

146

176

Maternal mortality ratio (per 100 000 liv e births)

210

Prev alence of HIV * (per 1000 adults aged 15 to 49)

0K 1995

DTP3 immunization among 1-year-olds

118

Distribution of years of life lost by causes (2008)

Noncommunicable

0 2000

2005

21 11

Pneumonia

Injuries

Neonatal sepsis

Diarrhoea 16

Malaria 0

Physicians

Measles 0

Nurses & midw ives

Contraceptive prevalence

10 Percentage of total

2005

2010

1990

1995

Births attended by skilled health personnel

Inequities in health servic e utilization**

Measles immunization (1-yr-olds)

Smearpositive TB treatmentsuccess

Births attended by skilled health personnel 100

2000

Inequities in mortality**

DTP3 immunization (1-year-olds)

Percentage

33.2 32.2

Antenatal care (4+ visits)

100

47.6

2010

Georgia: health profile

100

2005

Utilisation of health services*

65.0

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Health workforce*

HIV/AIDS 0

2000

Under-5 mortality rate

Birth asphyxia

1995

Other diseases

1990

2010

Prematurity

60 47 40

Adult risk factors Raised blood glucose (aged 25+), 2008 Male

Female

Raised blood pressure (aged 25+), 2008 Male

Female

Wealthiest 20%

Rural

Wealthiest 20%

Poorest 20%

Rural

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Urban

Country

Percentage

1995

Congenital anomalies

Per 10 000 population

1990

Distribution of causes of deaths in children under-5 (2010)

Injuries

100 75

Deaths per 1000 live births

Communicable

2010

178

2005

0 Prev alence of tuberculosis (per 100 000 population)

2000

Children aged under-5 stunted

100

Adult mortality rate* (probability of dy ing between 15 Both sexes and 60 y ears per 1000 population )

Poorest 20%

Under-f iv e mortality rate (per 1000 liv e births)

24 308

Urban

Lif e expectancy at birth* (y ears)

4 990

Percentage

Gross national income per capita (PPP int. $)

Mortality and burden of disease

Percentage

General

* Data refers to 2009.

Population using improved water and sanitation

Obesity (aged 20+), 2008 Male

Female

100

Tobacco use (aged 15+), 2009 Male

Georgia is located in the WHO European Region. * Data refer to latest year available from 2005. For specific years and references, visit the Global Health Observatory at w w w .w ho.int/gho.

Female 80

** For data source and year, see the World Health Statistics 2012. 60

42.6 40

41.0 33.1

25.7 15.9

9.6

11.1

Population using im proved w ater and sanitation

34.3 25.6

11.9

Percentage

57.0

20.4

Improved drinking-w ater sources 23.1

Improved sanitation facilities

22.0 20

8.0

Last update: May 2012.

6.0

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Regional average

Country

Percentage

CMYK

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

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| places we strongly reccommend to visit | SANCHO

LITERATURULI CAFÉ 2, Tarkhnishvili Str. Tel: 244 45 46 31, Pekini Str. Tel: 231 30 57 22, Abashidze Str. Tel: 222 02 76 36, Kostava Str. Tel: 299 07 46

16 Rustaveli Ave. 17 Akhvlediani Str. Tel: 2519 966 23, Akhvlediani Str. Tel: 298 25 98

Hangar Bar

TSISKVILI

PREGO

dining

For advertising please contact: 577 741 700 marketing@finchannel.com Red Café Bistro & Cafe

2, Vazha pshavela Ave. Tel: 237 36 10 7, Paliashvili Str. Tel: 225 22 58 # 20 Shavteli Str. Tel: 293 10 80

Beliashvili Str. Tel: 253 07 97

Belle Ville

BUFFALO BILL

French - European barrestaurant Pleasant and cozy atmosphere High quality service, live music every day

25, Tarkhnishvili Str. Tel: 225 25 16

27, Abashidze Str. Tel: 222 50 66 16, Akhvlediani Str. Tel: 293 60 52

DONUTS

VELTINS

DUBLIN IRISH PUB

Better seen than heard

24 24/

4 Freedom Square, Tel: 254 70 30 tbilisi.fs@citadines.com

40, Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: 229 42 30

SIANG-GAN

PICASSO

41, Gamsakhurdia Str. Tel: 237 96 88

4, Vashlovani Str. Tel: 298 90 86

Prospero’s Books

34, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 2923 592

37, Kostava Str. Tel: 298 37 67

Entree 13 Taktakishvili Str. 20 Rustaveli Ave. 19 Petriashvili Str. 7 Pekini Str. 78 Chavchavadze Ave. (Bagebi) 86 Aghmashenebeli ave.

8, Akhvlediani Str. Tel: 298 44 67

43 Abashidze Str. Tel: 222 60 18

DISCOVERY

www.citadines.com

VERA STEAKHOUSE

COFFEE GE

Better seen than heard

26, l.Kiacheli Str. Tel: 293 65 53

10/12, Abashidze Str. Tel: 225 39 85

# 71 Vazhaphavela Ave. Tel: 2201 211 info@redcafe.ge

Tel.: 599 21 53 83

Segafredo Zanetti Espresso

ENGLISH TEE HOUSE

26, Chavchavadze Ave Tel: 222 36 77

5, Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 294 16 20 32, Paliashvili Str. Tel: 222 11 09

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where to go

finchannel.com | 19 November, 2012 November 19, 2012

Tel: 2 999 662 SPECIAL OFFER FROM BUSINESSTRAVELCOM to DUBAI

7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS 3* hotels from 670 USD per person 4* hotels from 730 USD per person 5* hotels from 930 USD per person Price includes: AIR TICKETS ROUND TRIP (TBILISI – DUBAI – TBILISI) VISA, INSURANCE, HOTELS (BAD AND BREAKFAST) CALL: 2999 662; 592 07 53 53. E-MAIL: SKY@SKY.GE

Clubs, Pubs…

19:00 - Geishas dances Sushi Bar Samurai 9 G. Tabidze Str. Mob: 577-22-60 01; Tel: 240-29-99 21:00 - Band “Good Company”, DJ Datuna SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 Restaurant is working 24 hours Entertainment at the restaurant “Mghvime” is colorful. Every evening from 20:00 inextinguishable star of Georgian Estrada Gia Suramelashvili. Estrada ensemble “Mghvime” (3 boys and one girl), tam-tam, violin. During weekdays: Singer, composer Kaki Bolkvadze and hot Georgian and Asian dances Restaurant “Mghvime” Address: Left bank of Mtkvari River (next to shop “Riverside”) Phone: 2 305 558/ 2 359 540; 599 56 60 72 Everyday from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program. Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet “Taoba”: Georgian folk and city songs. Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Restaurant “Bermukha” Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 20:00-23:00 - Georgian songs with live performance Restaurant “Dzveli Sakhli” 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:30 - Maidan Jazz Band Restaurant “Maidan” 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 21:00 - Rezo Kiknadze - saxophonist Café “Kala” 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00-24:00 - Band “Goblins” (Covers) Pub “Dublin” 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67

Cinema

“Rustaveli” Cinema 5 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 293-22-53, 2 555-000 “Silent Hill: Revelation” 3D; “Wreck-It Ralph” 3D; “Astérix and Obélix: God Save Britannia” 3D; “James Bond: Skyfall”; “Poker with Love Rules”; “Love with Accent”; “Hotel Transylvania” 3D (Ticket Price: 6,50 - 11,50 GEL) “Amirani” Cinema 36 Kostava Str. Tel: 299-99-55 “Silent Hill: Revelation” 3D; “Wreck-It Ralph” 3D; “Astérix and Obélix: God Save Britannia” 3D; “Love with Accent” (Ticket Price: 6,50 - 11,50 GEL) “Sakartvelo” Cinema 2/9, Guramishvili Ave. Tel: 230-80-80; 269-66-47 “Wreck-It Ralph” 3D; “Astérix and Obélix: God Save Britannia” 3D; “James Bond: Skyfall”; “Poker with Love Rules”; “Love with Accent” (Ticket Price: 4 - 8 GEL)

Theatre

From

Royal District Theatre 10 Abesadze Str. Tel: 299-61-71 Miss Julie Director: Data Tavadze Cast: Kato Kalatozishvili, Keta Shatirishvili, Girogi Sharvashidze, Paata Inauri, Iako Chilaia, Salome Maisashvili, Magda Lebanidze, Ana Tsereteli, Natuka Kakhidze Duration: 135 minutes Time: 20:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL

Tbilisi

Day

Gallery

Depart

Arrive

Flight#

Aktau

4.7

02:50

05:10

DV 842

Amsterdam

1.6

06:10

07:55

A9 651

Almaty

1.2.4.6

08:55

14:35

KC E90

Athens

1.4

06:15

07:15

A3 983

Baku

X 2.4

01:50;12:30

03:10;13:50

J2 224/226

Baku

DAILY

15:05;20:15

16:20;21:30

QR 975/977

Batumi

X 3.6

08:50;09:30

09:25;10:05

CRJ

Doha

DAILY

15:05;20:15

19:05;00:15+1

QR 975/977

Dubai

2.4.6

06:35

10:00

FZ 714

Donetsk

14:45

14:25

VV/320

Donetsk

4.7

02:50

02:35

QU 202

Istanbul

DAILY

06:30

06:45

PC/463

Istanbul

DAILY

05:15;18:15

05:45; 18:45

TK 387/383

Kiev

DAILY

18:20

19:00

VV 418

Kiev

DAILY

07:30

08:00

PS 728

Kharkov

08:30

08:20

A9 719

London

1.2.5.6

10:35; 15:30

12:15; 17:10

BA 158

Minsk

DAILY

03:55

06:05

B2 736

Munich

DAILY

05:05

06:10

LH 2557

Odessa

15:05

16:10

QU 212

Paris

15:30

17:35

A9 627

Prague

3.6

05:20

06:15

OK 935

Riga

1.3.6

07:00

08:35

BT 723

Rome

2.7

06:00

07:15

AZ 551

Tel-Aviv

2.4.7

21:00

21:45

A9 695

Vienna

4.7

08:55

09:25

A9 681

Urumqi

2.6

22:40

07:30+1

CZ 6040

Warsaw

2.4.7

05:50

06:25

LO 724

Warsaw

X 1.2

04:50

0620

E75

Days=( 1-Monday., 2-Tuesday., 3-Wedsday., 4-Thursday., 5-Friday., 6-Saturday., 7-Sunday. D-Daily; X-except off)

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Honored Artist’s Malkhaz Kukhashvili Anniversary Exhibition - “Kukha - 70” Tbilisi Museum of History (Karvasla) 8 Sioni Str. Tel: 292-32-27 (Museum is working everyday except Monday. From 11:00 till 17:00)till - November 20 First Personal Photo Exhibition of Giorgi Gomiashvili (1972-2012) Tbilisi Museum of History (Karvasla) 8 Sioni Str. Tel: 292-32-27 (Museum is working everyday except Monday. From 11:00 till 17:00)till - November 20 Personal Exhibition of Gia Gugushvili TBC Art Gallery 7, Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 227-27-27 Gallery’s working hours: Monday-Friday 12:00-20:00till - December 1 The First Triennale - Offside Effect Sh. Amiranashvili Art Museum 1, Gudiashvili Str. Tel: 299-71-76 Museum is working everyday except Monday. From 11:00 till 17:00till - November 20 Lado Gudiashvili exhibition “Promenade” is presented at the Lado Gudiashvili Exhibition Hall 11 L. Gudiashvili Str. Tel: 293 23 05 Exhibition Hall is working every day, 11:00 - 18:30 except Mondays and official holidays. Entry: Adults - 5 GEL / People from 6-18 - 3 GEL / Students and pensioners (with ID) - 3 GEL / Admission is free for orphan groups (with proof of status) and for children under 6 http://lgexhibitionhall.info-tbilisi.com/till - May 30 Dimitri Shevardnadze National Gallery will host the exhibition “Reframing the 80s: Georgian Art at the End of the 80s and the Beginning of the 90s” D. Shevardnadze National Gallery 11, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Gallery’s working hours: Saturday-Sunday 10:0018:00till - November 20 Exhibition “New Life of Eastern Collections”. On Exhibition will be presented masterpieces of eastern collections reserved in Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum of Georgian National Museum Simon Janashia State Museum 3, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Museum is working everyday except Monday. From 10:00 till 18:00till - December 30

November 20, 2012

Clubs, Pubs…

Restaurant is working 24 hours Entertainment at the restaurant “Mghvime” is colorful. Every evening from 20:00 inextinguishable star of Georgian Estrada Gia Suramelashvili. Estrada ensemble “Mghvime” (3 boys and one girl), tam-tam, violin. During weekdays: Singer, composer Kaki Bolkvadze and hot Georgian and Asian dances Restaurant “Mghvime” Address: Left bank of Mtkvari River (next to shop “Riverside”) Phone: 2 305 558/ 2 359 540; 599 56 60 72 21:00 - Band “Good Company”, DJ Datuna SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 19:00 - Geishas dances Sushi Bar Samurai 9 G. Tabidze Str. Mob: 577-22-60 01; Tel: 240-29-99 20:00-23:00 - “Kalakuri’s Quartet” - with live performance of city songs, and also universal songs Restaurant “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 Every day from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program. Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet “Taoba”: Georgian folk and city songs. Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Restaurant “Bermukha” Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 20:00-23:00 - Georgian songs with live performance Restaurant “Dzveli Sakhli” 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:30 - Georgian folk ensemble “Urmuli”, georgian dances Restaurant “Maidan” 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 21:00-24:00 - Jazz Band Restaurant “Chardin 12” 12 Chardin Str. Tel: 293-15-56; Mob: 577 480-460 21:00 - Maia Kankava Café “Kala” 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00-24:00 - Band “Goblins” (Covers) Pub “Dublin” 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67

Cinema

Concert

Tbilisi Concert Hall 1, Meliqishvilii Str. Tel: 299-05-99 Tbilisi Jazz Festival - 2012 20:00 - Dee Dee Bridgewater (Ticket Price: Balcony - 20-30 GEL; Parterre: 40-50 GEL)

Theatre

Rustaveli Theatre 17, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 272-68-68 Mary Stuart Director: Gocha Kapanadze Cast: Nanuka Khuskivadze, Marina Janashia, Murman Jinoria, Vano Gogitidze, Tengiz Giorgadze, Marina Kakhiani, Zura Sharia, Nanuli Sarajishvili, Nino TarkhanMouravi, Levan Khurtsia Hall: Small Stage Time: 19:45 Price: 10, 15 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Private Lives Director: Levan Tsuladze Cast: Irma Berianidze, Tamar Bukhnikashvili, Zaza Iakashvili, Nika Kuchava Duration: 90 minutes Hall: Theatre in Attic Time: 20:00 Price: 11 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Eugenia Balboa Director: Levan Tsuladze and Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Cast: Givi Berikashvili, Tamar Skhirtladze, Eka Chkheidze, Zviad Skhirtladze, Zura Berikashvili, Maia Tatishvili, Lile Philphani Duration: 180 minutes Hall: Big Stage Time: 20:00 Price: 4 - 10.50 GEL Royal District Theatre

10 Abesadze Str. Tel: 299-61-71 Miss Julie Director: Data Tavadze Cast: Kato Kalatozishvili, Keta Shatirishvili, Girogi Sharvashidze, Paata Inauri, Iako Chilaia, Salome Maisashvili, Magda Lebanidze, Ana Tsereteli, Natuka Kakhidze Duration: 135 minutes Time: 20:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Liberty Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 298-58-21 Rain Saller Director: Nugzar Lortkipanidze Cast: Keta Lortkipanidze, Sandro Margalitashvili, Jaba Kiladze, Giorgi Jikia, Mamuka Mumladze, Lasha Gurgenidze, Shako Mirianashvili Time: 19:00 Price: 5, 10, 15 GEL Pantomime Theatre 37 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-63-14 Stop Aids Director: Amiran Shalikashvili Duration: 50 minutes Time: 19:00 Price: 7.50 GEL

Gallery

November 21, 2012

Clubs, Pubs…

“Book Day” at Amarcord Bring your book with you to our Art-Cafe and exchange it to another book brought by someone else. You can also sell your books if you like. Visit us and help us making Amarcord a place for literature meetings! Price: for free Art-Café Amarcord 8, Janashia Str. Tel: 284-64-73 21:00 - Band “Good Company”, DJ Datuna SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 20:00-23:00 - “Kalakuri’s Quartet” - with live performance of city songs, and also universal songs Restaurant “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 19:00 - Geishas dances Sushi Bar Samurai 9 G. Tabidze Str. Mob: 577-22-60 01; Tel: 240-29-99 Restaurant is working 24 hours Entertainment at the restaurant “Mghvime” is colorful. Every evening from 20:00 inextinguishable star of Georgian Estrada Gia Suramelashvili. Estrada ensemble “Mghvime” (3 boys and one girl), tam-tam, violin. During weekdays: Singer, composer Kaki Bolkvadze and hot Georgian and Asian dances Restaurant “Mghvime” Address: Left bank of Mtkvari River (next to shop “Riverside”) Phone: 2 305 558/ 2 359 540; 599 56 60 72 Every day from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program. Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet “Taoba”: Georgian folk and city songs. Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Restaurant “Bermukha” Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 20:00-23:00 - Georgian Dances Restaurant “Dzveli Sakhli” 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 22:00-01:00 - Group “Comic Condition” Tavern “Scarlet Sails” 25, Leselidze Str. Tel: 293-10-28 20:30 - Maidan Jazz Band Restaurant “Maidan” 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 21:00 - Live Band Café “Kala” 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00-24:00 - Band “Zarebi” (Covers) Pub “Dublin” 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67

Cinema

Theatre

Rustaveli Theatre 17, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 272-68-68 I’m craving for the straight wind Director: Murman Jinoria Cast: Murman Jinoria Duration: 75 minutes Hall: Experimental Stage Time: 19:00 Price: 6, 8 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 I’ll Be Back Director: Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Cast: Zura Berikashvili, Eka Mjavanadze, Dimitri Tatishvili, Temur Kiladze, Mariam Chukhrukidze, Guram Jashi Hall: Big Stage Time: 20:00 Price: 4 - 10.50 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Woman with Dog Director: Levan Tsuladze Cast: Nika Tavadze, Nanka Kalatozishvili, Nata Kakhidze, Beso Baratashvili Duration: 120 minutes Hall: Theatre in Attic Time: 20:00 Price: 11 GEL Liberty Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 298-58-21 Jeans Generation Director: Davit Doiashvili Cast: Marina Janashia, Nana Darchiashvili, Goga Chkheidze, Dima Merabishvili, Merab Kolbaia, Lela Metreveli, Jaba Kiladze, Mariam Nadiradze, Apolon Kublashvili, Sandro Margalitashvili Duration: 165 minutes Time: 19:00 Price: 5, 10, 12 GEL

Gallery

Personal Exhibition of Gia Gugushvili TBC Art Gallery 7, Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 227-27-27 Gallery’s working hours: Monday-Friday 12:00-20:00till - December 1 Lado Gudiashvili exhibition “Promenade” is presented at the Lado Gudiashvili Exhibition Hall 11 L. Gudiashvili Str. Tel: 293 23 05 Exhibition Hall is working every day, 11:00 - 18:30 except Mondays and official holidays. Entry: Adults - 5 GEL / People from 6-18 - 3 GEL / Students and pensioners (with ID) - 3 GEL / Admission is free for orphan groups (with proof of status) and for children under 6 http://lgexhibitionhall.info-tbilisi.com/till - May 30 Exhibition “New Life of Eastern Collections”. On Exhibition will be presented masterpieces of eastern collections reserved in Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum of Georgian National Museum Simon Janashia State Museum 3, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Museum is working everyday except Monday. From 10:00 till 18:00till - December 30

November 22, 2012

Clubs, Pubs…

21:00 - Band “Band’a’roll”, DJ Datuna SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 22:00 - Resident DJ Tako Lounge Bar “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 Every day from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program. Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet “Taoba”: Georgian folk and city songs. Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Restaurant “Bermukha” Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 19:00 - Geishas dances Sushi Bar Samurai 9 G. Tabidze Str. Mob: 577-22-60 01; Tel: 240-29-99 Restaurant is working 24 hours Entertainment at the restaurant “Mghvime” is colorful. Every evening from 20:00 inextinguishable star of Georgian Estrada Gia Suramelashvili. Estrada ensemble “Mghvime” (3 boys and one girl), tam-tam, violin. During weekdays: Singer, composer Kaki Bolkvadze and hot Georgian and Asian dances Restaurant “Mghvime” Address: Left bank of Mtkvari River (next to shop

“Riverside”) Phone: 2 305 558/ 2 359 540; 599 56 60 72 20:00-23:00 - “Kalakuri’s Quartet” - with live performance of city songs, and also universal songs Restaurant “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 22:00 - Maia Kvirkvelia & DJ Dachi Club “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:00-23:00 - Georgian songs with live performance Restaurant “Dzveli Sakhli” 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:30 - Georgian folk ensemble “Urmuli”, georgian dances Restaurant “Maidan” 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 21:00-24:00 - Jazz Band Restaurant “Chardin 12” 12 Chardin Str. Tel: 293-15-56; Mob: 577 480-460 21:00 - Guliko Chanturia Café “Kala” 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00-24:00 - Band “Zarebi” (Covers) Pub “Dublin” 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67

Cinema

Theatre

Rustaveli Theatre 17, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 272-68-68 Oliver! Director: Davit Sakvarelidze Cast: Manana Abramishvili, Zaza Baratashvili, Goga Barbakadze, Tengiz Giorgadze, Paata Guliashvili, Davit Darchia, Gela Tavberidze, Nino Tarkhan-Mouravi, Kakha Kupatadze Hall: Grand Stage Time: 19:45 Price: 10 - 30 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 As You Like It Director: Levan Tsuladze Cast: Manana Kozakova, Nato Kakhidze, Ketevan Shatirishvili, Ketevan Tskhakaia, Nata Murvanidze, Tamar Bukhnikashvili, Nikoloz Tavadze, Malkhaz Abuladze, Beso Baratashvili, Davit Khurtsilava, Nika Kuchava, Zurab Berikashvili, Roland Okropiridze, Onise Oniani Duration: 120 minutes Hall: Big Stage Time: 20:00 Price: 4 - 10.50 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 The Premiere Sokhumi State Dramaturge Theatre Director: Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Cast: Lorina Papuashvili-Elerdashvili, Nugzar Chikovani, Mariam Chukhrukidze, Rusudan Meladze, Marina Solomonia, Davit Velijanashvili Duration: 140 minutes Hall: Theatre in Attic Time: 20:00 Price: 11 GEL Liberty Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 298-58-21 Honeymoon Director: Maya Doborjginidze Cast: Mariam Jologua, Salome Chulukhadze, Natia Kvashali Time: 19:00 Price: 5, 7, 9 GEL Tumanishvili Film Actors Theatre 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 234-28-99 Our Small City Director: Mikheil Tumanishvili Cast: Gia Abesalashvili, Mzia Arabuli, Koko Roiniishvili, Zurab Kipshidze, Natalia Shengelaia, Nino Chkheidze, Nika Tserediani, Nineli Chankvetadze, Darejan Khachidze, Darejan Jojua, Beka Jumutia Time: 19:00 Price: 10 GEL Ilia University Theatre 32, I. Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: 229-47-15 Psychosis 4:48 - Premiere Directing, Design and Music Arrangement: Buba Basishvili and Goga Kachiabaia Cast: Eka Abshilava, Nino Lezhava Time: 20:00 Price: 10 GEL Akhmeteli Theatre 8 Vekua Str. Tel: 262-54-37, 262-59-73, 262-61-97 Black Sneakers Director: Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Cast: Tamar Tkemaladze, Ana Matuashvili, Tamar Bezhuashvili, Salome Tsurtsumia, Mamuka Mazavrishvili, Imeda Natroshvili, Kote Mzhavia, Vaso Shikhashvili Duration: 80 minutes Time: 19:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL

Gallery

Painter from Petersburg Alexander Florenski’s works exhibition “New Pictures” Baia Gallery 10 Shardeni Str. Tel: 275-45-10till - November 28 Personal Exhibition of Gia Gugushvili TBC Art Gallery 7, Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 227-27-27 Gallery’s working hours: Monday-Friday 12:00-20:00till - December 1 Lado Gudiashvili exhibition “Promenade” is presented at the Lado Gudiashvili Exhibition Hall 11 L. Gudiashvili Str. Tel: 293 23 05 Exhibition Hall is working every day, 11:00 - 18:30 except Mondays and official holidays. Entry: Adults - 5 GEL / People from 6-18 - 3 GEL / Students and pensioners (with ID) - 3 GEL / Admission is free for orphan groups (with proof of status) and for children under 6 http://lgexhibitionhall.info-tbilisi.com/till - May 30 Exhibition “New Life of Eastern Collections”. On Exhibition will be presented masterpieces of eastern collections reserved in Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum of Georgian National Museum Simon Janashia State Museum 3, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Museum is working everyday except Monday. From 10:00 till 18:00till - December 30

November 23, 2012

Clubs, Pubs…

21:00 - Agora Live Band, DJ Datuna SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 22:00 - Resident DJ Tako Lounge Bar “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 19:00 - Geishas dances Sushi Bar Samurai 9 G. Tabidze Str. Mob: 577-22-60 01; Tel: 240-29-99 Every day from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program. Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet “Taoba”: Georgian folk and city songs. Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Restaurant “Bermukha” Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 Restaurant is working 24 hours Entertainment at the restaurant “Mghvime” is colorful. Every evening from 20:00 inextinguishable star of Georgian Estrada Gia Suramelashvili. Estrada ensemble “Mghvime” (3 boys and one girl), tam-tam, violin. During weekdays: Singer, composer Kaki Bolkvadze and hot Georgian and Asian dances Restaurant “Mghvime” Address: Left bank of Mtkvari River (next to shop “Riverside”) Phone: 2 305 558/ 2 359 540; 599 56 60 72 20:00-23:00 - “Kalakuri’s Quartet” - with live performance of city songs, and also universal songs Restaurant “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 22:00 - Gio Khutsishvili & DJ Dachi Club “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:00-23:00 - Georgian Dances Restaurant “Dzveli Sakhli” 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 22:00-01:00 - Group “Comic Condition” Tavern “Scarlet Sails” 25, Leselidze Str. Tel: 293-10-28 20:30 - Maidan Jazz Band Restaurant “Maidan” 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 21:00-24:00 - Jazz Band Restaurant “Chardin 12” 12 Chardin Str. Tel: 293-15-56; Mob: 577 480-460 21:00 - Maia Baratashvili Café “Kala” 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00-24:00 - Band “Zarebi” (Covers) Pub “Dublin” 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67

Cinema

Concert

Tbilisi Event Hall 1, Meliqishvilii Str. Tel: 299-00-99 Tbilisi Jazz Festival - 2012 21:00 - Jack DeJohnette Group (Ticket Price: 50 GEL)

Theatre

Hall: Grand Stage Time: 19:45 Price: 10 - 30 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Il Decameron Director: Levan Tsuladze Cast: Malkhaz Abuladze, Beso Baratashvili, Irma Berianidze, Zura Berikashvili, Tamar Bukhnikashvili, Nino Gachechiladze, Baia Dvalishvili, Manana Kozakova, Nika Kuchava, Marlen Egutia, Jaba Kiladze Hall: Big Stage Time: 20:00 Price: 4 - 10.50 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Blind Visible (Molly Sweeney) Director: Temur Chkheidze Cast: Nani Chikvinadze, Goga Pipinashvili, Aleko Makharoblishvili Duration: 130 minutes Hall: Theatre in Attic Time: 20:00 Price: 11.00 GEL Liberty Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 298-58-21 I Love You, I Love You, I Love You Director: Avto Varsimashvili Cast: Mariam Jologua, Apolon Kublashvili, Ani Aladashvili, Giorgi Jikia, Kakha Mikiashvili, Mamuka Mumladze, Sandro Margalitashvili Duration: 150 minutes Time: 19:00 Price: 5, 10, 15 GEL Tumanishvili Film Actors Theatre 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 234-28-99 Our Small City Director: Mikheil Tumanishvili Cast: Gia Abesalashvili, Mzia Arabuli, Koko Roiniishvili, Zurab Kipshidze, Natalia Shengelaia, Nino Chkheidze, Nika Tserediani, Nineli Chankvetadze, Darejan Khachidze, Darejan Jojua, Beka Jumutia Time: 19:00 Price: 10 GEL Royal District Theatre 10 Abesadze Str. Tel: 299-61-71 Liv Stein Director: Nino Kharatishvili Cast: Nino Burduli, Gia Burjanadze, Tamar Mamulashvili, Kato Kalatozishvili, Iako Chilaia Duration: 100 minutes Time: 20:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Ilia University Theatre 32, I. Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: 229-47-15 Psychosis 4:48 - Premiere Directing, Design and Music Arrangement: Buba Basishvili and Goga Kachiabaia Cast: Eka Abshilava, Nino Lezhava Time: 20:00 Price: 10 GEL Akhmeteli Theatre 8 Vekua Str. Tel: 262-54-37, 262-59-73, 262-61-97 Pantheon Director: Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Cast: Mamuka Mazavrishvili, Tamar Bezhuashvili, Shalva Bakhtadze, Neli Badalashvili, Kakha Jokhadze Duration: 80 minutes Time: 19:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Pantomime Theatre 37 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-63-14 Saint George Director: Amiran Shalikashvili Duration: 70 minutes Time: 19:00 Price: 10 GEL

Gallery

November 24, 2012

Clubs, Pubs…

21:00 - Veriko Turashvili & Live Band, DJ Datuna SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 19:00 - Geishas dances Sushi Bar Samurai 9 G. Tabidze Str. Mob: 577-22-60 01; Tel: 240-29-99 22:00 - Resident DJ Tako Lounge Bar “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 Restaurant is working 24 hours Entertainment at the restaurant “Mghvime” is colorful. Every evening from 20:00 inextinguishable star of Georgian Estrada Gia Suramelashvili. Estrada ensemble “Mghvime” (3 boys and one girl), tam-tam, violin. During weekdays: Singer, composer Kaki Bolkvadze and hot Georgian and Asian dances Restaurant “Mghvime” Address: Left bank of Mtkvari River (next to shop “Riverside”) Phone: 2 305 558/ 2 359 540; 599 56 60 72 Every day from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program. Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet “Taoba”: Georgian folk and city songs. Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Restaurant “Bermukha” Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 20:00-23:00 - “Kalakuri’s Quartet” - with live performance of city songs, and also universal songs Restaurant “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 22:00 - Merab Sephashvili & DJ Dachi Club “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:00-23:00 - Georgian Dances Restaurant “Dzveli Sakhli” 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 22:00-01:00 - Group “Comic Condition” Tavern “Scarlet Sails” 25, Leselidze Str. Tel: 293-10-28 20:30 - Maidan Jazz Band Restaurant “Maidan” 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 21:00-24:00 - Jazz Band Restaurant “Chardin 12” 12 Chardin Str. Tel: 293-15-56; Mob: 577 480-460 21:00 - Keti Paresashvili Café “Kala” 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00-24:00 - Band “Rustavi 2” (Covers) Pub “Dublin” 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67

Cinema

Concert

Tbilisi Event Hall 1, Meliqishvilii Str. Tel: 299-00-99 Tbilisi Jazz Festival - 2012 21:00 - Nils Landgren Funk Unit (Ticket Price: 50 GEL)

Theatre

Rustaveli Theatre 17, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 272-68-68 Oliver! Director: Davit Sakvarelidze Cast: Manana Abramishvili, Zaza Baratashvili, Goga Barbakadze, Tengiz Giorgadze, Paata Guliashvili, Davit Darchia, Gela Tavberidze, Nino Tarkhan-Mouravi, Kakha Kupatadze Hall: Grand Stage Time: 19:45 Price: 10 - 30 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Pigmalion Director: Levan Tsuladze Cast: Nato Murvanidze, Akaki Khidasheli, Givi Chuguashvili, Givi Berikashvili, Manana Kozakova, Nino Dumbadze, Teona Kokrashvili Duration: 140 minutes Hall: Big Stage Time: 20:00 Price: 4 - 10.50 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Krapp’s Last Tape Director: Nikoloz Luarsabishvili Cast: Marlen Egutia Hall: Theatre in Attic Time: 20:00 Price: 11 GEL Liberty Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 298-58-21 Dolls’ House Director: Vano Khutsishvili Cast: Tamuna Nikoladze, Giorgi Zanguri, Bacho Chachibaia, Maia Khornauli, Nino Philphani, Devi Bibileishvili Time: 19:00 Price: 5, 7, 9, 12 GEL Ilia University Theatre 32, I. Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: 229-47-15 Psychosis 4:48 - Premiere Directing, Design and Music Arrangement: Buba Basishvili and Goga Kachiabaia Cast: Eka Abshilava, Nino Lezhava Time: 20:00 Price: 10 GEL Akhmeteli Theatre 8 Vekua Str. Tel: 262-54-37, 262-59-73, 262-61-97 In the Pitcher?!... Director: Otar Bagaturia Cast: Shalva Bakhtadze, Vako Mandzulashvili, Ana Matuashvili, Kote Mzhavia, Valeri Toronjadze, Lekso Turiashvili, Vaso Sikhashvili Duration: 80 minutes Time: 19:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Tumanishvili Film Actors Theatre 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 234-28-99 House of Bernarda Alba Director: Nana Kvaskhvadze Cast: Mzia Arabuli, Nana Shonia, Nutsa Mchedlishvili, Lili Metreveli, Ana Nikolaishvili, Irina Giunashvili Duration: 140 minutes Time: 19:00 Price: 10 GEL Griboedov Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 293-11-06 Thunder Director: Vakhtang Nikolava Cast: Mikhail Arjevanidze, Archil Baratashvili, Irina Meghvinetukhutsesi, Vano Kurasbediani, Sofia Lomjaria, Ana Arutunyan, Oleg Mchedlishvili Time: 18:00 Price: 5 GEL Tbilisi Nodar Dumbadze State Central Children’s Theatre 99/1, D. Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 295-78-74, 295-39-27 New Adventure of Natsarkekia Director: Tamar Tukhareli Duration: 75 minutes Hall: Small Stage Time: 12:00 Price: 5 GEL

Shrew Princess Director: Tamar Tukhareli Duration: 65 minutes Hall: Small Stage Time: 15:00 Price: 5 GEL

Gallery

November 25, 2012

Clubs, Pubs…

21:00 - Agora Live Band, DJ Datuna SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 Every day from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program. Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet “Taoba”: Georgian folk and city songs. Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Restaurant “Bermukha” Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 20:00-23:00 - “Kalakuri’s Quartet” - with live performance of city songs, and also universal songs Restaurant “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 19:00 - Geishas dances Sushi Bar Samurai 9 G. Tabidze Str. Mob: 577-22-60 01; Tel: 240-29-99 Restaurant is working 24 hours Entertainment at the restaurant “Mghvime” is colorful. Every evening from 20:00 inextinguishable star of Georgian Estrada Gia Suramelashvili. Estrada ensemble “Mghvime” (3 boys and one girl), tam-tam, violin. During weekdays: Singer, composer Kaki Bolkvadze and hot Georgian and Asian dances Restaurant “Mghvime” Address: Left bank of Mtkvari River (next to shop “Riverside”) Phone: 2 305 558/ 2 359 540; 599 56 60 72 22:00 - Karaoke Party! Host - Salome Gogiashvili & DJ Dachi Club “Kalakuri” 3 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:00-23:00 - Georgian songs with live performance Restaurant “Dzveli Sakhli” 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:30 - Georgian folk ensemble “Urmuli”, georgian dances Restaurant “Maidan” 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 21:00-24:00 - Jazz Band Restaurant “Chardin 12” 12 Chardin Str. Tel: 293-15-56; Mob: 577 480-460 21:00 - Live Band Café “Kala” 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00-24:00 - Band “Rustavi 2” (Covers) Pub “Dublin” 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67

Cinema

Concert

Tbilisi Concert Hall 1, Meliqishvilii Str. Tel: 299-05-99 Tbilisi Jazz Festival - 2012 20:00 - THE CHICK COREA TRIO with Christian McBride & Brian Blade (Ticket Price: Balcony - 20-30 GEL; Parterre: 40-50 GEL)

Theatre

Rustaveli Theatre 17, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 272-68-68 Oliver! Director: Davit Sakvarelidze Cast: Manana Abramishvili, Zaza Baratashvili, Goga Barbakadze, Tengiz Giorgadze, Paata Guliashvili, Davit Darchia, Gela Tavberidze, Nino Tarkhan-Mouravi, Kakha Kupatadze Hall: Grand Stage Time: 19:45 Price: 10 - 30 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Naphthaline Director: Davit Sakvarelidze Cast: Guranda Gabunia, Ninaka Gelashvili, Temur Kiladze, Joseph Gogichaishvili, Alexander Getsadze, Maia Tatishvili, Beka Goderdzishvili, Zaza Goguadze, Vaja Kvitaishvili Hall: Big Stage Time: 20:00 Price: 4 - 10.50 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Landscape’s Lack of Warmth Director: Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Cast: Eka Chkheidze, Varlam Korshia, Lile Philphani, Dimitri Tatishvili Duration: 120 minutes Hall: Theatre in Attic Time: 20:00 Price: 11 GEL Liberty Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 298-58-21 A Clockwork Orange Director: Avto Varsimashvili Cast: Jaba Kiladze, Apolon Kublashvili, Slava Natenadze, Sandro Margalitashvili, Misha Arjevanidze, Ani Aladashvili, Masho Melkadze, Lasha Gurgenidze +16 year Duration: 135 minutes Time: 20:00 Price: 5, 10, 15 GEL Ilia University Theatre 32, I. Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: 229-47-15 Concert-Play Arika and Varika Director: Otar Egadze, Tiko Lutidze Participants: Eka Davitashvili, Keti Dzotsenidze, Sopo Papuashvili, Nikoloz Giorgadze, Giga Tsertsvadze, Temur Kvaratskhelia, Nikoloz Nanitashvili, Revaz Pipia, Zura Gabunia Duration: 70 minutes Time: 20:00 Price: 5 GEL Akhmeteli Theatre 8 Vekua Str. Tel: 262-54-37, 262-59-73, 262-61-97 Vazha Director: Otar Bagaturia Cast: Gia Japaridze, Anna Matuashvili, Gvantsa Kandelaki, Khatia Melkadze, Jaba Japaridze, Beknu Kapianidze, Zurab Iashvili, Kakha Zhorzholiani, Vazha Tsitsiloshvili Duration: 80 minutes Time: 19:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Tumanishvili Film Actors Theatre 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 234-28-99 Free Couple Director: Keti Dolidze Cast: Nineli Chankvetadze, Paata Baratashvili, Vano Dugladze Duration: 100 minutes Time: 19:00 Price: 10 GEL Royal District Theatre 10 Abesadze Str. Tel: 299-61-71 The Ugly One Director:Data Tavadze Cast: Soso Khvedelidze, Kato Kalatozishvili, Iako Chilaia, Paata Inauri, Gaga Shishinashvili Duration: 100 minutes Time: 20:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Griboedov Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 293-11-06 Scarlet Sails Director: Vakhtang Nikolava Cast: Archil Baratashvili, Mikhial Ambrosov, Karina Kenia, Medea Mumladze, Vasili Gabashvili, Leri Gurgenidze, Irakli Apakidze Time: 18:00 Price: 5 GEL Tbilisi Nodar Dumbadze State Central Children’s Theatre 99/1, D. Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 295-78-74, 295-39-27 Mdzletamdzle and Nine Bandits Director: Tamar Tukhareli Duration: 90 minutes Hall: Big Stage Time: 12:00 Price: 5 GEL Neznaika’s Adventures Director: Razhden Kervalishvili Duration: 130 minutes Hall: Small Stage Time: 15:00 Price: 5 GEL

Gallery

For more information, please, visit the following website:

www.info-tbilisi.com E-mail: afisha@info-tbilisi.com

CMYK

publicity

HEADLINE NEWS & ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL

19 November, 2012 | finchannel.com

Advertiser: Hyundai. Contact FINANCIAL Ad Dep at marketing@finchannel.com

CMYK

FINANCIAL HEADLINE NEWS & ANALYSIS finchannel.com | 19 November, 2012

| places we strongly reccommend to visit |

dining La Brioche

20 Telavi Str. Tel: 277 20 20 Fax: 277 21 20

www.sheraton.com/tbilisi

4 Kargareteli str. Tel; 2236278 www.kenari.ge info@kenari.ge

1 Brother Kakabadze Str.

15 Lubliana Str.

Tel: 251 00 01 Fax: 253 00 44 info@zarapxana.ge www.zarapxana.ge

AeroSvit Representative office in Georgia Address: 25 st.Leselidze Office 205 Tbilisi 0160, Georgia  Tel: 243 96 93 Fax: 243 96 93  tbilisi@aerosvit.com

37 Chavchavadze Ave. Tel.: 291 30 26; 291 30 76

Tel: 292 29 45; Fax: 292 29 46; tk@mcdonalds.ge

Addr: Batumi, Georgia, Parnavaz Mepe №25

Tel.: 260 15 36 info@piazza.ge, www.piazza.ge

Betsy’s Hotel 32-34 Makashvili Street, 0108, Tbilisi, Georgia

Tel.: 293 14 04, Fax: 299 93 11 info@betsyshotel.com www.betsyshotel.com

5 Chavchavadze Ave. 13, Rustaveli Avenue.; Tel.: 2 779 200 www.TbilisiMarriott.com tbilisi.marriott@marriotthotels.com

4, Freedom Square, Tel: 2 779 100 www.CourtyardTbilisi.com courtyard.tbilisi@marriotthotels.com

3 Vashlovani Str.; (“Super Babilon” oposit) Tel.: 298 90 86

Tel.: 222 44 17 577 22 99 22 plasticsurgerygeo.com

Hotel “O. Galogre” The tickets are available at tbilisi international airport freedom square 4 courtyard marriott hotel, 1st floor

Tel: 2400 400; 2400 040

Ice cream, coffee, blended drinks, pastry, salads… Open 8am-2am

36 Al. Kazbegi ave. Tbilisi, 0177, Georgia Tel/Fax: 229 43 43 info@intercontinental.ge www.intercontinental.ge

Tel: 888 222 2900 www.sheraton.com/tbilisi

Le Marais

Thai

(May-October)

8am-1am

(November-April)

Addr: 12 Eristavi Str. (at the round garden) 34 Leselidze Str. 7a Pekini Str. Phone: 299 03 99; 574 74 69 69 info@lucapolare.com www.lucapolare.com

Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel Rose Revolution Square 1 Tel.: 240 22 00; Fax: 240 22 01 info.tbilisi@radissonblu.com radissonblu.com/hotel-tbilisi

Erekle II str. Tel: 555 00 44 46

GEORGIA PALACE HOTEL

32 Abashidze Str. Tel: 222 40 83

26 May Square Tel: 2 30 00 99 www.hi-tbilisi.com

Addr: 35 Abashidze Str. Tel.: 222 17 70, www.thai.ge

50 Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: 2 91 52 42

www.hotelanaklia.com

13 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2439494 info@ambasadori.ge www.ambasadori.ge

6 Kavsadze Str. Tel: 2 25 15 45 2 55 44 55 www.lottravel.ge

For advertising please contact: 4 Freedom Square Tel: 2988 988, Fax: 2988 910 E-mail:gmt@gmt.ge, www.gmt.ge

Georgian Real Estate Management The Green Building, 6 Marjanishvili Street, 0102 Tbilisi Tel: 243 30 77, Fax: 243 30 79 www.firstbrokerage.ge E-mail: info@firstbrokerage.ge

Village Anaklia, Zugdidi, Georgia Tel: 2 60 99 90 2 60 99 91

275 Agmashenebeli Ave., Kobuleti, Georgia Tel: 2242400 Fax: 2242403

E-mail: info@gph.ge, www.gph.ge

8, Vakhtang Gorgasali Str. Batumi, Georgia Tel: +995 422 27 48 45 info@hotelgalogre.com www.hotelgalogre.com

577 741 700 marketing@finchannel.com

BusinessTravelCom Berika International LTD GSA for Czech Airlines in Georgia Tel.: 2227941, Fax: 2222941

Hotel and Airticket Booking: 2 999 662 | SKY.ge

CMYK

publicity

HEADLINE NEWS & ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL

19 November, 2012 | finchannel.com

Advertiser: Vellagio. Contact FINANCIAL Ad Dep at marketing@finchannel.com

CMYK

FINANCIAL HEADLINE NEWS & ANALYSIS

Health & beauty

finchannel.com | 19 November, 2012

Condom Sales Doubling in Georgia The FINANCIAL By Madona Gasanova

he latest data of the National Statistics Office of Georgia shows that import of condoms is doubling per annum in Georgia. The demand for condoms in Georgia significantly increases during rainy days, a private observation that Georgian pharmacists revealed. The economic downturn has also been a bestselling period for the leading condom producing companies. Many couples are taking more precautions because they cannot risk the financial burden of more children. The total amount of investment in import increased from USD 308,700 to USD 547,500 in the nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. The number of imported condoms was 30 tons in the three quarters of the current year, while in 2011 it was 14.5 tons. Condoms are imported from over ten countries, including: Germany, China, Armenia, Russia, Turkey, the USA, France and Malaysia. The unconditional leader for 2011 and 2012 was Germany with investments of USD 219.2 and 164.1 thousand in 2011. The two year comparison showed that in 2012 the largest reduction was from China. The volume of condoms imported from there has decreased by more than ten times. In 2011 the investment volume reached USD 72,000 and this year - USD 6,800. Condoms are sold at all main supermarkets and drugstores. Their price varies from GEL 1 to USD 3 per piece. Chinese condoms cost GEL 0.5 per piece. “A condom is a mean of contraception. Besides its function as a barrier device it reduces the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. It is the most widespread contraceptive among Georgians,” Archil Khomasuridze, head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology division at Tbilisi State Medical University, told The FINANCIAL. Khomasuridze said that out of the various sorts of contraceptives, prices of condoms in Georgia are high. “They are sold by pharmaceutical shops, so the companies list high prices for condoms the same as they do for every

other medicament.” Condoms are sold under several names and of different qualities in Georgian pharmacy chains. PSP says that they sell about 70,000-80,000 condoms during three month, one quarter, of the year. The most popular brand in the pharmacy chain is Masculan. Out of the 80,000 condoms sold, almost 60,000 are Masculan. Sales of contraceptives have significant increased in Georgia during recent years, next to condoms. Those who are sexually active and do not want to become pregnant, but could become pregnant if they and their partners fail to use a contraceptive method, are at risk of unintended pregnancy. A big share of all pregnancies in Georgia used to be unintended previously. The majority of unintended pregnancies end in abortion. Khomasuridze said that he was the

first person who imported contraceptives in Georgia. “I brought contraband contraceptives in to the country in the ‘90s. Over the past twenty years the Zhordania Institute have been distributing the drugs for free. Now selling contraceptives has become part of the business for pharmacies,” Khomasuridze said. “According to research in 1987 no families used contraceptives in Georgia. Abortion was the only means of birth control. 100,000 abortions were officially registered when the population approached about 5 million people. Non-officially, in total about 300,000 abortions were done in Georgia. Nowadays, the number of abortions is at about 30,000. As for the use of contraceptives, it has jumped to 65 percent from zero,” he added. Despite the fact that 65 percent of people use contraceptives, doctors say that the frequency of sexually trans-

mitted infections has not decreased. Khomasuridze said that using contraceptives has reduced the number of abortions and most abortionists have lost their jobs and income. “Doing abortions is no longer a profitable business in Georgia. Gynaecology used to be a very competitive profession as people made lots of money from doing abortions. The Zhordania Institute has already refused to perform abortions and I think that in three years’ time there will be no abortions being done in Georgia,” he added. Abortion is allowed by Georgian law during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), since 1973, roughly 50 million legal induced abortions have been performed in the United States. Worldwide, there have been over 1,260,000,000 abortions performed.

A ‘mini abortion’ costs GEL 100 in Georgia. As for a ‘medication abortion’, it costs GEL 147. Through the use of a drug, a medication abortion first causes the pregnancy to terminate and then causes the uterus to expel the products of conception. “The positive side of using contraceptives is that this is the prevention of abortion. It is one of the methods of birth control,” said Ani Jinjikhadze, gynaecologist. “Birth control means that parents themselves plan for when they want to give birth to a child. They plan their family. Using contraceptives is not connected to demographic problems. In the case of unplanned pregnancy a woman will have an abortion anyway,” she added. “There are a lot of contraceptive options available. It is up to the patient’s doctor to choose the one that best suits the individual woman and her circumstances. Doctors usually prescribe birth control pills. There is no bad contraceptive. There are only unsuitable contraceptives. The frequency of taking the pills depends on how often a couple has conjugal relations,” Khomasuridze added. Nino Belkania has been taking contraceptive pills every day for two years already. She said that the pills do not have any side effects or negative effects on her. “The only thing I’ve experienced is an increased appetite. But my doctor explained to me that only overeating makes people fat. So I watch my diet,” Belkania said. “I have two sons and the youngest one is only two years old. I do not want to give birth to a third child until my son is out of kindergarten. That is why I use contraceptives, to control the birth of my children,” she added. Recent research of the Guttmacher Institute revealed another reason why women decide to use contraceptives. For their research, the Guttmacher Institute surveyed 2,094 women on how birth control affects their lives. What they found was as follows: 63 percent of women said that using contraceptives allows them to take better care of themselves or their family, 56 percent said it helps them support themselves financially, and about 50 percent said it allowed them to complete their education or keep or get a job.

Gold, Brown and Nude - the Top Colours of Modern Make-Up Trends The FINANCIAL By Tako Khelaia

old, brown and nude are the top colours of modern make-up trends according to Eka Chanchibadze (Chanchika), one of the leading stylists in Tbilisi. Lighter colours and a natural look are very trendy at the moment. According to her, the main factor in applying make-up is having flawless-looking skin. Eka has been involved in the makeup and hairstyling business for twelve years already. She is mostly famous for her ‘mini doll’ accessories which have become very popular in Tbilisi recently. Eka graduated from the Art Academy of Georgia. She worked with one of the most famous designers in Georgia - Maka Asatiani. While working with Asatiani she went to Moscow where she attended a half-year course for make-up, hair and styling at a special school. While studying in Moscow she had the opportunity to practise at different fashion shows and events working as a make-up artist and stylist. She was offered the chance to stay in Moscow but she declined and instead returned to Georgia. She now works as a stylist, hair and make-up professional. “I work with the Tako Chkheidze model agency where we teach young girls how to do their make-up correctly. We also teach professional makeup. If people want me to then I can

also visit people at home in order to prepare them for special occasions like a wedding or other special events. I am also enjoying working with the magazine ‘City’,” Chanchibadze said. “One of the most important tips for good make-up is first of all having good-looking skin. This is a hugely important factor for everyone. If one’s skin is in good condition, minimal make-up will be enough to make you look good. Nowadays everyone uses mineral cosmetics which improve the condition of the skin and make it look nicer. They don’t harm the skin and actually hide unwanted aspects. Those who have problematic skin should use a special make-up base and only after that apply powder,” Chanchibadze said. “Good lighting is also very important, so as to be able to properly see when applying make-up. With good lighting it is possible to do some skin corrections. Then we should move on to the eyes. People can use eyeliner, or special eye shadows but they should be very careful in order not to exceed the norms and rules of make-up. Mascara is also very nice and looks good on most people. Eye shadow should be chosen according to the colour of a person’s outfit. We can use lipstick and rouge at the end. Rouge gives us the opportunity to change face shapes. If a face is round and a bit full, with the help of rouge it can look thinner and vice-versa,” she added. As Chanchibadze says, lipstick plays quite a big and important role in the make-up of busy women. They shouldn’t use very loud and bright co-

lours but should choose lighter ones. “Lipstick can change the shape and look of the lips. For people who have thin lips they should use a slightly darker lipstick in the corners of the lips and make it lighter in the middle. Lips will look larger as a result,” Chanchibadze said. “Nowadays very natural eye shadows are popular. Lighter colours make the skin and face look fresh. Beige, gold and pink colours refresh the skin tones and hide stress and tiredness around the eyes. Corrector should definitely be used under the eyes to hide dark circles,” she added. “Gold eye shadow is the most popular and stylish colour at the moment. Using gold eye shadow with variations of this tone will also look good for special celebrations or events. Gold eye shadow looks good on nearly all eyes and skin colours.” “I would suggest that people use a tone of cream which doesn’t differ that much from their natural skin colour. It doesn’t look good when the skin colour on one’s hands and neck is lighter than that on the face. Make-up shouldn’t be too noticeable. Pink, golden and purple eye shadows look good on green eyes. Dark blue eye shadow looks good on brown eyes. Blue eye shadow doesn’t look good with blue eyes. Smokey eyes are also quite current now. We should choose eye shadows properly for our eye shapes. Eyes may be lined and defined but with the right colours, chosen tastefully.” Chanchibadze says that the quickest make-up for those women who have

less time in the morning is applying mineral powder, eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. You can apply attractive make-up quickly, in about seven minutes. “It’s important to stick to the norms and rules of make-up. We shouldn’t wear evening make-up during the day. You might look good in light makeup and use a bit of dark lipstick for the evening. Light pink and natural lip colour lipsticks are trendy at the moment. Red lipstick should be used very cautiously. It’s one of the most ostentatious colours and does not suit everyone. When using red lipstick we should enlarge the lip shapes slightly,” she added. As Chanchibadze says, those who have short haircuts don’t need much work to look good. “Short hair doesn’t require particularly special care. Those who have long hair should try to look after it more intensively. It’s better for busy people to wear it tied up. A ballerina hairstyle is quite appropriate and comfortable for busy women.” “Gold, brown and nude are the top colours at the moment. Gray colour variations can also be used in business make-up. To have good business make-up, eyeliner, mascara, powder, rouge and light lipstick is enough. The right make-up and a nice hairstyle always help women look and feel better. I think that women in Tbilisi have quite good taste generally and in recent times demand from them for makeup has definitely been increasing,” Chanchibadze said.

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Tips for Avoiding Viruses this Winter The FINANCIAL By Tako Khelaia

lu season just started. Infections typically begin with a sore or scratchy throat, fatigue and muscle aches, and develop to such symptoms as coughing and tightness. These symptoms can last for several weeks and seriously damage your health and lifestyle. According to Elene Gabunia, Doctor of Medicine, the common cold can be caused by a wide variety of viruses. Most people catch a cold once or twice a year. This means that the immune system has been weakened which resulted in the catching of the common cold. Healthy nutrition, exercising, washing hands often, getting enough sleep and not smoking are named as the top tips for maintaining a healthy immune system. “The most important tip for fighting against a cold is maintaining a healthy immune system. It is a major way to protect against getting an excessive number of colds. Good and healthy nutrition is a prime way to maintain strong immunity. People should eat food which include betacarotenes that are mostly found in vegetables and fruits. Vitamin C is also greatly important. Healthy nutrition improves a variety of immune functions,” Gabunia said.

The Babraham Institute in Cambridge found that eating plenty of leafy green veg can boost your immune system. “It turns out that cruciferous vegetables from pak choi to broccoli contain food chemicals that help ensure white blood cells function at peak performance to fight off infections. Try Stir-frying broccoli with a little soy sauce and ginger for a fabulous flu-fighting side dish,” Mirror News notes. “One of the vastly important factors for avoiding viruses is washing your hands frequently, especially after travel by public transport during the day. Washing hands with soap and water regularly is one of the best defences against viruses. Use hand sanitizer gels therefore. Shaking hands is also an easy way to catch a virus. Every time you shake someone’s hand, wash yours,” said Doctor Demetre Khvedelidze. “It’s also important to maintain some fresh air in the room or at the office while working. In the event of sharing the same office with plenty of people one should try to keep their distance from them. Sooner or later everybody catches a cold. But people can strengthen their immune system’s infection-fighting ability by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough rest,” Khvedelidze said. According to Gabunia we should avoid touching the nose and eyes as much as possible. Those are the most

common places on our face for microbes to get in. Enough sleep is also advised by Doctors in order to have a strong immune system.

“When you’re tired, your body isn’t fighting as hard, so try to get enough sleep at night. The importance of enough sleep and rest cannot be ex-

aggerated. Studies have shown that powerful immune activators are released and many immune functions are greatly increased during deep sleep. Eight to ten hours a night are recommended,” Khvedelidze stated. “Drinking liquids is also very important for our bodies. Drinking plenty of liquids helps prevent a lack of fluids and also improves white blood cell function. But we should watch carefully what type of liquid we drink. Soft drinks or fruit juices greatly reduce the ability of the white blood cells to kill bacteria and viruses,” said Doctor Manana Lagvilava. “Use of tobacco or too much alcohol, high cholesterol or glucose levels in the blood, too much sugar and allergies significantly weaken the immune system. Surveys have proved that smokers catch more colds and recover from them more slowly. Cigarette smoke can irritate the airways and increase vulnerability to colds and other infections. Even exposure to passive smoke can make people catch colds more easily,” Lagvilava said. As Doctor Khvedelidze said, maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, adequate sleep, good nutrition and physical exercise can help ensure that your immune system is in good condition and ready to fight against infection if it occurs. He adds that people who experience emotional stress have weakened immune systems and are more likely to catch a cold than others.

U.S. Will Need 52,000 More Family Docs by 2025: Study The FINANCIAL

growing and aging population, along with increased access to health insurance, will create the need for 52,000 more primary care doctors within the U.S. by the year 2025, according to a new study results published by Reuters Health. The researchers wanted to estimate how many such doctors the U.S. healthcare system would need after the passage of 2010's Affordable Care Act, which will give an estimated 34 million more Americans access to health insurance. But Dr. Winston Liaw, one of the study's authors, said the biggest need will not come from more people having health insurance. "A lot of the increase in utilization

is going to be from population growth. That's going to be the largest driver. Then, a smaller percentage is actually going to be from insurance expansion," said Liaw, who was a fellow at Washington's Robert Graham Center when the study was written. Liaw and his colleagues, who published their findings in the Annals of Family Medicine, used several databases to estimate how many primary care doctors there are in the U.S., and how many people visit them. They then used that information with additional data from the U.S. Census Bureau to predict how many doctors would be needed as the population grew, aged and gained access to health insurance. In 2008, the researchers estimated that people made 462 million office visits to primary care doctors. They estimate that number to grow to 565

million office visits by 2025. That additional use, they say, will require a 3 percent increase in the current primary doctor workforce, or an additional 52,000 doctors. "That number is an expectation of how many we'll need in addition to how many we have today," said Liaw, now at Virginia Commonwealth University in Fairfax. Of those, 33,000 doctors are needed to account for population growth, 10,000 for the aging population and more than 8,000 for increased insurance access. "The fact that they made separate estimates for the increased demands for primary care services that might be due to population growth on the one hand, and aging of the population and thirdly the Affordable Care Act is a very useful addition to this area," said Dr. John Rowe of the Columbia

University Mailman School of Public Health in New York. DOCTOR SHORTAGE? The study, however, cannot say whether or not there will be enough doctors to handle the additional need, said Liaw. For that, he added, they would have to also look at how many people are expected to graduate from medical school and how many doctors will retire. But some organizations have looked at those numbers, and are expecting a severe doctor shortage in the coming years. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that the U.S. will face a shortage of 90,000 doctors by 2020, which will grow to a shortage of more than 130,000 by 2025. The Affordable Care Act, which puts a lot of focus on primary care doctors,

includes some provisions - such as offering additional money - to encourage medical school students to become primary care doctors instead of specialists, who tend to get paid more. Those provisions, however, are only expected to provide 500 additional doctors per year. Rowe, who was not involved with the new research, told Reuters Health that he found it "striking" that the authors neglected to address the potential for non-physicians, such as nurse practitioners, to pick up some of the extra workload. In addition to not taking into account how nurses or physician assistants may influence the numbers, the authors also warn that their estimates are based on how many people visited primary care doctors in 2008. "If things change, we could not account for that," said Liaw.

George Mason University Study Shows Health and Happiness Directly Related The FINANCIAL

n an interesting study conducted by researchers from the George Mason University, as well as the University of Massachusetts, the University of Chicago and the University of Alabama-Birmingham, has indicated a direct link between an individual’s functioning and their level of happiness. According to the study, when a person’s daily functions are disrupted, their level of happiness decreases.

Happiness and Health

Previous studies have shown just how strongly happiness is related to the more minor issues that people might experience with their bodies, such as incontinence as opposed to issues such as cancer. One of the aims of the studies was to look into this link in order to understand the issue a bit better. The results that were obtained from the study, according to the lead author, Erik Agner, shows support for “the notion that health status is one of the most important predictors of happiness. A better understanding of the complex relationship between health status and subjective well-being could have important implications for the care and treatment of patients and could lead to inter-

ventions that could dramatically improve patient quality of life.”

The Finer Points of the Study The study constituted 383 adults who were being treated by primary caregivers in Alabama. In order to investigate the easy, a “freedomfrom-debility score” was used and the participants were asked to answer questions relating to how they went about their daily tasks and how these were affected by their health concerns. Researchers stated that, “Those who suffer illness compensate by deriving more happiness or satisfaction

from life domains other than health, including work, family life, etc. by experiencing improvements in other domains and/or by assigning greater weight to those other domains. It follows from both of these hypotheses that, insofar as a medical.”

Examining the Findings As they went through the findings, researchers noticed that for every point that an individual increased in the “freedom-from-debility” score, they increased by 3 points in the unhappiness scale. This 3-to-1 ratio shows just how big of an impact ill-

ness has on feelings of happiness. It should also just be taken into account, however, that there are other factors that affect this score, such as whether the condition severely impacts their daily activities.

Improving Patients Quality of Life Ultimately, the study will be used to continue improving the quality of life for those suffering from a range of medical illnesses, as this type of research can assist professionals in understanding how these conditions affect people and the way that they experience their problems.

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