Issue #800 Business

facebook.com/ georgiatoday

www.georgiatoday.ge www.georgiatoday y.g ge

Issue no: 800/5

• DECEMBER 8 - 10, 2015

• PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY

New Regulations to Promote Road Safety

PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

Georgian PM: Increasing Energy Dependence Endangers Security PAGE 2

If You Are So Smart, Why Aren’t You Rich?

ISET PAGE 4

Christmas Tree Seeds Now Main Export Product from Georgia PAGE 6

To rreduce the number of accidents on Georgia’s roa roads, Deputy Interior Minister Shalva Khutsishvili has ann announced that amendments to current legislation will PAGE 2 com come into force on January 1st, 2016.

Plant the Future Finances 32 Beneficiaries

BY ANA AKHALAIA

A

ccording to Agricultural Project Management Agency, 32 beneficiaries have received financing within the Plant the Future program with new orchards expected to be planted on 266.4 hectares of land in Shida Kartli. The planting area available to new orchards and the irrigation system throughout all Georgia today stands at 573 hectares and the amount of funding, more than 3 million GEL. Launched in late February, Plant the Future is initiated by Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia, which will spend 15 million GEL over the next two years. The main goal of the project, which is carried out by the Agricultural Projects Management Agency, is to decrease the volume of import and increase the usage of arable land,

Levan Dolidze, Manager of Plant the Future and one of the beneficiaries, Merab Beriashvili, in his orchard

enabling farmers and businessmen to create higher quality products. The farmers who decide to create perennial plant orchards and nursery gardens will receive both financial and technical support from the government.

Two independent components, perennial gar-

dens and nursery gardens, will be co-financed.

Potential beneficiaries may take advantage of both components of the programme according to the established rules and conditions.

The amount of state co-financing within the program ‘Plant the Future’ is: if setting up a garden, 70% of the value of seedlings, 50% towards a drip irrigation system and 50 % for the nursery itself.

The goals of the project are to create 30-40 high quality nursery gardens of modern standards, with an estimated future capacity of 2,400.000 – 3,000.000 various plant saplings per year; stimulate, with financial support, the creation of perennial gardens and the arrangement of perennial plant gardens and plantations; arrange new gardens and plantations of perennial plants on an area of 1000 – 1200 hectares; and to provide technical assistance to those who want to arrange gardens and nursery gardens.

Artificial Insemination Laboratory for Bees Opened in Tbilisi PAGE 9

See in the New Year at Georgia’s First Crowne Plaza in Borjomi PAGE 11 Prepared for Georgia Today Business by

Markets As of 04ͲDecͲ2015

Price

w/w

m/m

BONDS

Price

w/w

m/m

GBP 19.17

+3,6%

Ͳ3,2%

GEOROG 05/17

101.38 (YTM 5.86%)

+0,1%

+0,2%

GHG (GHG LN)

STOCKS

GBP 1.75

Ͳ1,4%

na

GEORG 04/21

106.61 (YTM 5.43%)

Ͳ0,3%

Ͳ0,8%

TBC Bank (TBCB LI)

US$ 9.95 +11,0%

+20,3%

GRAIL 07/22

104.69 (YTM 6.85%)

Ͳ0,2%

Ͳ0,9%

GEBGG 07/17

104.00 (YTM 5.07%)

+0,1%

+0,2%

Bank of Georgia (BGEO LN)

COMMODITIES Crude Oil, Brent (US$/bbl) Gold Spot (US$/OZ)

INDICES

w/w

m/m

43,00

Ͳ4,1%

Ͳ11,5%

1 086,44

Price

+2,7%

Ͳ1,9%

Price

w/w

w/w

m/m

GEL / USD

2,3800

Ͳ0,8%

Ͳ0,6%

GEL / EUR

CURRENCIES

2,5885

Price

+1,8%

Ͳ0,5%

m/m

GEL / GBP

3,6052

Ͳ0,1%

Ͳ2,2%

FTSE 100

6 238,29

Ͳ2,1%

Ͳ2,7%

GEL / CHF

2,3955

+2,9%

Ͳ0,7%

FTSE 250

17 366,94

+0,6%

+1,1%

GEL / RUB

0,0349

Ͳ3,3%

Ͳ6,7%

DAX

10 752,10

Ͳ4,8%

Ͳ0,9%

GEL / TRY

0,8239

+0,4%

Ͳ1,5%

DOW JONES

17 847,63

+0,3%

Ͳ0,1%

GEL / AZN

2,2744

Ͳ0,8%

Ͳ0,3%

5 142,27

+0,3%

Ͳ0,0%

GEL / AMD

0,0049

Ͳ2,0%

Ͳ2,0%

MSCI EM EE

115,86

Ͳ4,3%

Ͳ8,5%

GEL / UAH

0,1004

Ͳ1,7%

Ͳ3,3%

MSCI EM

812,27

Ͳ1,7%

Ͳ6,4%

EUR / USD

0,9190

Ͳ2,6%

Ͳ0,1%

SP 500

2 091,69

+0,1%

Ͳ0,5%

GBP / USD

Ͳ0,5%

+1,8%

MICEX

1 755,22

Ͳ2,3%

Ͳ0,5%

CHF / USD

0,9964

Ͳ3,3%

+0,3%

MSCI FM

2 363,24

Ͳ0,5%

Ͳ6,8%

RUB / USD

68,0410

+2,4%

+7,7%

GT Index (GEL)

885,86

Ͳ

+2,4%

TRY / USD

2,8929

Ͳ1,1%

+1,0%

GT Index (USD)

729,50

+0,3%

+2,5%

AZN / USD

1,0465

Ͳ

Ͳ0,5%

NASDAQ

0,6617

Dreaming of a place where you can relax, recharge and get inspiration?

Then our project “Belle Vue Batumi Residence“ is just what you’re looking for!

2

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 8 - 10, 2015

Georgian PM: Increasing Energy Dependence Right-Hand Car Drivers Hit the Endangers Streets to Protest New Law Security The Georgian government wants to ban the registration of right-hand cars from next year

BY TAMAR SVANIDZE

O

n Monday this week the streets of Tbilisi saw more cars than usual on the streets as thousands of right-hand car drivers and dealers came together to protest the Georgian government’s decision to ban the registration of such cars from next year.

The Interior Minister Giorgi Mgebrishvili last week revealed that they may impose an extra fee on righthand drive vehicles, adding that currently only the registration of such

vehicles will be prohibited, however, neither imports nor transit will be banned.

“In case of importing right-hand drive vehicles, owners can sell them as spare parts,” Mgebrishvili said and added that the imports of right-hand drive vehicles reduced by 50% in 2015.

The main motto of the protest campaign held Monday was “I’m not dangerous,” with right-hand car drivers stating that Japanese-made cars are secure and that they do not create problems in terms of ecology.

The protesters gave the government and Ministry of Internal Affairs three days to change their decision, threatening large scale protests.

BY ZVIAD ADZINBAIA

T

he 26th meeting of the Energy Charter Conference was held in Tbilisi.

According to Georgia’s Energy Ministry, the Conference discussed its priorities for the coming years, as well as its internal operational mode.

The Conference also reported on its activities for 2015, including the future outlook from the Secretary General, Dr. Urban Rusnák, as well as the Working

Group’s perspective.

The European Commission also presented its Action on the Energy Policy in Eastern Partnership countries and Central Asia, while the partner countries called on a stronger involvement and full use of the potential of the Energy Charter, to trigger progress towards strengthening long-term energy policies in the region.

The Georgian Prime Minister, Irakli Garibashvili, stated at the conference that increasing dependence on energy resources may endanger the world’s economic development and national security of any country.

“That is why the main task of all states

is to find new ways of energy diversification,” Garibashvili said.

During the Ministerial Session, titled ‘Fostering Regional Cooperation through Cross-Border Energy Trade,’ various ministers and heads of delegations from the Energy Charter constituency, as well as high level representatives from international organisations and the energy industry, exchanged views on how to provide a global forum for discussing the issues related to the promotion of regional cooperation through crossborder energy trade, power market integration and investment into clean and sustainable energy.

Handcrafted Georgian natural wines and tapas style food 6, Erekle II str (old town) 0322 93 21 21

Every Wednesday 20% off on special Georgian artisan wine!

6, Erekle II str (old town)

Georgian Tapas Menu at g.Vino 0322 93 21 21 fb: g.vinotbilisi

New Regulations to Promote Road Safety The Ministry of Internal Affairs is amending current legislation to reduce the number of accidents on Georgia’s roads.

Source: www.saltinstitute.org

BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE

T

he Ministry of Internal Affairs is amending current legislation to reduce the number of accidents on Georgia’s roads. The Deputy Interior Minister, Shalva Khutsishvili, announced the new law will be enforced from January 1st.

Alongside numerous initiatives, the Ministry is introducing a demerit points system for driving licenses. This means drivers will be given 100 points for 1 year and when the driver commits a traffic violation, points will be deducted. When the driver has no more points left, the

license will be revoked. The driver will be notified by SMS. The Deputy Minister said that the license-less citizen can then apply to the Agency and pass the exam again two months following the initial revoking.

“From the beginning of January, all driver’s licenses, regardless of category, will be awarded 100 points once a year.

If a citizen violates a traffic rule, and is stopped and fined by the patrol police, for example for using a cell phone, points will be subtracted. A computer program will automatically subtract points from the standard 100,” Khutsishvili said.

How many points a certain violation pertains has not yet been determined and will be specified later.

Khutsishvili added that, to prevent

unruly drivers, secret patrolling will also be introduced to Georgia.

“A secret patrolling method basically means having police cars without any signs that they are police,” Khutsishvili said.

According to Khutsishvili, radars will also be installed. The location of the radars will not be known to the drivers, and slowing down just when approaching them will no longer be possible.

The new amendments also outline improved control on public buses, tightened rules on car emission, encourages gradual upgrading of older cars around the country, and includes practical driving tests which include driving on the road as well as in the currently used carparks.

4

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 8 - 10, 2015

THE ISET ECONOMIST A BLOG ABOUT ECONOMICS AND THE SOUTH CAUCAUS

www.iset-pi.ge/blog

The ISET Policy Institute (ISET-PI, www.iset-pi.ge) is an independent think-tank associated with the International School of Economics at TSU (ISET). Our blog carries economic analysis of current events and policies in Georgia and the South Caucasus region ranging from agriculture, to economic growth, energy, labor markets and the nexus of economics, culture and religion. Thought-provoking and fun to read, our blog posts are written by international faculty teaching at ISET and recent graduates representing the new generation of Georgian, Azerbaijani and Armenian economists.

If You Are So Smart, Why Aren’t You Rich?

BY GIORGI KELBAKIANI AND ERIC LIVNY

R

achvelis, the natives of a beautiful highland region in western Georgia, have a reputation for being slow but thorough in speaking and behavior. Whether slow or not, Rachvelis are certainly not dumb. At least according to their performance in the national General Ability Test (GAT).

In 2012, students from Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti (R-L-KS) were 2nd (!) after Tbilisi on the average GAT performance (Chart 1). Yet, not as many Rachvelis as one would expect end up in the best Georgian universities (Chart 2), which, judging by the average GAT performance of admitted students, are located in Tbilisi (Maia Chanqseliani, 2012). Thus, in 2012, while ranked 2nd on GAT, R-L-KS was only 7th by the share of students admitted to Tbilisibased universities. Conversely, disproportionately many Rachvelis chose to study closer to home, e.g. in Akaki Tsereteli Kutaisi State University – 43rd on Chanqseliani’s ranking of Georgian higher education institutions!

One may discount the significance of Chanqseliani’s ranking and Rachvelis’ educational choices given that many of the programs offered by Kutaisi State University are of rather decent quality, at least by the Georgian standards. Yet, what her ranking does capture is the quality of peer and network effects in education, which research shows to be an extremely important factor in determining learning outcomes and future earnings. In other words, the quality of human environment in which students find themselves early in their life – not what they study, but who they study with

10 Galaktion Street

- has a tremendous impacts on their future success. Essentially, by choosing, or being forced, to study in Kutaisi, Rachvelis diminish their chances of moving up the social ladder.

EDUCATIONAL CHOICES AND THE PERSISTENCE OF REGIONAL DISPARITIES In principle, the system of national tests which Georgia introduced in 2006 was a great leap forward towards meritocracy in education and social mobility. Students who perform very well in these tests are eligible for government scholarships that allow them to study, free of charge or at a large discount, at any public university.

These grants can also be applied towards the cost of tuition in more expensive private institutions.

Yet, as we saw above, the allocation of regional talent across universities is still biased towards second-tier provincial universities.

One factor distorting educational choices is distance. For example, above 90% of students from Tbilisi, Kvemo Kartli and Mtskheta-Mtianeti (which are closest to Tbilisi) study in the capital city. Another factor is the presence (or not) of a local university: while also relatively close to Tbilisi, students from Shida Kartli and Kakheti have the choice of studying at the universities of Gori and Telavi, respectively. Imereti and Adjara, which are both remote from Tbilisi and offer a local option, send the lowest proportion of students to Tbilisi (54% and 40%, respectively).

These two factors play an important role in determining education choices because the government scholarships do not cover the cost of housing and living expenses for out-of-town students. The higher costs of living in the capital may prevent students from Racha and other rural locations from studying in Tbilisi regardless of their

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 E-mail: info@peoplescafe.ge

Racha-Lechkhumi &Kvemo Svaneti region is 2nd after Tbilisi on the General Ability Test…

But 7th on the share of students admitted to Tbilisi-based universities

GAT performance.

Yet another factor affecting educational choices is language and ethnicity.

For example, the Armenian-dominated Samtskhe-Javakheti, which is relatively close to Tbilisi and does not offer a local alternative, sends a relatively small share of students (less than 59%) to the capital’s universities. According to anecdotal evidence, the most talented Samtskhe-Javakhetians are studying … in Armenia.

To sum up, the quality of, say, mathematics or engineering education at some of the provincial universities may not be inferior to that offered by Tbilisi State Technical University. However, the sort-

ing of students and universities according to prestige considerations does have a very significant effect on educational outcomes, occupations and, consequently, social mobility. To the extent to which this sorting is distorted by the distance and cost factors, it reinforces existing regional disparities while generating welfare losses for the individuals involved and the economy as whole. To eliminate or reduce these welfare losses, state scholarships should include a living stipend component to encourage the (perhaps) slow but smart Rachvelis to study in a better human environment offered by the more prestigious Tbilisi-based universities.

GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 8 - 10, 2015

6

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 8 - 10, 2015

Christmas Tree Seeds Now Main Export Product from Georgia

BY EKA KARSAULIDZE

C

ities around the country are getting ready for the New Year and Christmas celebrations (remember, they do it the other way round here, celebrating New Year on December 31st and Orthodox Christmas later, on January 7th) – with a multitude of new lighting being strung across the main streets and squares in Tbilisi. And while we anticipate the flicking of the switch which will declare the festive season truly open, let us recall the fact that today one of the main symbols of this wonderful holiday actually comes from Georgia.

According to the latest studies, over 80% of Christmas trees in Europe originate from the northern Georgian region of Racha.

Individuals, from Racha have been selling seeds of the top fir – the Caucasian Fir, also known as the Nordmann Fir, Since the 1990s. According to specialists, it is the most beautiful shaped fir and comes with the bonus of needles which don’t drop. Today, seed sales have become

a huge business and many foreign investors are already involved or interested in it. About 22 companies have a license to gather seeds in Racha and approximately 300 tons of seeds are exported annually, making it the most exported product from Georgia.

Fair Trees Company, one of those licensed companies, sold 95 thousand Christmas trees throughout Europe in 2014 and, as of going to print, they have already sold over 113 thousand trees this year. Marianne Bols, founder of Fair Trees, highlighted that this is a great achievement because the season has only just started. A novelty this year saw the Company launching an online shop in Germany and establishing a partnership with Ikea Denmark, which is known as the biggest seller of Christmas Trees worldwide, meaning that, from this year onwards, Ikea Denmark will be selling the Fair Trees’ Christmas trees.

Bols also mentioned that there are many opportunities and prospects to develop this business and the main reason for this is the quality of the trees.

“The basic position of Fair Trees is to make an organic product. Caucasian Firs also grow in Russia and Turkey but the

quality is completely different. The land in Georgia has not been ruined by industry, so here you can find great conditions not only for growing trees, but for growing other organic products as well. And for our company it is highly important to gather seeds specifically from Racha,” Bols says.

Since the foundation of Fair Trees in 2007, the seeds of Caucasian Firs have been collected in the forests of Racha annually and then exported to Denmark, where they spend nine years being grown into Christmas trees. Adult trees re sold not only in Denmark and Germany, but also in the UK, the Netherlands, Portugal and many other European countries.

According to Bols, he Caucasian Fir has a unique characteristic to grow anywhere, and Fair Trees is open to cooperating with other companies which want to grow their own Christmas trees. The company is ready to sell seeds but to do so the buying companies must follow strict rules of growing, only after which can they sell trees under the Fair Trees brand.

“We have an idea to plant these seeds in Georgia as well. We are already trying to do it, though it requires some improve-

ments and needs certain technologies,” said Bols.

The price of Christmas trees varies greatly, and as such Ms Bols cannot name an average price in the market. “The price depends on many factors – the size is always the most critical. Prices start at around 17 Euros.

However, it should be noted that our trees cost 1,25 Euros more than other companies’ trees, with 0,60 Euro from this difference going to the Fair Trees Foundation,” she explained.

Racha is one of the poorest regions in Georgia; emigration rate here is 10%, significantly higher than the national average. At the same time, it has very rich nature and great ecotourism

potential. To support the region’s development, Marianne Bols launched the Fair Trees Foundation.

According to Fair Trees project manager Zhana Babunashvili, the Foundation has three priorities: education, health care and environment protection. During 2015, they funded two student grants, set up a mobile dentist and took five children to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Camp in Wulfsburg in Germany.

“After this camp we are going to create Eco clubs and raise awareness among children and the Georgian population about nature protection. They should understand the importance of preserving the environment, especially in a region like Racha, where, only thanks to the clean and organic soils, can the best fir seeds in the world grow,” Babunashvili noted.

8

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 8 - 10, 2015

Huge Change for Georgian Telecommunications Industry

BY BEQA KIRTAVA

A

fter exactly a decade of having only one TAM (Television Audience Measurement) provider (TVMR GE), 2016 will see a defining moment for the local telecommunications industry, as another international ratings provider, Kantar Media is gearing up to make its debut at the Georgian market.

Georgia Today was allowed an exclusive interview with Tsotne Mirtskhulava, the Managing Director of Tri Media Intelligence (TMI) – the company representing Kantar Media in the country.

FIRST, PLEASE TELL OUR READERS A LITTLE ABOUT KANTAR MEDIA. Kantar Media is an international company with headquarters in London, UK. The company has over 40 years’ experience and is represented in more than 50 countries worldwide, serving more than 22,000 customers, ranging from media companies to advertising agencies. Kantar Media is considered a designated leader in news monitoring, media evaluation and ad intelligence.

WHEN DID YOU REACH THE FINAL AGREEMENT WITH KANTAR MEDIA AND WHEN WILL IT ENTER THE GEORGIAN MARKET? The contract between Kantar Media and Tri Media Intelligence was signed about a year ago. TMI now serves as the official representative of Kantar Media, which provides us with all the necessary equipment, data checks and analysis, guidelines, train-

ings and 24-hour assistance, thus being fully involved in the development process.

TMI powered by Kantar Media will officially enter the Georgian market on January 1, 2016 and, starting from January 4, will provide its clients with up-to-date data.

PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE PREPARATION WORKS. We conducted a very large-scale Establishment Survey, interviewing 6,600 households from the seven major cities of Georgia, those having a population of more than 45,000: Tbilisi, Batumi, Poti, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, Rustavi and Gori. Survey instruments were designed by KM and pilot tested by GORBI (the Georgian survey firm), later data was collected using computer assisted interviewing methodology and the fieldwork was controlled using GPS devices. The survey data allowed us to have universe estimates to which the results of the meter panel are projected. This data has also provided a sample of households of known characteristics from which the panel was recruited.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE YOUR MAIN ADVANTAGES? WHAT NOVELTIES WILL YOUR BRING TO THE LOCAL INDUSTRY? We will provide accurate ratings data for our customers, consisting mainly of media companies and advertisement agencies. These organizations will be able to access the information using a special computer program – InfoSys+, which is super userfriendly and multifunctional. During our initial presentations with the clients, nearly all of the attendees expressed their happiness over the application’s versatility and ease of use. InfoSys+ will cut in half the time and effort currently needed for

ratings due diligence.

The aforementioned program provides users with incomparably in-depth data analysis. For example, InfoSys+ measures more than 120 metrics and displays the results in 60 settings, using any desirable format: graphics, figures, charts, etc.

Our ratings measurement devices – People Meters, are the most advanced and modern devices Kantar Media has to offer today, therefore we will have even better equipment than most of the European counthey can watch a show that already aired, and Kantar Media will calculate those ratings as well.

We will publish figures for numerous small and regional channels whose performance has never been measured before tries. Furthermore, both the user interface and remote control annotations will be completely in Georgian and a special signal system installed on the devices will ensure highest usage rates possible.

Moreover, the number of TV channel ratings which we measure is twice as much as the current number. We currently provide ratings statistics for 23 channels and a further 24 will join in January, meaning that we will publish figures for numerous small and regional channels whose performance has never been measured before.

Kantar Media is the first local TAM provider which is able to measure ratings for each region separately, giving advertising companies the opportunity to better monitor regional events/commercials, and enabling the TV channels with limited coverage areas to monitor their performance.

Another of our innovational features is the Guest Tool. Our clients will be able to provide the exact number of people watching the show, which enables us to avoid any statistical mishaps.

Lastly, we will be the first company in Georgia and one of the first in the world to measure shifted viewing. Nowadays, several providers in the country offer their customers the function of rewinding, so that

BASED ON THE HIGHER NUMBER OF TV CHANNELS MEASURED, DO YOU EXPECT A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE ON THE LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKET? I wouldn’t say that we can call it a change on the market, as those additional TV channels that we’ll measure currently exist, it is merely that their ratings are not calculated. Nonetheless, it can be predicted that we’ll see a new picture, which will not be a shift in the industry, but an accurate depiction of the existing situation.

WILL THE RATINGS DATA BE ACCESSIBLE FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC? The entire package of data in InfoSys+ will only be provided to our customers, as it is the main product that TMI sells on the market. However, we will periodically publish parts of the ratings analysis on our website (which is currently under construction and will go live early next year) for the general public to see.

WILL YOU ONLY MEASURE THOSE CHANNELS WHO ARE YOUR CONTRACTORS? Although almost every TV channel in Georgia has expressed their readiness to become our customers, if some of them decide not to use our product, we will still measure their ratings, in order to provide a broader and more accurate picture for our clients. Our goal is to take the local telecommunications market to a whole new level. I’d say that Kantar Media will be the light that the industry, which has been in the dark for a very long time, desperately needs.

Tri Media Intelligence, alongside the official representatives of Kantar Media in London, is set to host a special presentation in Karvasla on December 16, 2015. Georgia Today will keep you updated with complete coverage of the event.

New Year’s Sweets Courtesy of Hand in Hand Organization for the Disabled

BY NINO IOSELIANI

I

f you are already preparing for the New Year and would like to buy some unique Georgian traditional sweets for your friends, family (and self!) you can now order Georgian ‘churchkhelebi’ from an organization known as “Kheli Khels” (Hand in Hand) from December 1st through December 21st.

The Hand-in-Hand churchkhela, traditional candle-like candies made of grape juice, flour and nuts, are produced by people with disabilities who live in Gurjaani village in the Kakheti region. The min-

imum you can order from them is 10 and each churchkhela costs between 1 and 3 GEL. According to the head of the organization, Gocha Gabodze, people who buy these sweet traditional Georgian candies will be included in their activities.

“Most of the churckhela-makers we are cannot find employment, so they have to learn various handicrafts in order to be able to earn money. They are given a pension, but nevertheless other sources of income are needed as well. If you order you will get churchkhelebi and also be involved in helping their socialization. Our churchkhelebi were sold very successfully in Tbilisoba!”

To buy some Hand-in-Hand ‘churchkhelebi’, check out the Facebook page of “Kheli Khels”.

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 8 - 10, 2015

Artificial Insemination Laboratory for Bees Opened in Tbilisi

BY ANA AKHALAIA

A

n artificial insemination laboratory for beekeeping has been opened in Tbilisi, a project carried out

by NGO Agora with the funding of the Embassy of the Czech Republic, the Czech Development Agency and with the support of the

Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia.

The opening ceremony of the laboratory was attended by Chairman of the Government of Abkhazia, Vakhtang Kolbaia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic, Tomáš Pernický, and representatives of various international organizations.

According to Kolbaia, the Government of Abkhazia is planning other projects

9

The opening ceremony of the laboratory was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic, Tomáš Pernický (far left) and the Chairman of the Government of Abkhazia, Vakhtang Kolbaia (far right).

with the Czech Embassy.

“I am very proud that, through the

collaboration of the Department of Agriculture of Abkhazia and the Embassy of the Czech Republic, this laboratory was founded which will create fertilized queen bees with new technology. It is well known that the productivity of the bee family depends on the quality of work of the mother bee. The queen bees created here will have distinguished quality and properties. It has been said time and again that

the Georgian bees are the best in the world. It is well known that the best bee products are produced in Georgia and it is one of the most unique export products,” Kolbaia said.

This is the second project Agora has implemented with the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia.

The first project was a greenhouse in Rukhi village of the Zugdidi Municipality, Western Georgia.

areas: design and engineering, construction, and commissioning and operation.

Consortium activity is based on the United Kingdom, Western European and worldwide standards and practice.

The company believes that they will be able to successfully implement healthcare programs at the national level. Such

program objectives may include rehabilitation of secondary healthcare or developing the integral model of healthcare which also includes developing the network of the primary healthcare. The goal of such projects is to improve the population’s health and citizen access to healthcare.

Austrian Alpha Medic May Take Ownership of Three Hospitals in Tbilisi

BY ANA AKHALAIA

A

ustrian consortium Alpha medic is the only company to have moved onto the second round of the tender on management, ownership and operation of three hospitals in Tbilisi: Republican Hospital, Tbilisi Cancer Center and the Children’s Infectious Diseases Hospital. Renovation projects and the timeline of these hospitals will be known after the tender procedure is fully complete.

According to the tender requirements, the three hospitals should be designed, constructed and / or reconstructed to EU standards, including equipping them with high-quality medical technology.

The winning consortium must ensure accreditation of the project with JCI standards, as well as personnel certification and training with a special program of staff development.

The entire project should be carried out with the healthcare model of the United Kingdom. According to the conditions, the winning consortium will be required, together with the Government, to manage, own and operate the hospi-

tals with public-private partnership projects (PPP) principle.

The tender also includes network planning, construction, clinical services and infrastructure management of the EU standard health care system.

Retraining of staff and equipping the medical sector is also being planned.

Alpha Medic is an Austrian consortium which carries out full cycle PPPs, cooperating with the EU’s leading providers in the healthcare sector.

Each member of the consortium is a reliable partner with extensive experience in the health sector. The group’s activities are based on the four principal

10

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 8 - 10, 2015

PASHA Bank Sponsors ‘Georgian Panorama‘ of Tbilisi International Film Festival

BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES

T

he 16th Tbilisi International Film Festival began with a premiere of ‘Moira’ by Levan Tutberidze at Amirani Cinema on December

30th.

Along with the international competition, the Tbilisi International Film Festival (TIFF) is arranging the Georgian competition for the third year running.

This year the festival revealed winners in three nominations: Best FeatureLength Movie, Best Short Movie, and Best Documentary. The members of the jury were film critics Ulrich Gregor.

Erika Gregor and Hossein Eidizadeh.

The winners of the nominations were

as follows: Best Feature-Length Movie – Solomon (Zaza Khalvashi) Best Short Movie – Wake Man (Tornike Bziava) Best Documentary – When the Earth Seems to Be Light (Salome Machaidze, Tamuna Karumidze, David Meskhi)

gia since 2013 and it is the second year in a row for us to be the sponsors of Georgian Panorama of Tbilisi International Film Festival.

We believe in the potential of Geor-

gian cinematography and, by supporting Georgian filmmakers, we express our desire to contribute to the development of this industry in the country.

On behalf of PASHA Bank team, I

would like to thank the organizers and congratulate all the winners and wish them further success and new heights in their professional life,” Mammadov said.

Language: Russian Start time: 19:30, 22:15 Ticket price: 12.00 – 13.00 Lari

SICARIO (Info Above) Language: Russian Start time: 14:00, 19:30, 21:55 Ticket price: 8.00 – 12.00 Lari

ASSOCIATION PRESENT AN EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO THE GREATEST MILITARY AIRCRAFT DESIGNER IN HISTORY. Exhibition will demonstrate life and merits of the Georgian emigrant, an innovator of American and World’s aviation - Alexander Kartveli (Kartvelishvili /1896-1974/).

Georgian Panorama is traditionally sponsored by PASHA Bank and as in 2014, this year too the Bank provided special awards for all the winners of Georgian Panorama: Trips to the Berlin International Film Festival.

“PASHA Bank is a Baku-based financial institution providing corporate and investment banking services to large and medium-sized enterprises,” said Shahin Mammadov, the CEO of PASHA Bank. “We have been operating in Geor-

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATRE

MOVEMENT THEATRE Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Mushthaid park Telephone: 599 555 260 December 9 INTRO Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Start time: 20:00 Ticket price: 15 Lari TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE MUSIC AND DRAMA STATE THEATRE Address: 182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. Telephone: 2 34 80 90 www.musictheatre.ge December 10 MARY POPPINS Directed by Davit Doiashvili Musical Start time: 13:00, 19:00 Ticket price: From 8 Lari CINEMA

CAVEA IMAX Address: 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East point December 8-10 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 Directed by Francis Lawrence Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi Language: English Start time: 17:20 Language: Russian Start time: 17:00, 19:50, 22:50 Ticket price: 10.50 – 13.50 Lari SPECTRE Directed by Sam Mendes Cast: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller Language: Russian Start time: 22:45

Ticket price: 12.00 – 13.00 Lari BURNT Directed by John Wells Cast: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Daniel Brühl Genre: Comedy, Drama Language: Russian Start time: 12:30, 15:00 Ticket price: 7.00 – 10.00 Lari MACBETH Directed by Justin Kurzel Cast: Michael Fassbender, Elizabeth Debicki, Marion Cotillard Genre: Drama, War Language: Russian Start time: 12:00, 14:30, 20:15, 22:30 Ticket price: 7.00 – 13.00 Lari VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN Directed by Paul McGuigan Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy, Jessica Brown Findlay Genre: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi Language: Russian Start time: 12:45, 15:15, 17:15 Ticket price: 10.00 – 11.00 Lari IN THE HEART OF THE SEA Directed by Ron Howard Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson Genre: Action, Adventure, Biography Language: English Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian Start time: 22:45 Ticket price: 12.00 – 13.00 Lari THE GOOD DINOSAUR 3D Directed by Peter Sohn Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Language: English Start time: 17:45 Ticket price: 11.00 – 12.00 Lari SICARIO Directed by Denis Villeneuve Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

CAVEA IMAX Address: 16th km D. Agmashenebeli Alley, Tbilisi Mall December 8-10 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 (Info Above) Language: Russian Start time: 16:00, 15:50, 21:40 Ticket price: 9.00 – 12.00 Lari SPECTRE (Info Above) Language: Russian Start time: 14:00 Ticket price: 8.00 – 9.00 Lari BURNT (Info Above) Language: Russian Start time: 11:50 Ticket price: 7.00 – 8.00 Lari MACBETH (Info Above) Language: English Start time: 16:30 Language: Russian Start time: 19:00, 21:30 Ticket price: 8.00 – 12.00 Lari VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN (Info Above) Language: Russian Start time: 17:00, 21:55 Ticket price: 9.00 – 12.00 Lari IN THE HEART OF THE SEA (Info Above) Language: English Start time: 17:00 Language: Russian Start time: 12:00, 14:30, 19:15, 21:50 Ticket price: 9.00 – 13.00 Lari THE GOOD DINOSAUR 3D (Info Above) Language: English Start time: 13:50 Ticket price: 8.00 – 9.00 Lari

AMIRANI CINEMA Address: 36 Kostava Str. Telephone: 2 99 99 55 www.kinoafisha.ge December 8-10 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 (Info Above) Language: Russian Start time: 19:45, 22:45 Ticket price: 9.00 – 12.00 Lari MACBETH (Info Above) Language: Russian Start time: 13:20, 16:15, 20:00, 22:30 Ticket price: 9.50 – 13.50 Lari VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN (Info Above) Language: Russian Start time: 13:45 Ticket price: 9.50 – 10.50 Lari IN THE HEART OF THE SEA (Info Above) Language: English Start time: 17:30 Language: Russian Start time: 15:20, 20:00, 22:45 Ticket price: 10.50 – 12.50 Lari MUSEUM

GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA MUSEUM Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 www.museum.ge

IOSEB GRISHASHVILI TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM - KARVASLA Address: 8 Sioni Str. Telephone: 2 98 22 81 December 4 – December 16 RAMAZ GEMIASHVILI PERSONAL EXHIBITION Women MUSEUM OF SOVIET OCCUPATION Address: 1 Rustaveli Ave. Telephone: 2 99 80 22 Here, visitors can encounter the state’s personal files of “subversive” Georgian public figures, orders to shoot or exile, and other artifacts representing Soviet-era cultural and political repression in Georgia. The exhibition hall is equipped with monitors, where visitors can watch documentaries of various historical events. The exhibition also includes one of the train carriages in which the participants of the national uprising of 1924 were executed.It is also dedicated to the history of the anti-occupational, nationalliberation movement of Georgia and to the victims of the Soviet political repression throughout this period.

GALLERY

ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURE PERMANENT EXHIBITION

BAIA GALLERY Address: 10 Chardin Str. Telephone: 2 75 45 10

November 17 - May 1 GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM AND ALEXANDER KARTVELI

December 3-13 NINO KIPSHIDZE PERSONAL EXHIBITION

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 8 - 10, 2015

11

See in the New Year at Georgia’s First Crowne Plaza in Borjomi

T

he latest addition to IHG’s growing portfolio in Georgia and the first Crowne Plaza hotel in the country, Crowne Plaza Borjomi is ideally located in close proximity to Borjomi Park and is a perfect destination for both business and leisure travelers.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is a global organization with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, HUALUXE® Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, EVEN™ Hotels, Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites®. In January 2015, IHG acquired Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, the world’s leading boutique hotel business.

LOCATION It is not only spectacular for its salubrious climate, but also for its mineral waters, for which Borjomi is well known worldwide and popular among local and foreign tourists. Crowne Plaza is a global brand with a great reputation and we’re confident that this hotel will be a driving force for business and leisure travelers to choose Borjomi.

Crowne Plaza is the fourth largest upscale, full-service, business hotel brand worldwide and with an increase in business travel in Georgia, there is great potential for growth in tourism and hospitality. “It is with great pleasure that we announce the opening of our first Crowne Plaza hotel in Borjomi. We look forward to providing superior services to our guests visiting the city for business or for leisure,” management said.

FEATURES Crowne Plaza Borjomi has 101 wellappointed rooms and suites that offer spacious ambience coupled with modern amenities and the latest technology. The rooms are ergonomically designed to offer a harmonious balance between comfort and style. Guests can enjoy a fully-equipped gym and an indoor pool along with a spa for relaxation and rejuvenation. For a more relaxing experience, there is also a wide selection of pampering massage therapies and skincare treatments available at the spa, as well as a Kid`s Playroom, so that families can keep the young ones entertained.

Guests visiting Crowne Plaza Borjomi can taste a selection of exciting dishes and beverage at any of the four dining venues.

As a globally recognized business travel focused brand, Crowne Plaza Borjomi is equipped with a 24-hour business center. There are six conference rooms and the hotel features the comprehensive Crowne Plaza meetings program.

Meetings and incentives organizers can take advantage of the Crowne Plaza brand’s reputation as the ideal choice for events.

•

Special products such as Sleep Advantage Program and IHG Rewards Club program.

Crowne Plaza hotels are designed to help guests be at their best. We understand what a good night’s sleep means to everyone. Sleep Advantage Program is created to enable a peaceful night`s sleep through signature bedding, wakeup calls, designated quiet zones and aromatherapy products, to ensure business travelers have a successful trip and

leisure guests the most memorable stay.

Crowne Plaza hotels participate in IHG’s guest loyalty program, IHG Rewards Club, which is the industry’s first and largest guest loyalty program with more than 84 million members worldwide. It offers great benefits to its members and represents one of the best of its kind in the international hotels world. IHG® Rewards Club is free to join and guests can enroll at ihgrewardsclub. com, by downloading the IHG® app, calling a dedicated number or by inquiring at the front desk of any of IHG’s more than 4,700 hotels worldwide.

IHG BUSINESS REWARD • • • • •

• •

• •

• • •

•

Fast-track your Membership Status Reach IHG® Rewards Club Gold Elite with only 10,000 points Reach Platinum Elite with only 40,000 points Earn 3 Points per $1USD for every Group/Event booked Earn rewards by booking travel for yourself and on behalf of others Redeem Points for Rewards Redeem rewards through the global IHG® Rewards Club redemption catalogue Access to IHG® Participating Hotels Worldwide Gain access to over 4,700 hotels in almost 100 countries around the world* Manage Just One Account One membership number for all of your rewards programs Online access to all upcoming events and reservations that you book For more information visit http://

www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/businessrewards/home - Crowne Plaza Borjomi opens its doors to guests on December 23rd 2015.

- Formal opening ceremony is planned for the second half of January 2015.

NEW YEAR’S EVE We created special program for our guests to enjoy New Year`s Eve at Crowne Plaza Borjomi and are dedicated to offer the most memorable experience.

The program includes 2 night package: 31st of December –event will start from

21:00 with the NY program of the world famous pianist and jazzman Beka Gochiashvili and his band from America, consisting of Max Gerl – Bass, Mike Mitchell – Drums, Cameron Graves – Keyboards.

Their performance will be followed by Dj Set, until the last guest leaves.

1st of Jan – one of the most famous Georgian band Goofy Land and popular DJ Gio khoti.

New Year`s spectacular Gala dinner will be hosted by our Chef Rod MacKenzie, to make our guests’ New Year Eve unforgettable.

Georgia’s Radisson Blu Hotels Win Two Nominations at Welcome to Georgia!

National Tourism Awards

A

joint event from the Georgian National Tourism Administration and the Ministry of Economy “Welcome to Georgia!

National Tourism Awards” was held on November 20, at Tbilisi Funicular Banquet Hall.

The event brought together local and national authorities, hotels, restaurants, tour operators and travel agencies to celebrate highest-achieving tourism businesses and brands that work towards creating a positive image of Georgia worldwide. The core aim of the ceremony was to promote and support the development of the tourism industry in Georgia.

Radisson Blu hotels got two awards at the ceremony:

BEST LUXURY ACCOMMODATON for Radisson Blu Iveria hotel, Tbilisi and BEST SEA ACCOMMODATION for Radisson Blu hotel, Batumi.

During the ceremony the best companies, including travel agencies, hotels and guesthouses, were determined in 21 different nominations by the judges. The competition was totally transparent and fair: after the jury members selected the winning companies, BDO, an independent auditor, summarized and carefully checked the information their decisions were based on.

Another victorious addition for Radisson Blu Hotels this year, after World Travel Awards’ Recognized Radisson Blu Properties “The Leading Hotels” of Georgia in 2015.

PUBLISHER & GM

George Sharashidze COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT

Commercial Director: Iva Merabishvili Marketing Manager: Mako Burduli

GEORGIA TODAY

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT:

Editor-In-Chief: Katie Ruth Davies

Journalists: Tony Hanmer, Tamar Svanidze, Zviad Adzinbaia, Beqa Kirtava, Meri Taliashvili, Eka Karsaulidze, Zaza Jgharkava, Ana Lomtadze, Maka Bibilashvili, Nina Ioseliani, Tatia Megeneishvili, Karen Tovmasyan, Dimitri Dolaberidze, Nino Japarashvili, Maka Lomadze

Photographer: Zviad Nikolaishvili Layout: Misha Mchedlishvili Webmaster: Sergey Gevenov Circulation Managers: David Kerdikashvili, David Djandjgava

ADDRESS

1 Melikishvili Str. Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 E: info@georgiatoday.ge F: GeorgiaToday ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTION

+995 595 279997 E-mail: marketing@ georgiatoday.ge

Reproducing material, photos and advertisements without prior editorial permission is strictly forbidden.

The author is responsible for all material. Rights of authors are preserved. The newspaper is registered in Mtatsminda district court.

Reg. # 06/4-309