Caucasus Business Week #179

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February 6, 2017 #179

February 6, 2017, Issue 179 - www.cbw.ge

Interview A fundamentally innovative concept of a professional network in Georgia Pg. 9

Tbilisi Business Hub – Single-Window Service Pg. 6

Tobacco Market Tobacco Smuggling Grows - State Structures Supposed to Be Pg. 5 Lobbying Illegal Imports

Georgia Visa Waiver Approved by EU Parliament

At Full Speed to Recession According to preliminary estimations, in December 2016, as compared to the same period of 2015, GDP real growth pace made up 0.3%. As to the 4th quarter of 2016, GDP growth rate marked 1.2%, Geostat, the national statistics service of Georgia, reports.

It is worth noting that the Government has failed the 2016 economic growth forecasts. According to Geostat, GDP annual growth made up 2.2%, under the 2016 preliminary estimations.

When planning the 2016 state budget, Government determined the GDP growth forecast by 3%.

In November-December 2016 Government reduced GDP real growth forecast to 2.7% for 2016.

However, under preliminary report, even this forecast failed.

It should be noted that Geostat has published preliminary report for the 2016 economic growth and a final report will be published later.

Despite the preliminary report requires further specifications, even the existing figures are alarming, even more so final and specifed reports do not much differ from early reports, as a rule.

Pg. 4

The Investors Have Discovered Agrarian Georgia The recent State activities towards agricultural sector, has promoted many interesting and positive tendencies. We have frequently heard that Georgia is Agrarian country, although it still needs to be developed at its all levels and there are free places almost in all segments of Agro sphere. The projects announced

by Ministry of Agriculture and Project Management Agency, has caused the interest of many businessmen, or investors in Agricultural business of our country.

The investors have discovered Georgia as country having a great agrarian potential. Despite the difficult reliefs and lack of lands, Georgia is a unique place with its location, soil quality, climate conditions and the most important thing to be emphasized is the huge resources of water. During the last decades, for promotion of export and for substitution of import, many important measures have been taken in Georgia. Pg. 7

2 GOVERNMENT

NEWSROOM IFC looks to expand activities in Georgia The two officials highlighted the importance of IFC’s involvement in Georgia’s economy, energy, infrastructure and financial sectors. Telma said Georgia had “big investment potential”, which was reflected in the World Bank’s ‘Doing Business’ report.

EU officials praise Georgia as frontrunner of Eastern Partnership The discussion involved the new 2017-2020 Association Agenda and preparations for the upcoming 4th Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in Brussels.

ECONOMY

January inflation: Cost of food, transport rises in Georgia Prices for meat, fish, vegetables, dairy products and eggs rose in January, reports the Geostat.

Last month prices increased 4.2 % for food and non-alcoholic beverages. Prices for the following were substantially higher.

32% more tourists visit Georgia in January 2017 While some travellers visited Georgia while in transit to a second destination, the number of travellers spending more than 24 hours in January in compared to the previous year rose by 32.4 %.

In January of 2016, only 154,083 travellers visited Georgia.

BANKING

NBG Published Economic Growth Forecast The growth will be basically conditioned by increase of total consumption and investments, which will be supported by the fiscal stimulus, infrastructural projects and business environment improvement.

Rugby online shop opened with supported of TBC Bank Online shop has been created with the assistance of general sponsor TBC Bank. Besides the above mentioned accessories, fans can acquire exclusive “rugby” collection, made by Georgian designers.

BUSINESS

Choice Hotels Interested In Two Potential Hotel Projects in Batumi and Tbilisi The group conducted independent market study on tourism development and strategy in Georgia and identified the country as a potentially interesting market for their hotel brands.

Wine Export Increased with 184% in January According to Wine National Agency, in 2017, 4 322 733 bottles of wine were exported to 26 different countries in the world which is 184% more than the same rate in 2016. The whole amount of export equals to 8.8 million USD.

COMPANY

February 6, 2017 #179

Spanish Company to Build Pig Farm in Racha The project is 8 years old and investment cost amounts to 10-15 million GEL. In the beginning, pig farms will be built in Racha but in the next years, it will be built in 9 regions of Georgia.

Georgia visa waiver approved by EU Parliament

E

uropean Parliament adopted on February 2 the proposal on visa liberalization for Georgia, enabling the biometric passport holders to enter the Schengen area for 90 days within any 180day period for a holiday, business or any other purpose, except working.

The proposal was approved with 553 votes in favor, 66 against and 28 abstentions.

The legislation still needs to be formally approved by the Council of Ministers (the text will then be publishied in the EU Official Journal) and will only enter into force once the suspension mechanism, which allows the EU member states to temporary reintroduce visa requirements for reasongs of public security, is in place. The revised suspension mechanism was approved by the Parliament on 15 December but is still pending finalization of the official translation of the legal texts.

According to the EP press release, parliamentary rapporteur for the proposal, Mariya Gabriel, acknowledged the “broad and complex reforms” implemented

by Georgia in order to get the visa waiver and thanked the country‘s authorities and citizens for their consistency and patience.

“She also congratulated them on the strength of their democratic conviction and noted that the visa exemption brings the country closer to the EU.” “Today is a day of historical significance for Georgia,” Prime

Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said in a statement issued before the plenary vote.

“Indeed, today marks Georgia’s great success! Today’s decision will prove that Georgia’s policy on drawing closer to the European Union brings tangible results for every Georgian citizen. We are convinced that our citizens will show exceptional responsibility in accepting this milestone result and achievement, and will scrupulously observe the laws of host countries,” Kvirikashvili said.

Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze wrote in his twitter post that “the visa free travel will also be important to Georgian citizens living in the occupied regions, giving them a chance to benefit from visa liberalization and close ties with the European Union.”

President Giorgi Margvelashvili has also stressed that the visa free regime would be available to residents of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. “I would like to underline that, our Ossetian and Abkhaz compatriots will be able to benefit from the results,” Margvelashvili stated.

“I would like to congratulate out citizens on one more achievement in the European integration process. I would like to thank MEPs for this important decision … I would like to thank our executive and legislative government, incumbent and prevous, for the work that they have done for this important achievement,” President Margvelashvili stated.

The EU-Georgia Visa Liberalization Dialogue was launched in

June 2012. In February 2013, the European Commission presented the Georgian Government with an action plan on visa liberalization (VLAP). The Commission committed itself to proposing visa-free travel for short stays in the European Union to Georgian nationals holding biometric passports as soon as all the benchmarks set in the VLAP have been met by the Georgian Government.

Since the launch of the EU-Georgia Visa Liberalization Dialogue, the Commission has reported to the European Parliament and the Council on Georgia’s progress towards fulfilling the VLAP benchmarks identified.

In its fourth and final progress report, adopted on December 18, 2015, the Commission considered that Georgia had made the necessary progress and had undertaken all the required reforms to ensure the effective and sustainable achievement of the remaining benchmarks. Based on this assessment, the Commission confirmed that Georgia had met all the benchmarks set for each of the VLAP’s benchmarks and that it would present, in early 2016, a legislative proposal to amend Regulation (EC) No 539/2001, transferring Georgia to the list of visa-free countries.

The visa waivers apply to the Schengen area, which includes 22 EU member states (all except Ireland, the UK, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria), plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

PM: Abkhazians and Ossetians will share in benefits of visa-free travel

M

ore welfare, democracy, energy and enthusiasm....more success for our country on its rapid road to development!” – this is how Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili described the benefits Georgia is expected to receive from visa-free travel with the European Union.

In his first national address after the European Parliament (EP) vote, the Prime Minister said Abkhazians and Ossetians will also share in the benefits of Georgia’s cooperation with Europe, includ-

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ing but not limited to visa-free travel.

The Prime Minister thanked everyone who had contributed to achieving historic decision, including the Georgian people who, as he believes, have always been loyal to Georgia’s European aspirations.

He said as soon as visa-free travel will become available for Georgians he will be among the first to leave to Europe together with youth who have been expecting decision with great excitement.

I do believe we will join the large

European family and contribute to its diverse culture, peacekeeping and security”, Kvirikashvili said.

Georgia’s president further described historic vote as “an important step towards Europe”.

Giorgi Margvelashvili watched live coverage of the plenary voting with representatives of the diplomatic corps.

The President also believes not only Georgia but all of Europe will benefit from Georgia’s great contribution to a variety of fields including culture.

Editor: Nutsa Galumashvili. Mobile phone: 595 380382 Reporters: Medea Samkharadze; Mariam Kopaliani; Merab Janiashvili Designer illustrator: Ilia Chrelashvili. Technical Assistant: Giorgi Kheladze

Source: www.commersant.ge, www.bpi.ge, www.gbc.ge, www.agenda.ge, www.civil.ge

February 6, 2017 #179

PUBLICITY

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4

ECONO-MIX

Considerations over Economic Effects of Marijuana Legalization

At Full Speed to Recession In December 2016 Economic Growth Rate Saw 0.3% Historical Bottom

‘‘

Merab Janiashvili Economic Analyst

Government’s economic policy cannot withstand criticism. The fact GDP annual growth pace has dropped below 2.2% clearly points to serious problems in the economy. It is the second year that GDP annual growth pace remains under 3% (2.9% in 2015).

A

ccording to preliminary estimations, in December 2016, as compared to the same period of 2015, GDP real growth pace made up 0.3%. As to the 4th quarter of 2016, GDP growth rate marked 1.2%, Geostat, the national statistics service of Georgia, reports.

It is worth noting that the Government has failed the 2016 economic growth forecasts.

According to Geostat, GDP annual growth made up 2.2%, under the 2016 preliminary estimations. When planning the 2016 state budget, Government determined the GDP growth forecast by 3%. In November-December 2016 Government reduced GDP real growth forecast to 2.7% for 2016. However, under preliminary report, even this forecast failed.

It should be noted that Geostat has published preliminary report for the 2016 economic growth and a final report will be published later.

Despite the preliminary report requires further specifications, even the existing figures are alarming, even more so final and specifed reports do not much differ from early reports, as a rule. Therefore, we do not expect the final rate of economic growth to be more than 2.2% for 2016.

To more precisely outline a slowdown in economic growth rate, we should analyze the history of the past years. Over the past 15 years, excluding the 2009 global financial crisis period, the country’s economic growth pace had never dropped below 2.2%. In 2008, the year of Georgia-Russian military conflict, economic growth marked 2.4%.

Extremely low indicator of economic growth that was registered in the 4th quarter of 2016, was 1.2% and this is the worst indicator over the past 15 years, excluding the 2009 year and the last two quarters of 2018.

It is worth noting that the low economic growth of the past

‘‘

O

ver the past period Georgia’s narcotics policy revision issue has come to the boil.

Recommendations for decriminalizing soft drugs were submitted to the Authorities several times. Moreover, Girchi political organization has even proposed to legalize marijuana. Many countries practice legal sales of marijuana and this practice has been bringing real economic effects.

In 2009 Colorado State of the USA legalized marijuana. Naturally, based on Colorado State experience, we can assess the effects that marijuana legalization may bring.

According to existing indicators, Colorado is populated by 5.3 million persons against Georgia’s 3.7 million residents. According to official statistics of Colorado Revenue Service, there are 485 000 marijuana consumers in the state. Under the same proportions, we can suppose that about 340 000 marijuana consumers should live in Georgia.

In Colorado one consumer uses about 0.9 gram of marijuana a day. We can remain conservative in our assessments and say that one consumer may use 3 grams a week, that is, 0.43 gram a day. Following this proportion, Georgia’s marijuana market is equal to 52.7 tons (5.2 million grams).

Besides domestic residents, about 6 million tourists visit Georgia a year. An absolute majority of these tourists come from the countries, where marijuana consumption is punished.

Under conservative calculations, 30% of these tourists are consumers of marijuana and they use 2 grams of marijuana during their visit to Georgia (for about 3 days). In this case, the market of tourists uses additional 11 tons (1.1 million grams) Taking into account our geographical location, quantity of population in our neighboring countries and prohibition of marijuana consumption in these countries, it would be logical to suppose that people living in our region will be fascinated by free environment in Georgia. As a result, our country will be able to attract 4 million tourists in addition a year because of decriminalized environment. In this cases, Georgia’s marijuana market will increase by additional 24 tons (2.4 million grams). Moreover, besides marijuana consumption, according to the most conservative calculations amid national currency depreciation, one tourist will spend 400 GEL in Georgia in legalized environment and this will bring 1.6 billion GEL additional revenues to Georgian economy.

It should be also taken into account that 2.5-3 times more investments are required in transportation, restaurants, cafes, food, marijuana and all other sectors for service of 4 million tourists ( 1.6 billion GEL turnover a year in addition). Such a volume of investments will bring 7-8% economic upturn, according to conservative calculations.

Finally, domestic marijuana market jointly with an additional inflow of tourists market and enlarged tourism market will boost marijuana sales by about 87 tons. For comparison, in Colorado 150 million grams of marijuana are sold a year and, based on these proportions, in Georgia with 3.7 million residents, annual sales of marijuana should be 105 tons.

However, let adhere to conservative calculations and presume that Georgia’s marijuana market will constitute 87 million grams.

In Colorado the price of a gram of marijuana is 10 USD. Marijuana production in Georgia would be far cheaper compared to the USA. We can regulate the price to around 25 GEL thanks to excise tax. This signifies Georgia’s marijuana market will be about 2.2 billion GEL. If we take into account the opportunity of regulating marijuana tax burden through excise tax, we can suppose that the state budget will collect about 1.3 billion GEL from marijuana sales ( under 60% tax burden). Consequently, marijuana legalization will create 2.2 billion GEL new economy under high tax burden. As a result, the state budget will grow by about 1.3 billion GEL. In parallel regime, other tourism services will be also expanded by about 1.6 billion GEL and, taking into account, the current tax burden, the state budget will earn additional 400 million GEL. For the next 3-4 years, annual economic growth will be 7-8% and budget revenues will reach 1.5-1.7 billion GEL. All these results will be received in the event of marijuana legalization. It is worth noting that even 1/10 part of this amount suffice to tighten hard narcotics turnover control mechanisms on borders, put money in upgrading awareness of narcotics harm and finance rehabilitation programs.

February 6, 2017 #179

years declined more in the fourth quarter of 2016 and it did not exceed 2% in autumn, while in December the figure dropped to 0.3%. If the economic growth pace continues declining in 2017, Georgian economy may sink into recession, for the first time after 2009. Taking into account the past years have not recorded any large-scale financial crisis in the world, we should seek GDP growth pace slowdown reasons within our country. If government does not change its attitude towards economy and does not take real effective steps throughout 2017, GDP growth pace will drop below zero and it will take much time and many other resources will be required to get rid of recession.

Government’s economic policy cannot withstand criticism. The fact GDP annual growth pace has dropped below 2.2% clearly points to serious problems in the economy. It is the second year that GDP annual growth pace remains under 3% (2.9% in 2015).

This signifies that Georgia will need 100150 years to reach the living level of averaged EU country, while in reality we need twice and triple faster economic development than current developed countries to become a genuinely developed country.

However, economic growth paces of the past 2 years will not enable us to maintain even the existing status quo and the country will lose even the current economic positions.

“500 000 taxpayers sustain 3.2 million citizens of Georgia”. Thus, total number of employed in the state sector and taxpayers is 500 000 persons, who sustain 3.2 million citizens of Georgia. One taxpayer sustains six other citizens. Are we poor because this quantity of 500 000 taxpayers is a small figure, or because these 500 00 taxpayers pay too little to state budget? I think there is a simple answer to this question. Only mathematics.”

Giorgi Kadagidze Former president of National Bank of Georgia

TOBACCO MARKET

February 6, 2017 #179

5

Tobacco Smuggling Grows State Structures Supposed to Be Lobbying Illegal Imports DAVID BAGHASHVILI

T

obacco Smuggling Grows – State Structures Supposed to Be Lobbying Illegal

Imports Several years ago Government under PM Zurab Noghaideli passed a resolution on raising cigarette excise tax to 90 Tetri from 40 Tetri. In that period tobacco products were imported from Russia through the occupied territories of Samachablo and Abkhazia.

Experts assert that in that period Government realized scales of illegal trade and finally, lowered excise tax to 60 Tetri. As a result, the market went stable and till today illegal trade in tobacco products was not recorded, in practice.

Current Situation Several days ago Revenue Service prevented two attempts of illegal imports of 40 940 pieces of undeclared cigarettes.

According to Revenue Service, at Sadakhlo checkpoint citizen of Armenia G. S. was found to have hidden 22 340 units of undeclared cigarettes in his own vehicle.

Another smuggling fact was recorded at Ninotsminda checkpoint, where citizen of Armenia K. M. was trying to take 18 600 pieces of undeclared cigarettes into the country.

Materials of both cases have been forwarded to Finance Ministry investigation service, Revenue Service officials noted.

The Caucasus Business Week (CBW) has inquired what factors have intensified tobacco smuggling over the past period and what we should expect in the near future.

Paata Bairakhtari, analyst for Association of Young Financiers and Businessmen (AYFB): This tendency is related to tobacco excise tax growth.

«I was warning the Government about this, when they unveiled scales of the planned growth. It is impossible to prevent smuggling risks, when a pack of cigarette in the neighboring country is far cheaper and the price difference is about 1 GEL. Regretfully, I expect similar facts to be repeated.

Another issue is whether due structures will prevent these attempts. The fact is that this challenge has genuinely sharpened», Bairakhtari noted.

Georgia has huge experience in similar tendencies from the previous years, he added.

«I would recall the year of 2005, when tobacco smuggling was so intense that it could even destroy legal business. In that period the market ratio of smuggled tobacco

products was about 40% and the black market was eradicated thanks to huge efforts», Bairakhtari said.

Smuggling risks will be maintained in the future, because this is not a simple problem, he added.

Paata Sheshelidze, Economic Expert: These facts should be appraised as a natural result of the decisions taken by Georgian Government over the past years. I mean excise tax has increased several times. Those decisions have provoked current smuggling tendencies, economic expert Paata Sheshelidze noted.

«Illegal imports attempts will always remain. The higher tax, the larger smuggling is.

As a result, more people will take risky decisions. The smuggling exists and this signifies some of state structures could lobby it. This is the issue of a bargain. Some groups lobby this process.

If smuggling arises somewhere, we should identify lobbyists, because nobody would dare smuggling without lobbyists», Sheshelidze said.

Lasha Gotsiridze, Economist: Smuggling arose in natural conditions, because there is far lower excise tax in our neighboring country, com-

“It is impossible to prevent smuggling risks, when a pack of cigarette in the neighboring country is far cheaper and the price difference is about 1 GEL”

“All this will be clarified at the end of the year, when we will learn how much state budget will collect from tobacco industry”

pared to Georgia. The price difference inspires many persons to buy cheaper and import tobacco here illegally and sell it at higher tariffs. The more difference between excise taxes, the higher smuggling probability, economist Lasha Gotsiridze said.

«In neighboring Armenia, under the current exchange rate, excise tax on a pack of cigarette is 70 Tetri, while in Georgia the excise tax is 1.80 GEL. The price difference is more than 1.10 GEL, jointly with AD Valorem tax. The price difference is so impressive that people, entrepreneurs are inspired to launch cigarette smuggling», Gotsiridze noted.

Supposedly, cigarette smuggling will grow in the near future, Gotsiridze added.

«Several days ago Ministry of Finance prevented cigarette smuggling attempts. The more we prevent, the better, but we do not know how many illegal cargo remain

undiscovered. All this will be clarified at the end of the year, when we will learn how much state budget will collect from tobacco industry. If state budget revenues drop, or grow in disproportional way, this will be a sign that the smuggling ratio has considerably increased on tobacco market», Gotsiridze said.

Excise growth was foreseeable, but the growth scales turned out excessive, he added.

Smuggling may damage business, on the one hand, and state budget, on the other hand. Consequently, state budget will have problems with financing planned projects, Gotsiridze said.

Tobacco illegal imports facts were recorded in 2016 too, but its tiny scales could not affect business, he added.

As to influence of higher excise tax and illegal imports growth on business sector, companies abstained from making comments.

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COMPANY NEWS

February 6, 2017 #179

Tbilisi Business Hub – Single-Window Service T

he state sector has long introduced single-window services, but in private business this format is a novelty. Tbilisi Business Hub offers this single-window format on Georgian market for both corporate and physical bodies.

The company director Ivan Shpetishvili noted that Tbilisi Business Hub provides top quality and professional services, including: legal, financial, notarial, auditor/bookkeeping, business trip, translation, architectural/design, printing, event management and so on.

HUB provides a wide range and diverse services, including printing services, development of business projects and search of resources.

‘We have not reinvented the wheel. Several companies provide various services on Georgian market, but peculiarity of our package is that we offer all services in the same space for clients’ business activities», Ivan Shpetishvili said.

The company does not make focus on only small or medium business sectors.

On the contrary, both major corporate segment and physical bodies are able to enjoy Tbilisi Business Hub services.

Moreover, Tbilisi Business Hub offers offices and conference hall equipped with modern technologies and infrastructure.

Moreover, Tbilisi Business Hub offers foreign investors to register companies and

‘We have not reinvented the wheel.

Several companies provide various services on Georgian market, but peculiarity of our package is that we offer all services in the same space for clients’ business activities’

‘We treat each client on individual basis and we consider them as partners.

Therefore, our steps and future plans for service development depends on our clients’

explore market, provide mediation and establish contacts with due state officials and representatives of domestic business sector.

‘We treat each client on individual basis and we consider them as partners. Therefore, our steps and future plans for service development depends on our clients’, the company director noted. Modern services require staff with advanced education. The company team is staffed by professionals educated and experienced in Georgia and western countries.

For saving consumer times and improving services, we can plan a meeting in advance in desirable department and acceptable time.

Location of the Hub and its parking zone make our services more accessible and comfortable.

Having visited the company, you will gain more comfort in business activities and save time as it is money.

The company management stresses that they have not reinvented the wheel. The fact is that it is equally important to save finances and energy for business and private bodies and it is genuinely excellent to receive all required and top quality services in a single space.

Tbilisi Business Hub – guarantor of professionalism and reliability Tbilisi, 0160, 26 Sulkhan Tsintsadze Str. Tel: +995 32 250 0175 info@tbh.com.ge www.tbh.com.ge

Huawei Company Promoting Communications Staff Professional Growth

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uawei company has been operating on Georgian market for 16 years and implementing a lot of successful projects jointly with leading cell communications operators. Main objective of the company is to bolster communications sector development. Professional training of communications staff is a necessary component for sector development, Huawei managers noted.

«We follow well-developed staff policy.

We employ professional staff and permanently care for their training so as they acquire new skills and get acquainted with technological innovations. We pay much attention to professional trainings of young people as part of our probation programs. Advanced students are able to join Huawei successful team», Maia Machavariani, Huawei HR manager, noted.

Technical section occupies a main part of Huawei office, where 95% of the company employees work. The company business comprises three main directions: communications, consumer business —

“We follow well-developed staff policy.

We employ professional staff and permanently care for their training so as they acquire new skills and get acquainted with technological innovations”

the company-produced devices line and IT products. The company also provides a training system, due to directions, so as invited experts hold workshops and online trainings. The company also provides probation period in China for its staff.

«In 2015 we launched paid probation program for graduate students or MA degree students. The program provides best opportunities for professional development and gaining experience. From the very first days, young people, jointly with the company staff, perform specific tasks and pass field practical works.

Besides local program, the company also practices Seeds for the Future project that enables advanced students to pass training courses at Huawei head office in China», Maia Machavariani said.

Professional Development program that Huawei is implementing in Georgia considerably contributes to communications sector development and, finally, shaping successful staff. Currently, the Georgian branch employs more than 200 professionals.

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AGRO SOLUTIONS

February 6, 2017 #179

Business Consulting Company

IRAKLI CHIKAVA Director

W

e have frequently heard that Georgia is Agrarian country, although it still needs to be developed at its all levels and there are free places almost in all segments of Agro sphere.

The projects announced

by Ministry of Agriculture and Project Management Agency, has caused the interest of many businessmen, or investors in Agricultural business of our country. The investors have discovered Georgia as country having a great agrarian potential. Despite the difficult reliefs and lack of lands, Georgia is a unique place with its location, soil quality, climate conditions and the most important thing to be emphasized is the huge resources of water.

During the last decades, for promotion of export and for substitution of import, many important measures have been taken in Georgia. One of the most important achievements is the Association Agreement, which was signed with

THE INVESTORS HAVE DISCOVERED AGRARIAN GEORGIA The recent State activities towards agricultural sector, has promoted many interesting and positive tendencies the European Union on 2014 and which takes into consideration deep and comprehensive Free Trade Zone and provides more economic opportunities for entry of Georgian agricultural product to EU Market. In 2015, compared with 2012 the agricultural product ex-

ports have been increased with 19% and amounted to 612,000000 USD (six hundred and twelve million), herewith, within the same period the import has decreased to 13 % and amounted to 1.1 billion USD. The basic Georgian export products are:

• Nuts (nuts and walnuts) • Wine • Mineral water • Alcoholic beverages The Ministry of Agriculture plans annually the priorities and policies which must be implemented. In 2016, there are determined the following tasks for achievement of

The data of basic agricultural products according to the years

the defined ojectives: • To increase the development and efficiency of primary agricultural production; • Further development of post-harvest technology, expansion and modernization of storage and processing infrastructure; • Implementation of international standards in manufacturing; • Upgrading the knowledge and competitiveness of farmers; • Diversification of export markets; The promoting of diversified markets; To start business in Georgia is very simple.

The company registration needs several hours.

The Tax system is simple.

During the recent years, our country takes world’s leading positions in fighting against corruption. The State Bodies are ready to maximally promote the private investments in Georgia. All above mentioned makes attractive environment and the interest of investors are very high. The proof of it is the recently completed large-scaled investments in primary agriculture and processing industry.

The agricultural potential of Georgia must be used and our country is expecting large-scaled investments.

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AGRICULTURE

February 6, 2017 #179

MARIAM KOPALIANI

A

lienation of agriculture land plots to foreign citizens remains the sharpest and most painful issue in the Georgian society. Public opinion has split.

One part of politicians and society expects serious threats from alienation of Georgian land plots and categorically objects to selling land plots to foreign citizens, while another part asserts that the process is harmless and welcomes alienation of agriculture land plots.

After Georgian Dream came to power, in July 2013, Government announced moratorium on sales of agriculture land plots to foreign citizens. However, shortly the Constitutional Court passed decision and abolished the moratorium. Discussions arose after Justice Ministry statement that agriculture lands could be sold to foreign citizens as part of major investment projects. The Justice Minister expressed hopes that the parliament of new convocation would discuss the bill as soon as possible.

Concerning the issue, Nino Burjanadze and Democratic Movement political party demand for constitutional amendments. Dimitri Lortkipanidze, one of the members of the party, noted that constitutional amendments are to protect Georgian land plots from alienation.

“Sure, Democratic Movement has proposed this important constitutional bill, along with an explanatory card. We have worked on the document for a long period. I personally was member of land plot protection committee, when this issue was raised by academicians Mikheil Jibuti, Paata Koghuashvili. Our academic circles developed a very interesting concept and later the land plots protection committee and the committee members performed huge job to outline the importance for protection of land plot ownership rights in the state organic law of Georgia. Essence of the bill is that Georgian land plots must be protected, amid lack of regulations that inspire squandering agriculture land plots by electronic auctions. This ugly practice started 8 years ago. I would also remember the village of Ditsi, Gori District, where 34 hectares of land plots were sold in one night. Currently, there is a 400 000 hectare land plot space compatible with investment purposes and I completely disagree with Justice Minister Tea Tsulukiani, who declared that agriculture land plots may be sold in case of major investment projects”, Dimitri Lortkipanidze noted.

Developed countries have set considerable barriers against sales of agriculture land plots and consequently, Georgia should also carry out reforms to insure ourselves from certain risks and threats, Dimitri Lortkipanidze noted.

“Nino Burjanadze has declared openly that this is a strategic resource of special importance.

This is a key value that must not be sold. This phrase was promulgated by His Holiness and Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. No reasonable patriot will agree ever on sales of agriculture land plots to foreign citizens. The explanatory card that was submitted to the state constitution commission overviews samples of about 9 countries (Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria) and all these countries practice significant barriers against sales of agriculture land plots to foreign citizens. First of all, there is a certain agreement, that, besides experience in agrarian sector, the applicants must have a 5-10 year history of business activities in the specific country and they must be licensed from Agriculture Ministry of the country. Only after satisfaction of due requirements, applicants are given hypothetical chances to become land plot owners. For example, in the USA only 0.7% of agriculture land plots have been sold”, Lortkipanidze noted.

Availability of attracting investments is one of the key arguments that supporters of land plot sales make accent on. Democratic Movement

Risks of Alienation of Agriculture Land Plots

“

In due time land reform was carried out invaluably. As a result of land reforms in 1990s, we have the situation when about 25% of land plots have been registered

by Georgian citizens, while the remaining 75% has not been legalized by anyone.

”

leader Dimitri Lortkipanidze does not agree with this opinion and asserts that in the process of attracting investments the state interests are reduced to minimum and only investors’ interests are promoted.

“All countries with self-esteem practice constitutional regulations, including our neighboring Armenia in the 31st article of the state constitution on property rights directly promulgates that foreign citizens cannot register land plots with ownership rights.

Organic law of all countries, naturally, must reflect regulations on land plots and by-laws should determine state attitude towards land plots, while our country has not adopted due regulations for land plots so far, and this is not a normal situation.

State statistics department has no information on dynamics of sales of agriculture land plots, but at Public Registry you will hasty people trying to obtain ownership rights on agriculture land plots. As to the so-called investments, they represent the interests of investor countries.

We should turn a blind eye and agree with unacceptable statements of Tea Tsulukiani”, Lortkipanidze said.

Unlike Democratic Movement members, Girchi political organization adheres to entirely different considerations. The party member Iago Khvichia noted that arguments of objectors are only populism and nothing more.

“I believe this is an ordinary populism, like the past experience. We should expect similar populism in the future too. Geor-

“

ALL COUNTRIES WITH SELF-ESTEEM PRACTICE CONSTITUTIONAL REGULATIONS, INCLUDING OUR NEIGHBORING ARMENIA IN THE 31ST ARTICLE OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION ON PROPERTY RIGHTS DIRECTLY PROMULGATES THAT FOREIGN CITIZENS CANNOT REGISTER LAND PLOTS WITH OWNERSHIP RIGHTS

gian politicians frequently make speculative statements over land plot issues. Mrs. Nino Burjanadze noted that lands represent a key wealth of our country, but I think this is not correct, because I believe Georgian people represent an only wealth of our country. At this stage, only 0.7% of land plots have been legalized by foreign companies and foreign citizens.

Therefore, we have no grounds for alarm.

As to Land Code, I have no idea what we should insert in it. We have already adopted many harmful articles and additional harmful law is excessive. At the beginning of the 20th century quantity of people was far fewer compared to nowadays. Development of agriculture technologies suggests that in the future the earth population will need less land plots for growing agriculture products”, Khvichia noted.

Current problems with land plots derive from incorrect reforms of previous years. Government should unconditionally legalize

all land plots to owners if these land plots are not disputable, the Girchi movement member noted.

“In due time land reform was carried out invaluably. As a result of land reforms in 1990s, we have the situation when about 25% of land plots have been registered

by Georgian citizens, while the remaining 75% has not been legalized by anyone. A major part of these lands are owned by Georgian citizens in actual possession or, on the other hand, all these persons own a certain land plot, that are traditionally considered as a property of their ancestors.

When Government keeps legal rights on similar land plots, there is no difference whether similar land plots go to foreign citizens or Georgian citizens. All these factors provoke protests of Georgian citizens. I believe Government should not sell similar land plots to anybody. Authorities should conduct in the following way: It should legalize land plots to people, who have certain land plots in actual ownership, if these land plots are not disputable.

The issue of 80% of agriculture land plots should be resolved in this way and after this Georgian citizens should be authorized to sell these land plots to anybody, including to foreign citizens so as real estate, including land plots acquire real value in Georgia. If we say land plots should not be sold to foreign citizens, in automatic regime, price of land plots will halve. Land plots should be owned by those, who would efficiently employ them”, Khvichia said.

February 6, 2017 #179

INTERVIEW

A fundamentally innovative concept of a professional network in Georgia A new consulting company GPN – Global Professional Network was recently established in Georgia. According to GPN, there is no other firm utilizing concept similar to theirs on Georgian market that is abounding with consulting companies and thus it has no analogues.

The said company employs a completely innovative model – GPN has brought together experts employed in various companies and organizations into a single pool of professionals.

Following is the interview with the founder and the CEO of the company, Vakhtang Machavariani.

- How did you come up with this new concept?

- The idea was based on the fact that the partners of the company (each of them has an extensive and diverse experience of working in various fields) encountered a number of problems while interacting with ordinary consulting companies. The deficiencies of consulting service incited an idea of elaborating a new concept of intellectual service that would meet the real needs of business whilst offering more flexibility to the clients and experts. The idea of setting up a professional network was refined over time. The partners researched relevant foreign practice as well. It became clear that companies offering similar services were emerging and establishing themselves in the US and Europe as well. I hope that Georgian business will also benefit from this innovative concept of intellectual service.

One of the most striking shortcomings of the industry is the fact that consulting companies, when approached by a client with a certain problem or a task to solve, tend to offer allegedly highly-professional employee that is supposedly able to provide qualified services. Nevertheless, it is obvious that that even highly qualified specialist suggested by such a company may not be equally skillful in solving every aspect of the problem. To give an example, a client may be willing to solve legal problems related to energy industry. The law firm may offer the customer a highly qualified lawyer, who is unaware of all the nuances of the energy sector. However, the law firm is compelled to convince the client that the suggested candidate will offer him the best service on the market. Its main incentive is to hold on to the customer whilst providing employees with the clientele, otherwise, it will have to pay the salary to the staff members from its own pocket. Given the limited timeframe of such case, even the highly qualified lawyer who glanced through the applicable legislative acts will not be as familiar with the nuances of the energy sector as an attorney with an extensive experience of working in the said field.

GPN has a profoundly different operating principle.

It will offer an expert with a narrow specialization and a specific knowledge befitting the needs of the customer. Due to the substantially different approach employed by GPN, it is able to afford cooperation with hundreds of experts in various fields.

Therefore, in case like above, our company will offer the customer a specialist or a group of specialists ideally capable of solving his/her particular needs.

- If my understanding is correct, the said experts are not employees of your company?

- That is correct. In fact, we have created a network of professionals, an intellectual hub. Our greatest capital is an extensive and fully systematized database of distinguished experts operating in various fields.

Filling in, improvement and perfection of the said database is an ongoing process.

Experts of GPN work at various companies and organizations (including firms that offer services similar to ours) in Georgia and abroad. We also recruited independent experts – freelancers. Their agreement with GPN is based on the principle of cooperation – namely, experts join the database of the company and provide the latter with the information about their qualification and experience. They may joining the database quite easily – by filling out an application form available on our website. We offer cooperation and the database membership only to those professionals, whose knowledge and expertise are acknowledged by us personally. Such cooperation may also be offered to those, who are recommended by a reliable source or whose qualifications have been tested using a trustworthy methods.

Thus, when a client addresses our company, GPN

selects an expert with knowledge and experience tailored to the needs to the task set by the customer, thus offering specific need-based services. Furthermore, the database includes dozens of specialists of each particular field, hence, finding several experts/a group of experts and offering them to client is quite easy. Meanwhile, the client is entitled to acquire full information about the qualification and the experience of the suggested expert and may ask for other candidates as well.

- Hence, the company links the client and the expert, is that correct?

- No, GPN is not a mere middleman. Our company concludes the contract on provision of services with the client and is responsible for the timeliness and the quality of the provided services. Expert acts as a subcontractor of our company. We are fully liable to the client and we coordinate and control the work of experts. In simpler terms, clients do not have to “follow” every step of a particular expert by asking questions about the timelines, quality of the provided work, etc.

- How many experts does your database include?

- GPN’s database already includes more than 200 experts. The database is filling in and refining on a daily basis. Fields of services provided by GPN include law, finances, informational technologies (IT), human resources (HR), marketing. Detailed information about sub-directions of each of these fields is available on our website www.gpn.ge.

GPN also plans to diversify the list of services. New sector/area will be added only after the company finds and recruits at least several best experts of the area.

We will not branch out to a new field without due preparation – depending only on a few specialists.

We plan to offer a novel – quite a specific and very much needed service. Namely, we intend to provide

consultations/services in the area of evaluation/ implementation of the system of combatting money laundering and the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) as well as consultations/services related to evaluation and implementation of so called FATCA system.

- You mentioned that most of the experts are already employed by the other companies, including consulting companies. My question is whether the individuals employed by other enterprises will have enough time to work with clients addressing GPN. - Given current state of our economy, consulting companies are not addressed by plenty of clients.

Furthermore, our experts are not employed only by other consulting firms. In short, the shortage of time normally is not a problem.

Furthermore, it shall be noted that model of our interactions with the experts is quite comfortable to them. Neither of them is compelled to take over the case offered by GPN. If a specific expert does not have time to work on the suggested case, he/she may refuse and we will address another specialist with the comparable qualifications. As I noted previously, we try our best to have tens of experts in any given area to avoid such kind of problem if an expert does not have time, or he/she is on vacation, etc. We make every effort to have alternatives in any given direction and sub-direction.

- Are there any other distinguishing features that differentiate you from other companies?

- Another problem encountered in the process of cooperation with the consulting companies is the fact that clients normally, tend to address such enterprises due to one or a few partners who have established themselves as good specialists. The partner in question meets the customer, they negotiate upon the terms of the agreement and conclude the contract. However, later on it becomes clear that junior staff is entrusted with the task of provision of the requested services. In the best-case scenario, the partner reviews the results of the performed work.

In other words, the final product is merely signed by the partner and he/she is not engaged in the process.

It shall be noted that said phenomenon is not encountered only in Georgian consulting companies.

The same approach is practiced by companies in developed countries as well.

On the other hand, GPN ensures maximum engagement of the specific expert/specialist in the provision of the services. The said individual personally performs the entrusted work. The candidate, whose knowledge and expertise meets the demands of the client is selected from the database.

- You indicated that your company is able to provide a group of experts to solve multifaceted problems as well.

- That is correct. GPN has this kind of advantage as well. For instance, when a new investor enters Georgian market, or an existing company intends to branch out in a new industry, they require multifaceted aid. In the majority of cases, they need legal assistance, financial consultancy (financial modeling as well as solving the tax-related issues); nowadays, they may also need provision of IT services. On the later stages they might require marketing and HR related services.

Currently, the businesses tend to purchase said types of service from various companies – whereas

9 the lawyer works at one firm, IT specialist is employed by another enterprise, financial specialist cooperates with the third one, etc. When such kind of specialists work on the same project, the lack of coordination tend to entail major problems. Mutual blaming is quite common in such situations. On the other hand, GPN creates a team of specialists of various fields and ensures proper project management.

A single company is responsible for the actions of the specialists in diverse areas and guarantees their coordinated work. The client deals with one entity and is entitled to express concerns due to the malpractice of the member of the team. The customer will not have to listen to the mutual blaming of the team members in case of their flawed or untimely performance. We will take care of this aspect of work to ensure full team coordination. Respective approach proves to be very comfortable for the clients.

- Do you think that you will be able to offer competitive price to the customers?

- I consider that this is yet another advantage of ours.

Namely, standard consulting companies often incur additional costs. For instance, payment provided by the client to the company is shared among the whole hierarchy of the employees (directors, founders, direct performers). Acquired financial resources are also utilized to cover office maintenance costs, paying salaries to the technical personnel and other staff members, etc. In our case, the costs are minimized – this will enable us to offer quality service at an optimal price.

In fact, we have created a network of professionals, an intellectual hub. Our greatest capital is an extensive and fully systematized database of distinguished experts operating in various fields. Filling in, improvement and perfection of the said database is an ongoing process.

10

BUSINESS

February 6, 2017 #179

Earliest Khinkali and Khachapuri in the City Due to high demand of customers Dinehall opens Georgian Cuisine. From opening date till today, Dinehall hosted 40 000 guest. The place where guest`s demands are satisfied now is waiting for You with Georgian Cuisine.

From 23th of January, from 07:30 – 01:30 you can enjoy mostly fresh – casual Georgian dishes in Tbilisi in Dinehall’s ExpoHalls.

Our Menu includes: Khachapuri, Khinkali, Mtsvadi, Assorted Pkhali, Gozinaki, Draft Beer and other 11 type of Georgian Dishes.

EVENT

SWEETS MARKET

Badagi -Georgian Product of the Year Which difficulties did you have to overcome?

There were a lot of obstacles, but I always had a hope that I could make it work. There was pause of 4-5 years, but finally after 10-15 years, we managed to establish our business on Georgian market.

What was the advantage of Churchkhela you made?

Our advantage was producing a natural product.

There was a demand for it but you couldn’t buy natural Churchkhela neither in Kakheti or anywhere else.

We don’t have any special recipe for our product. You should just spare nuts, grapes and walnuts but you should make a quality product. It might be more expensive but we are focused on quality.

What amount of Churchkhela did you use to produce, and how many of them do you produce now?

Badagi is a Georgia Churchkhela producer company which was established in 2011. The company was a winner of Business Awards 2016 in the nomination: The product of the year. The founder of the company, Vakhtang Kajarishvili talks about where the idea of Bagadi comes from and how the business succeeded.

Tell us, how did you come up with an idea to create “Badagi”?

The idea was to create a product which would be Georgian, traditional and natural. The product should have been found in Georgia and I decided that Churchkhela would be the most appropriate for this business. The history of Badagi started 20 years ago.

How long did it take to fulfill your idea?

We started immediately but back then it was more like an experiment, there weren’t many shops.

NEWS

FACTORY

Zearis Expands Exports Market

Matériel to Open its First Shop in New York

Zearis company has entered Australian market. The company exported a test consignment of Georgian Chacha to Australia 2 weeks ago with the aim to explore the consumer demand for the mentioned product.

Zearis Chacha is successfully sold in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Estonia, the company director Ramaz Krichinashvili told GBC. Negotiations are underway with other countries too, including the former CIS countries.

In 10 days Georgian Chacha exports issue will be decided with Russia.

About 30 New Hotels to Build in Georgia in 20172019 According to the data of Tourism National Administration, 12 of the buildings will be located in Tbilisi. This is the list of the hotels to be built: Hotel Intercontinental, Hilton Garden, Park inn by Radisson, Radisson Blu Telegraph, Ramada Encore, Golden Tulip, Panorama Freedom Square, Panorama Sololaki, Moxy Hotels, Pullman Hotels.

The hotel intercontinental will be built by “Adjara Group”. Hilton Garden In will be located on Chavchavadze avenue, Tbilisi.

The construction of Radisson Telegraph will be completed by Silk Road Group.

Matériel built a modern-equipped factory in Tbilisi, where up to 250 people are employed and the number is going to increase.The factory was opened by the minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Giorgi Gakharia. The company Matériel united the production of Georgian designers and owns two brands Matériel and Dots. The minister said that the factory is going to expand and create more jobs.

Matériel brand is exported to 10 countries (Switzerland, Australia, South Korea, Russia, Italy, China, Armenia, Kuwait,Ukraine). The company borrowed 1 200 000 GEL business loan from EBRD to manage the business. Matériel shops are located in Tbilisi, Kote Apkhaxi Street and Batumi Hotel Hilton. In the following days,the shop will be open in the USA, New York.

“It is a very good example of successful business.

We will support such factories in the frame of “Produce in Georgia”. I believe that consumer goods industry is a field, where additional jobs will be created very rapidly”-declared Giorgi Gakharia.

According to the information of Matériel representatives, they will produce shoes in the future. The massive production produced by holding will be exported to more countries abroad.

We used to make 500 before, but we produce 5000 Churchkhelas now.

Are you planning to export your product?

We are not planning to export it yet because the local market is a priority, but our original plan was to produce it locally and it’s necessary to stay here 1 more year.

What is necessary to increase the demand for the product?

Quality, good attitude with customers and considering their demands is very important.

What changed the Business Awards 2016 for you?

Winning this nomination made us more famous and we gained more trust in society.

What would you advise people who want to start their business?

They should work hard to achieve the goal. It takes a lot of effort and time.

Beer Restaurant Grüner-Popular, Well-known and In Demand New Beer Restaurant Grüner in Tbilisi is now open. The restaurant exclusively offers Grüner and Tucher beer to beer lovers.

With the high quality German beer, the restaurant offers: Dishes made by Georgian products, live music and sport matches on the screen.

Saturday, on 4th of February, there will be a special performance at 20.30 by the band “Good Company” for you.

Iconic drink from Bavaria! You can buy the beer made by traditional, old Bavarian recipe in restaurant Grüner. It is made by former Grüner Bräu recipe and it reanimates almost forgotten traditions. Its history dates back to year 1709. In 19th and 20th century, Grüner was a symbol of Furt Beer. It is a white, soft and fizzy drink with the aroma of high quality hop and matches the taste of beer lovers.

The address of the restaurant: Tbilisi, Pekini 41, Gagarini Square

11

STARTUP

February 6, 2017 #179

Recommendations by distinguished billionaires for amateur businessmen: Warren Buffet: Invest in Perspective Companies; Seth Klarman: Reduce Mistake Risks; Ray Dalio – Ignore Experts and Think Yourself; Paul Tudor Johns – Use Secret of Successful Billionaires; Eli Broad – Do not Take Risks Evey time.

Recommendations

by Temur Chkonia for Beginner Businessmen

These people are famous and successful businessmen. A major part of them started making money from zero. Having reached a peak in their career, many of them made serious contributions to charity. They have also provided suggestions and recommendations for those who start business activities today in this or that field or those who have already attained even a little success.

All of them give different suggestions. They have passed various ways for making a fortune and attaining success. It is definitely interesting to know their opinion, their experience and suggestions. Beginner or succeeded businessmen can choose their favorite sample among these people and follow their suggestions.

It is not easy to manage business, even more so in Georgia. A part of people perceive the success as a luck, others can justify the failure too.

The Caucasus Business Week (CBW) continues inquiring Georgian businessmen on how they launched business activities and how they achieved success.

Several suggestions how to succeed in business.

TEMUR CHKONIA The Column Guest Exportable Goods Production - Beginner businessmen should know one thing.

Namely, their business should not be focused on only Georgian market. In any case, they should undertake business and manufacture products for exports. In current situation, those, who have launched various business activities in Georgia with focus on only Georgian market, have turned out in heavy condition, because they have incorrectly assessed the Georgian market size, potential, solvency, competition and so on. Therefore, I would give one advice that their business should be oriented on only the market size and not only family sustenance. They should take into account the market volume.

Market Research – technologies and communications enable to explore the market demands. Business activities should be launched only after this exploration. Otherwise,

they will bottle tarragon, pear and similar products again and again.

Business Plan – you may have a wonderful idea, a wellstructured in brain, interesting, but you may not know how to develop a project. Therefore, there are various consulting companies that will arrange plans and tell how to act. It is not necessary to be both a constructor and a colorer. The same person should not do everything. You should lower ambitions and say that you do not know everything. You cannot know everything and, to replenish the gap, you should ask for advice or apply to business consulting companies that are able to develop a business plan.

Education – It is impossible to launch business without education. It is my spiritual demand to do business.

It is not my profession. Many people say that they can go to business. However, I have seen many people who went to business, but in vain. Business is a pleasant affair, when you manage and control it, not on the contrary. In Georgia, in most cases, business controls people.

When you manage business, you control it and this is good, but when business controls you, your life gets complicated.

Talent for Doing Business – Talent is necessary in everything, but everybody knows their potential. Sometimes, people confront with their internal features and go to the opposite side.

Initial Capital – It is wonderful that startups are financed in Georgia. As a rule, commercial banks finance startups less. And this is logical. The Government has started this program and I believe this is a good program. There is no size limit for startups and everything depends on brain and business plan. Your brain are assessed by only your business plan. When you do even small business, you should specify in which sector and in which part to be steady. Size does not matter. Business strength consists in its firmness. You may earn 100 GEL, but stably.

But you may earn 500 GEL, but unstably. You should create the sense of stability.

Knowledge of Languages – I think the issue of languages is of crucial importance, when we talk about visa liberalization and global integration. People frequently say that others should learn Georgian and we are not obliged to learn English.

This is a major mistake and incorrect logics.

My generation is remains fastened to the past. Major mistake of my generation is that they live by the past and recollections and this is much mistake.We should set balance between the past, present and the future.

Take a Healthy Piece of Georgia - “I am proud to make the Georgian product Chirchkhela” Interview with Guri Guka Salukvadze, the company’s 25-year old founder.

Chirchkhela is a new Georgian Dried Fruit Brand. Though a wide range of products appears under its Owl logo, its slogan is very simple – “Enjoy”.

- Can you tell us about your product?

- Chirchkhela, is a Georgian dried fruit and vegetables manufacturer, producing 15 varieties of dried Georgian fruit and 10 varieties of dried vegetables, all organic.

I can tell you that Chirchkhela Looks After Your Health. Its salutary, healthy and delicious delicaciesare beneficial for your health and famous for their vitamin and energy content. Thy go well with wine and whisky, meat and fish and are used in health treatment and as gifts.

- Where did the idea for Chirchkhela come from?

- This sector does not have the traditions that others have. It was something I had to start from scratch. Eventually one thing simplyled to another and I couldn’t get the idea of working in agriculture out of my head.

I have always had a healthy lifestyle, and despite my busy schedule I still pay frequent visits to gyms, where trainers put us through various exercises and nutritionists provide dietary supplements. Dried fruit plays a pretty significant part in these.

Dried fruit is a delicacy, and so is hard to find at both good quality and reasonable price. So I decided to create something valuable, a natural product wholesome and enjoyable for people of my age, for kids and for those who want healthy snacks.

Dried fruit contains calcium, has high energy value, enhances concentration, improves memory, has healing features and makes a great gift.

- How did you turn your idea into a business?

- I undertook trainings, master classes and consultations with professionals in the field. Then we developed our product range, and now we manufacture a variety of Georgian dried fruits such as prunes, figs, peaches, apples, kiwi, melons, watermelons and grapes. We also produce tasty Georgian “Tklapi” and offer exotic fruits such as pineapples.

“Chirchkhela” dried fruits are organic and without concentrates, and are thus at the top of the range. Our Head Technologist Konstantine Sarishvili sets and strictly controls product quality. The splendour of Georgia comes to you.

- Your trademark is rather unusual: why “Owl”?

- Our owl is a very interesting and creative logo, which is what I wanted. I did not need to discuss the logo much when we worked on the branding, but we had lots of suggestions about the name. I decided on Chirchkhela as this name captures the Georgian spirit. After we had set our objectives our designer Magda Gamkrelidze came up with the logo. Our Brand-book is much liked by everyone, and this is just the beginning, as I am supporter of unconventional marketing.

- Did you get any funding from the government?

- No, this is our family business and we created “Chirchkhela” with our own funds. But I intend to participate in state programmes in order to grow the business further. We plan to introduce another important innovation in the dried fruit industry which, with your permission, I will not reveal at this time.

- Where is your product available?

- Information about it went viral very quickly. Catering and events service companies made contact with us and embassies started making orders.

Chirchkhela is attractive to foreigners due to its name and content. We receive private and corporate orders, prepare gift baskets and cases and also offer home delivery.

Chirchkhela is a high quality organic product with a distinctive design, creative packing and standard prices.

Demand is rather high. We have opened our own shop at 33 Abashidze Street.

Our products are displayed in fitness halls and through various marketing networks, and we are in the process of

meeting export regulations. Chirchkhela dried fruit is given the highest accolades by our customers.

We held a Chirchkhela presentation and tasting at the Georgian Times National Business Awards Ceremony - an event attended by the heads of Georgia’s top companies, ministers, ambassadors, government officials and media representatives. This once again proved the significance of our product, and that a Georgian, natural and wholesome product is vitally important for our customers.

Chirchkhela received high assessments at the ceremony; I am proud to make a Georgian product customers are satisfied with. It is the outcome of roundthe-clock toil, but everything is still ahead of us. We are ready for business partnerships and interesting challenges.

- How can interested persons contact you?

- Our Facebook page Chirchkhela advertises our entire product range.

The webpage www.chirchkhela.ge is under construction. Those interested in making orders can call 571 11 12 33, or visit our shop, here we have our full assortment: dried fruits and vegetables, real grape syrup, hazelnut and walnut churchkhela, tklapi and tklapi with walnuts, natural Georgian tea, natural honey from a monastery, jam, Georgian wine,brandy and Tushetian chacha treatment cocktail.

“LIFE IS DELICIOUS WITH CHIRCHKHELA”

12

PUBLICITY

February 6, 2017 #179

13

WORLD NEWS

February 6, 2017 #179

Quotes

“ Make a commitment “In response to the increased consumption [of gas], we already have a 10-year plan for infrastructure development”

to something and stick to it because that ultimately is what will set you free.

”

Jacqueline Novogratz

Shah Deniz Stage 2 of fundamental importance for Georgia

Deutsche Bank’s Bill for Russia Trades Reaches $629 Million

T

Deutsche Bank AG was fined $629 million by U.K. and U.S. authorities for compliance failures that saw the bank help wealthy Russians move about $10 billion out of the country using transactions that were likely thinly veiled attempts to cover up financial crime.

The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority issued a 163 million-pound ($204 million) fine Tuesday, hours after New York’s Department of Financial Services fined the bank $425 million, for failures over the so-called “mirror-trades.” A criminal investigation by the U.S. Justice Department is ongoing into the trades, which were used to convert rubles into dollars and transfer the money out of Russia.

Deutsche Bank rose in Frankfurt trading as the deal removes another source of uncertainty that had weighed on the stock and the bank said the fines are “materially” covered by existing provisions. Earlier this month, the lender finalized a $7.2 billion settlement to resolve a U.S. investigation into its sales of toxic mortgage debt. While Chief Executive Officer John Cryan has been pressing to wrap up regulatory reviews, investigations into whether the bank manipulated foreign-currency rates and precious metals prices haven’t been resolved yet.

he second stage of development of Azerbaijan’s largest Shah Deniz gas field is of fundamental importance for Georgia, said Georgia’s Deputy Energy Minister Mariam Valishvili in an interview with Business Time Georgia.

One of the main issues in the development of Georgia’s energy market in the next few years is the launch of the expanded South Caucasus Pipeline as part of Shah Deniz 2 and construction of an underground gas storage facility, according to her.

“In response to the increased consumption [of gas], we already have a 10-year plan for infrastructure development. It is necessary to build a gas storage facility. Gas storage facilities allow flexibly regulating supply volumes,” she said.

“According to the contract signed with the Shah Deniz consortium,

there is a restriction, under which in case Georgia is unable to use the supplied gas, it will lose those gas volumes, and at the same time, we have no re-export opportunity.”

Valishvili added that in summer, when consumption is not high, Georgia will be able to accumulate these volumes in the gas storage facility and use them in peak season.

Reserves of the Shah Deniz field are estimated at 1.2 trillion cubic meters of gas. Shah Deniz Stage 2 will add a further 16 billion cubic meters per year of gas production to the approximately 9 billion cubic meters per year produced by Shah Deniz Stage 1.

The gas will be exported to Georgia, Turkey and European markets through expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline.

Turkey’s purges are hitting its business class

T

HE snow on Mount Erciyes sparkles in the early afternoon sun. The skiing on this volcano nearly 4,000 metres high is among the best in Turkey. At the bottom of one slope, a group of secular Turks dance and drink beer outside a new hotel. On the other, alcohol-free, side of the mountain, local families and Arab tourists drink tea. The entrance to a nearby mosque is littered with ski boots; young women in headscarves pelt each other with snowballs.

Down the mountain in Kayseri, the view is considerably bleaker.

Not long ago, this industrial city was touted as the birthplace of the Anatolian Tigers, a generation of conservative businessmen who helped create Turkey’s economic boom in the 2000s. Today many of the Tigers are behind bars in the mass arrests that followed an attempted coup last July. The boom is over. Exports from the region have fallen by at least 4% over the past year. Investment has dried up.

For the local economy to recover, says Mahmut Hicyilmaz, head of Kayseri’s chamber of commerce, “our industrialists and our investors need a sense of security.”

They do not have it. Roughly 40,000 people have been arrested across Turkey since the summer, and an increasing number are businessmen, from construction magnates to owners of chains of baklava stores. Their crime, say prosecutors, was to have bankrolled the Gulen movement, a religious sect accused of masterminding the coup. Armed with emergency powers, the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says it has taken over more than 800 companies worth a combined $10bn since July. A court in Istanbul recently confiscated the assets of dozens of writers and journalists arrested because of suspected Gulenist sympathies. Officials say they are fighting the financing of terrorism. Critics call it state-sanctioned plunder.

Iranian company ready to invest $1 million in Armenian free economic zone An Iranian company called ‘Rena’ is ready to invest $1 million in the construction of infrastructure for a free economic zone Armenia plans to build near the town of Agarak, not far from the border with Iran, according to its CEO Reza Nafez, who spoke to Armenian reporters on the fringes of an Armenian-Iranian business meeting in Yerevan. He said his company is ready to secure the deliveries of asphalt, concrete, and glass for the Armenian free economic zone.

He also called on Armenian businessmen not to wait for foreign investors and make their own investments in the free economic zone, since Armenia can do it a very interesting platform for foreign companies. He also said that Armenian and Iranian companies may create joint productive ventures in Armenian free economic zone as raw materials in Iran are quite cheap and they can be processed in Armenia.

“By purchasing raw materials in Iran, Armenian companies can set up production and packaging on their territory and then export the finished goods to Georgia and member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union,” Nafez said, adding that many Armenian companies already buy raw materials in Iran.

ESCAP will further analyse all these issues in depth in the 2017 edition of the Asia-Pacific Disaster Report to be launched in October

Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Mitigate Weather Extremes

T

his month’s floods in Thailand are a worrisome reminder of the increasing uncertainty of extreme weather events.

Thailand’s flood season usually ends in November, but this year, influenced by a low depression and a strong northeast monsoon, widespread flooding in the south of the country has killed more than sixty people, affected over 330,000 households, and resulted in widespread asset losses.

Far from being an anomaly, however, the unpredictability of these extreme weather events may become the norm. Using a United Nations global methodology to estimate future disaster losses, we anticipate that average annual losses in Thailand due to floods will reach more than $2.5 billion by 2030, or 0.65 per cent of the country’s 2015 GDP, which is the equivalent of 2.6 per cent of gross fixed capital formation, and 2 per cent of gross savings.

The final impact on Thailand’s GDP for 2017 will depend on the duration of the floods. To date, the worst affected sector is rubber, which accounts for 1.5 per cent of GDP and 2.4 per cent of export revenues. The Rubber Authority of Thailand estimates that approximately 10 per cent of the country’s rubber production has been lost so far. As Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of rubber, accounting for 38 per cent of world exports, a tighter global market supply may result in an increase in prices, which would somewhat mute revenue losses.

Nevertheless, based on climate outlook forecasts expecting the floods to recede by the end of January, a loss of 10 to 15 billion baht could still be expected.

Concrete measures can and must be taken to minimize the impact of these disasters: Build the resilience of the poor to weather extremes The El Nino climate phenomena has resulted in both prolonged drought and floods in quick succession, with poor farmers in particular, bearing the brunt. The exposure of rubber farmers in Southern Thailand to severe drought in 2015 and 2016 and the current floods signals a new normal of complex disaster risk. Poverty is a contributing factor in vulnerability to these disasters because it limits income earning options. The poor are much more likely to cope by reducing expenditures on education and health, which in turn further weakens their recovery and reinforces the transmission of intergenerational poverty in irreversible ways.

Monetary values attached to disaster losses seriously underestimate the complex linkages between poverty and disasters.

Strengthen early warning systems Last November, the 7th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Climate Outlook Forum predicted a strong northeast monsoon, and the Thai Meteorological Department forecasted medium and short range floods, which helped line ministries and provincial governments prepare for various flood scenarios.

Nevertheless, experience demonstrates that early warning messages tend to become less effective when they reach ‘the last mile’. This

is not because of the lack of preparedness on the ground but rather because of the overall content of early warning messages and the way risk is communicated. Often there is a lack of communication on not only the severity of impacts, but also on what specific areas, communities, and assets are most at-risk and likely to be most affected. In other cases, communities may not receive information in time, or they may receive unreliable risk information from various media sources, including social media, which can create confusion.

To prompt action at the community-level, risk information needs to be both tailored and standardized. Calibrating these two requirements is central to maintaining the credibility of risk information. Finding the right balance can be challenging, so in recognition of this the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (ESCAP) Multi-donor Trust Fund on Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness has prioritized financial support for initiatives that have built capacity in impact-based forecasting and last mile outreach.

Leverage regional cooperation to mitigate risks and build resilience With the intensification of climate change effects, disasters are increasingly transboundary phenomena. This demands transboundary solutions. Actions taken on a regional cooperative basis can be particularly effective because the benefits unleashed are greater than the sum of individual country responses.

Consequently, ESCAP has created a climate risk communication platform, the Monsoon Forum, for improved understanding of climate outlooks and seasonal forecasts in high risk-low capacity countries such as Myanmar, Lao PDR and Cambodia. Through South-South cooperation, ESCAP will tap into Thailand’s experience and knowledge in short and medium range forecasts and early warning communication systems, while continuing to support the integration of innovative tools and techniques for forecasting and monitoring tropical cyclones through the Panel on Tropical Cyclones and the Typhoon Committee, in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

In partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk (UNISDR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ESCAP coordinates UN intervention at all stages of the disaster cycle, while in parallel, ASEAN and the UN have adopted a Joint Strategic Plan of Action on Disaster Management. These multiple initiatives have undoubtedly helped countries to be better prepared to face disasters.

ESCAP will further analyse all these issues in depth in the 2017 edition of the Asia-Pacific Disaster Report to be launched in October.

The report will explore viable and effective methods of building the poor’s resilience to disasters, which is key to achieving the 2030 Agenda’s aspiration of leaving no-one behind in Asia and the Pacific.

By Dr. Shamshad Akhtar The author is a United Nations Under-Secretary-General and the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

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Embassy United States of America Embassy 11 Balanchivadze St., Dighomi Dstr., Tbilisi Tel: 27-70-00, 53-23-34 E-mail: tbilisivisa@state.gov; askconsultbilisi@state.gov United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Embassy 51 Krtsanisi Str., Tbilisi, Tel: 227-47-47 E-mail: british.embassy.tbilisi@fco.gov.uk Republic of France Embassy 49, Krtsanisi Str. Tbilisi, Tel: 272 14 90 E-mail: ambafrance@access.sanet.ge Web-site: www.ambafrance-ge.org Federal Republic of Germany Embassy 20 Telavi St. Tbilisi Tel: 44 73 00, Fax: 44 73 64 Italian RepublicEmbassy 3a Chitadze St, Tbilisi, Tel: 299-64-18, 292-14-62, 292-18-54 E-mail: embassy.tbilisi@esteri.it Republic of Estonia Embassy 4 Likhauri St., Tbilisi, Tel: 236-51-40 E-mail: tbilisisaatkond@mfa.ee Republic of Lithuania Embassy 25 Tengiz Abuladze St, Tbilisi Tel: 291-29-33 E-mail: amb.ge@urm.lt Republic of Latvia Embassy 16 Akhmeta Str., Avlabari, 0144 Tbilisi.

E-mail: embassy.georgia@mfa.gov.lv Greece Republic Embassy 37. Tabidze St. Tbilisi Tel: 91 49 70, 91 49 71, 91 49 72 Czech RepublicEmbassy 37 Chavchavadze St. Tbilisi ;Tel: 291-67-40/41/42 E-mail: czechembassy@gol.ge Web-sait: www.mzv.cz Japan Embassy 7 Krtsanisi St. Tbilisi Tel: +995 32 2 75 21 11, Fax: +995 32 2 75 21 20 Kingdom of Sweden Embassy 15 Kipshidze St. Tbilisi Tel: +995 32 2 55 03 20 , Fax: +995 32 2 22 48 90 Kingdom of the Netherlands Embassy 20 Telavi St. Tbilisi Tel: 27 62 00, Fax: 27 62 32 People’s Republic of China Embassy 52 Barnov St. Tbilisi Tel: 225-22-86, 225-21-75, 225-26-70 E-mail: zhangling@access.sanet.ge Republic of Bulgaria Embassy 15 Gorgasali Exit, 0105 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: +995 32 291 01 94; +995 32 291 01 95 Fax: +99 532 291 02 70 Republic of Hungary Embassy 83 Lvovi Street, Tbilisi Tel: 39 90 08; E-mail: hunembtbs@gmail.com State of Israel Embassy 61 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tbilisi Tel: 95 17 09, 94 27 05 Embassy of Swiss Confederation’s Russian Federation Interests Section Embassy 51 Chavchavadze Av., Tbilisi Tel: 291-26-45, 291-24-06, 225-28-03 E-mail: RussianEmbassy@Caucasus.net Ukraine Embassy 75, Oniashvili St., Tbilisi Tel: 231-11-61, 231-12-02, 231-14-54 E-mail: ukraina_pu@wanex.net; emb_ge@mfa.gov.ua Consular Agency: 71, Melikishvili St., Batumi Tel: (8-88-222) 3-16-00/ 3-14-78 Republic of Turkey Embassy 35 Chavchavadze Ave., Tbilisi Tel: 225-20-72/73/74/76 embassy.tbilisi@mfa.gov.tr Consulate General in Batumi 9 Ninoshvili Street, Batumi Tel: 422 25 58 00 consulate.batumi@mfa.gov.tr Republic of Azerbaijan Embassy Kipshidze II-bl . N1., Tbilisi Tel: 225-26-39, 225-35-26/27/28 E-mail: tbilisi@mission.mfa.gov.az Address: Dumbadze str. 14, Batumi Tel: 222-7-67-00; Fax: 222-7-34-43 Republic of Armenia Embassy 4 Tetelashvili St. Tbilisi Tel: 95-94-43, 95-17-23, 95-44-08 E-mail: armemb@caucasus.net Web: www.armenianembassy.ge Consulate General, Batumi Address: Batumi, Gogebashvili str. 32, Apt. 16 Kingdom of Spain Embassy Rustaveli Ave. 24, I floor, Tbilisi Tel: 230-54-64 E-mail: emb.tiflis@maec.esRomania Embassy

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TBILISI GUIDE 7 Kushitashvili St., Tbilisi Tel: 38-53-10; 25-00-98/97 E-mail: ambasada@caucasus.net Republic of Poland Embassy 19 Brothers Zubalashvili St., Tbilisi Tel: 292-03-98 Email:tbilisi.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl Web-site: www.tbilisi.polemb.net Republic of Iraq Embassy Kobuleti str. 16, Tbilisi Tel: 291 35 96; 229 07 93 E-mail: iraqiageoemb@yahoo.com Federative Republic of Brazil Embassy Chanturia street 6/2, Tbilisi Tel.: +995-32-293-2419 Fax.: +995-32-293-2416 Islamic Republic of Iran Embassy 80, I.Chavchavadze St. Tbilisi, Tel: 291-36-56, 291-36-58, 291-36-59, 291-36-60; Fax: 291-36-28 E-mail: iranemb@geo.net.ge United Nations Office Address: 9 Eristavi St. Tbilisi Tel: 225-11-26/28, 225-11-29/31 Fax: 225-02-71/72 E-mail: registry.geo@undp.org Web-site: www.undp.org International Monetary Fund Office Address : 4 Freedom Sq., GMT Plaza, Tbilisi Tel: 292-04-32/33/34 E-mail: kdanelia@imf.org Web-site: www.imf.ge Asian Development Bank Georgian Resident Mission Address: 1, G. Tabidze Street

Freedom Square 0114 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: +995 32 225 06 19 E-mail: adbgrm@adb.org; Web-site: www.adb.org World Bank Office Address : 5a Chavchavadze Av., lane-I, Tbilisi, Georgia ; Tel: 291-30-96, 291-26-89/59 Web-site: www.worldbank.org.ge Regional Office of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Address: 6 Marjanishvili St. Tbilisi Tel: 244 74 00, 292 05 13, 292 05 14 Web-site: www.ebrd.com Representation of the Council of Europe in Georgia Address : 26 Br. Kakabadze, Tbilisi Tel: 995 32 291 38 70/71/72/73 Fax: 995 32 291 38 74 Web-site: www.coe.ge Embassy of the Slovak Republic Address: Chancery: 85 Irakli Abashidze St. Tbilisi, 0162 Georgia Consular Office: 38 Nino Chkheidze St. Tbilisi, 0102 Georgia Phone: 2 222 4437, 2 296 1913 e-mail: emb.tbilisi@mzv.sk

Hotels in Georgia TBILISI MARRIOTT Tbilisi , 13 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 77 92 00, www.marriott.com COURTYARD MARRIOTT Tbilisi , 4 Freedom Sq. Tel: 77 91 00 www.marriott.com RADISSON BLU HOTEL, TBILISI Rose Revolution Square 1 0108, Tbilisi Tel: +995 32 402200 radissonblu.com/hotel-tbilisi RADISSON BLU HOTEL, BATUMI Ninoshvili Str. 1, 6000 Bat’umi, Georgia Tel: 8 422255555 http://radissonblu.com/hotel-batumi SHERATON METECHI PALACE Tbilisi , 20 Telavi St. Tel: 77 20 20, www.starwoodhotels.com SHERATON BATUMI 28 Rustaveli Street • Batumi Tel: (995)(422) 229000 www.sheratonbatumi.com HOLIDAY INN TBILISI Business hotel Addr: 1, 26 May Square Tel: +995 32 230 00 99 E-mail: info@hi-tbilisi.com Website: http://www.hi-tbilisi.com BETSY’S HOTEL With Marvellous Tbilisi Views Addr: 32/34 Makashvili St. Tbilisi Tel: +995 32 293 14 04; +995 32 292 39 96 Fax: +995 32 99 93 11 E-mail: info@betsyshotel.com Website: http://www.betsyshotel.com

Restaurants CORNER HOUSE Tbilisi, I. Chavchavadze ave. 10, Tel: 0322 47 00 49; Email: contact@cornerhouse.ge RESTAURANT BARAKONI Restaurant with healthy food.

Georgian-European Cuisine Agmashenebeli Alley 13th Phone: 555 77 33 77 www.barakoni.com CHARDIN 12 Tbilisi , 12 Chardin St. , Tel: 92 32 38 CAFE 78 Best of the East and the West Lado Asatiani 33, SOLOLAKI 032 2305785; 574736290 BREAD HOUSE Tbilisi , 7 Gorgasali St. , Tel: 30 30 30 BUFETTI - ITALIAN RESTAURANT Tbilisi , 31 I. Abashidze St. , Tel: 22 49 61 DZVELI SAKHLI Tbilisi , 3 Right embankment , Tel: 92 34 97, 36 53 65, Fax: 98 27 81 IN THE SHADOW OF METEKHI Tbilisi , 29a Tsamebuli Ave. , Tel: 77 93 83, Fax: 77 93 83 SAKURA - JAPANESE RESTAURANT Tbilisi , 29 I. Abashidze St. , Tel: 29 31 08, Fax: 29 31 08 SIANGAN - CHINESE RESTAURANT Tbilisi , 41 Peking St , Tel: 37 96 88 VERA STEAK HOUSE Tbilisi , 37a Kostava St , Tel: 98 37 67 BELLE DE JOUR 29 I. Abashidze str, Tbilisi; Tel: (+995 32) 230 30 30 VONG 31 I. Abashidze str, Tbilisi Tel: (+995 32) 230 30 30 BRASSERIE L’EXPRESS 14 Chardin str, Tbilisi Tel: (+995 32) 230 30 30 TWO SIDE PARTY CLUB 7 Bambis Rigi, Tbilisi Tel: (+995 32) 230 30 30

SH. RUSTAVELI STATE THEATRE Tbilisi. 17 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 93 65 83, Fax: 99 63 73 TBILISI STATE MARIONETTE THEATRE Tbilisi. 26 Shavteli St. Tel: 98 65 89, Fax: 98 65 89 Z. PALIASHVILI TBILISI STATE THEATRE OF OPERA AND BALLET Tbilisi. 25 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 98 32 49, Fax: 98 32 50

Galleries ART GALLERY LINE Tbilisi. 44 Leselidze St. BAIA GALLERY Tbilisi. 10 Chardin St. Tel: 75 45 10 GALLERY Tbilisi. 12 Erekle II St. Tel: 93 12 89

Real Estate International Real Estate Company (IREC) Tbilisi. 9 P. Aslanidi St. Tel: +995 32 238 058 Mob: 599 95 76 71 Email: Info@irec.ge www.irec.ge

GSS Car rental offers a convenient service for those who are interested in renting car in Georgia. Rental fleet mainly consist of Japanese made SUV’s, the company has various models of cars including sedans and minivans which are in good technical condition.

Contact information: Email: info@gsservices.ge.

Address: Shalva Dadiani 10

Cinemas AKHMETELI Tbilisi. “Akhmeteli” Subway Station Tel: 58 66 69 AMIRANI Tbilisi. 36 Kostava St. Tel: 99 99 55, RUSTAVELI Tbilisi. 5 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 92 03 57, 92 02 85, SAKARTVELO Tbilisi. 2/9 Guramishvili Ave. Tel: 8 322308080,

LIMELIGHTTRAVELINFOCENTER Address: 13 Sioni Street, 0105, Tbilisi (at the end of Shardeni Street) Phone: +995 322 999 123 E-mail: info@limelight.ge Web-page: www.limelight.ge Facebook page: www.facebook.com/limelight.ge

Theatres A. GRIBOEDOV RUSSIAN STATE DRAMA THEATRE Tbilisi. 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 93 58 11, Fax: 93 31 15 INDEPENDENT THEATRE Tbilisi. 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 98 58 21, Fax: 93 31 15 K. MARJANISHVILI STATE ACADEMIC THEATRE Tbilisi. 8 Marjanishvili St. Tel: 95 35 82, Fax: 95 40 01 M. TUMANISHVILI CINEMA ACTORS THEATRE Tbilisi. 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 35 31 52, 34 28 99, Fax: 35 01 94 METEKHI – THEATRE OF GEORGIAN NATIONAL BALLET Tbilisi. 69 Balanchivadze St. Tel: (99) 20 22 10 MUSIC AND DRAMATIC STATE THEATRE Tbilisi. 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 34 80 90, Fax: 34 80 90 NABADI - GEORGIAN FOLKLORE THEATRE Tbilisi. 19 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 98 99 91 S. AKHMETELI STATE DRAMATIC THEATRE Tbilisi. 8 I. Vekua St. Tel: 62 59 73

THE BEST GEORGIAN HONEY OF CHESTNUTS,ACACIA AND LIME FLOWERS FROM THE VERY HART OF ADJARA MATCHAKHELA GORGE IN THE NETWORK OF GOODWILL, NIKORA AND SMART

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