Issue #1259

Issue no: 1259

• AUGUST 14 - 20, 2020 • PUBLISHED WEEKLY

PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

EU Ambassador: Past Reflections on the Future NEWS PAGE 2

“I have a hard time taking much of what Sarkozy says seriously” – President Ilves on the 2008 War POLITICS PAGE 3

Activist Andrei Sannikov on the Belarusian Elections POLITICS PAGE 4

Tbilisi Hills Commercial Director on Bringing a New Lifestyle to Georgia

FOCUS

BUSINESS PAGE 6

Georgia’s External Trade January-June, 2020

ON BUILDING GEORGIA'S AGRICULTURE Entrepreneur Erhan Zorlu on developing the country's potential

BUSINESS PAGE 7

PAGE 8

COVID Concerns

BY ANA DUMBADZE

Walking in Circles: Field Notes SOCIETY PAGE 10

12th Batumi-Tbilisi Int’l Fest 'Night Serenades’ to be Held in Virtual Format CULTURE PAGE 10

A

t Wednesday's meeting of the Interagency Coordination Council, Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia was asked if the government is considering postponing the date of school-reopening or the elections. He answered that the country is not faced with conditions so worrying that either event needs postponing.

"As of today, there are no conditions for postponing studies or for children not to start the studying process in classrooms from September 15. The situation does not call for it today, just as there is no basis for changing the election date,” said the Prime Minister.

Due to high epidemiological risk, Mestia, Ushguli, and the village of Lenjeri were put on lockdown on August 10, Svaneti being the epicenter of numerous new COVID cases in Georgia. Those leaving the area must now undertake a 14-day quarantine.

4,000 people were to be tested for COVID-19 in the Municipality of Mestia this week, according to Amiran Gamkrelidze, Director General of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC). Dependent on the test

Georgian Craft Association Holds Craft Tour in Kvemo Kartli CULTURE PAGE 11 Prepared for Georgia Today Business by

Markets As of 10ͲAugͲ2020

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results, a short-term action plan will be established, determining how strict the restrictions will be for the population. Concerns were also raised about Kazbegi when 7 border guards at the Larsi checkpoint at the Russia-Georgia border tested positive for the coronavirus.

"There is no risk,” the PM answered. “Today in Kazbegi, and at the Larsi checkpoint, the epidemiological situation is fully under control.

Therefore, no one is going to impose any restric-

tions in Kazbegi.”

As of Wednesday, 54,205 truck drivers of international shipments had been tested, of which 788 tested positive for the virus.

All truck drivers are tested for the coronavirus at the border, and in case of a 'positive' answer, they are not allowed to enter the country.

"We recognize that these are areas that we need to control with great care and caution," the PM emphasized.

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NEWS

GEORGIA TODAY

AUGUST 14 - 20, 2020

Past Reflections on the Future BLOG BY EU AMBASSADOR TO GEORGIA CARL HARTZELL

T

here is never an ideal time to reflect on the future. No more is this true than these days. When I wrote the article below, on 15 March, the ink had barely dried on the agreement reached in the political dialogue, when Europe and Georgia began to face the early, uncertain phases of the COVID19 challenge.

As a consequence of the latter, this article would not go to print for another four months. As anyone knows, four months is a long time in politics and diplomacy (and arguably in pandemic fighting), so the editor kindly gave me the opportunity to review my article before publication. However, after rereading what I wrote then, I decided to leave it as it was. Had I written this today, I would reformulate some of my assessments, but not drastically. And in the end, I would argue, hopes and aspirations are after all more interesting than day-to-day assessments, because aspirations do not come with the same best-before date! So here are my reflections on the year 2020 from four months ago. I hope you will enjoy my dusty letter from the recent past! *** The agreement signed by a broad major-

ity of political parties one week ago was truly historic. It is my hope, and still my prediction, that the outcome of the political dialogue will enter the history books as a landmark victory for Georgia’s democracy.

In parallel, the world is struggling with the unprecedented health challenge of the COVID-19 virus. My hope on that account is that the peak of this crisis will soon be left behind us. At the same time, I realise that I may well be let down on both accounts.

I believe that the agreement signed on 8 March fundamentally came about thanks to the realization of all political sides that it was high time for Georgia to start moving away from I-win-youlose politics, towards the win-win logic of compromise. If true, this realization alone would make 2020 a truly significant year for Georgia! The issue now is whether everyone is ready to honor and nurture the current consensus and keep pushing the narrative away from destructive polarization towards healthy competition in this crucial election year.

Speaking of health, I hope the Government’s early and proactive approach to countering the spread of the COVID virus will help Georgia avoid the plight of all those countries that arguably woke up too late. Unfortunately, even in a bestcase scenario, Georgia will be facing the consequences of COVID’s global economic impact. Being a small, open econ-

omy makes Georgia highly dependent on global markets, but I hope its overall healthy economic fundamentals will help cushion the blow.

Otherwise, the main challenges for Georgia in 2020 look similar to those of

last year. A credible strategy for inclusive economic growth and de-centralization remains key to eradicating poverty and ensuring broad public support for reforms. Current investments in the education system, including in vocational

training, need to be sustained. We need to work together to boost trade, while Georgia should also seize its potential as a regional connectivity hub, linking it closer to Europe over the Black Sea. Relations between our citizens intensified further last year. More Georgian students than ever made use of education possibilities in Europe, and the number of Georgian companies exporting to the EU has grown at a steady pace.

EU programs offer increased opportunities for Georgia also in other fields, including research and culture. These exchanges are facilitated by visa free travel for Georgian citizens and I hope we will be able to reverse the negative trend of unfounded asylum seekers to ensure its continued success.

Finally, were I to make a wish for 2020, beyond free and fair elections and the successful handling of COVID-19, it would be that environmental issues will move further into the focus of Georgian politics. I see it happening already, but further mobilization is necessary. Sound environmental and energy efficiency policies are key both to citizens’ health and economic growth, making Georgia even more attractive as a tourist destination, lowering energy costs and enhancing energy security. Georgia is a truly beautiful country, with truly wonderful people; both deserve to be taken care of properly!

Lopota, Georgia, 15 March 2020.

Political Union Lelo Continues to Grow thousands of people and created dozens of offices outside our country."

Of Levan Koberidze, he said he “will be one of the leaders” of the team.

“Together, we want this country to be fair and prosperous. We have a lot of work ahead and together with people like Levan and other members of the team, we will definitely achieve it," Kharadze stated.

MP Koberidze left the Georgian Dream ruling party after Parliament approved the bill on the selection and appointment of Supreme Court judges back in May 2019, claiming that the bill drafted by the ruling party MPs failed to ensure transparency in the selection and appointment procedures of judges. Since then, he has been an independent MP. "I’m glad to join the 'Lelo' team: the

BY ANA DUMBADZE

T

his week the oppositional political union ‘Lelo for Georgia’ has gained two prominent new members.

Georgian Businessman Tamaz Gaiashvili, the founder of Airzena Airlines, and Former Majority MP Levan Koberidze both joined Lelo during a press conference organized by party leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze on August 12.

Khazaradze thanked Gaiashvili for his decision, calling it "very important," and noted that the businessman "had been through all the hardships that our country has faced over the years, yet employed

name Lelo is based on the principle of team play and aims to make the opportunities existing in the country available for each of us,” Koberidze said. “This country needs a new, alternative political hub. This alternative center should be in 'Lelo,' and together with 'Lelo.' We carry the value of unity, which must be used for a better life for each of our citizens," Koberidze said.

The 'Lelo for Georgia' political party was created at the end of 2019 by businessmen Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze. The party has attracted a number of prominent political figures.

The party aims to “transcend the dichotomy between the Georgian Dream and the United National Movement, thus putting to an end the bipolar system running in Georgia since 2012.”

Registration for the Welcome to Georgia!

National Tourism Award Nominations is Open

R

egistration for the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2020 nominations opened on August 10.

Tourism and Hospitality companies from all regions of Georgia can participate in the 6th competition of the project, completely free of charge.

One company can register for a maximum of two nominations that are most relevant to its field of activity. Each nominee is assessed in accordance with internationally recognized methodology based on worldwide standards. This year’s assessment will be carried out by online voting, and with a Professional

Jury Board consisting of experts in both the international and local travel, culture and hospitality markets, who are separated according to categories depending on their main professional activity. For the sixth year in a row, BDO Georgia is considered to be the guarantor of the project's transparency and impartiality.

The winners of the 2020 Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards will be announced in a televised ceremony.

"We would like to thank the industry for the positive actions they have taken in the not-so-positive reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, given their resources.,” says Welcome to Georgia!

project founder Maryna Chayka. “The second important purpose of the Award Ceremony is to support domestic tourism. We have added new nominations in this direction this year because we believe that in this way we can increase the self-confidence of the representatives of domestic tourism, which will affect the number of consumers in the future.”

Choose the right nomination for you, register, participate, and become the first in your field!

Nominations: • THE BEST SEA ACCOMMODATION AWARD • THE BEST SKI ACCOMMODATION AWARD • THE BEST 4 SEASON MOUNTAIN ACCOMODATION AWARD • THE BEST HOTEL OF INTERNATIONAL CHAIN IN GEORGIA AWARD • THE BEST VALUE – LOW BUDGET ACCOMMODATION • THE BEST VALUE – STANDARD ACCOMMODATION • THE BEST VALUE – PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION

• THE BEST SMALL WINERY AWARD • THE BEST WINE TOURISM AWARD • THE BEST TRADITIONAL GEORGIAN RESTAURANT AWARD • THE BEST CONCEPT CAFÉ/ RESTAURANT AWARD • THE BEST LOCATION FOR GASTRONOMIC REGIONAL TOURISM • THE BEST RURAL TOURISM AWARD • THE MOST SUCCESSFUL USE AND ASSIMILATION OF TECHNOLOGY • THE BEST PR CAMPAIGN FOR SUPPORTING DOMESTIC TOURISM • THE MOST SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE COMPANY DURING THE PANDEMIC • THE BEST ADVENTURE TOURISM • THE BEST NEW BRAND THAT STARTED OPERATING IN 2020 DESPITE THE CRISIS ON THE MARKET • SPECIAL PRIZE - KHETSURIANI TROPHY, THE BEST CREATIVE WORK ON GEORGIA • THE MOST DIVERSE PROTECTED AREA The project is supported by the Min-

istry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Tbilisi City Hall, the Georgian National Tourism Administration and the project’s Independent Auditor – BDO Georgia.

Welcome to Georgia! The National Tourism Award has been held in Georgia since 2015. The aim of the project is to encourage the Georgian tourism and hospitality industry, to promote the awareness of companies and brands working in this field and to better represent Georgia in the international tourism market. www.wtgawards.com

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 14 - 20, 2020

3

“I have a hard time taking much of what Sarkozy says seriously” – President Ilves on the 2008 War

F

ormer Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves was one of a group of European leaders who came to Georgia and supported the country after the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008, and he has remained a staunch ally of Georgia and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations ever since. 12 years on, the Georgian Institute for Security Policy spoke with President Ilves on his views of the August War and its implications.

AS ONE OF THE FOUR EUROPEAN LEADERS WHO VISITED TBILISI, WHAT ARE YOUR RECOLLECTIONS OF THAT VISIT, AND WHAT YOUR MEMORIES OVER THE YEARS SINCE? Along with President Kaczynski, we decided that since people were not paying attention to what was going on in Georgia, that we would fly down ourselves; the Prime Minister of Latvia came up to Tallinn, and we then flew to Warsaw. President Adamkus joined us there with President Kaczynski, and then we flew to Simferopol, which is also currently occupied by the Russians, after which we were going to fly to Tbilisi.

However, the Russians wouldn't give us permission to go through Georgian airspace, so we flew to Ganja, Azerbaijan, and then we drove 140 kilometers to the Georgian border, and switched cars and drove down without headlights from the mountains by moonlight, because we were advised against driving with our headlights on since the Russians would strafe or bomb potential targets on the road. We managed to get to Tbilisi, and almost immediately found ourselves in front of the crowd in front of the parliament building. We all gave speeches, and the massive crowd was clearly very happy to see us, but it was obvious that they were quite anxious about what was going on; after all, the Russians were only 30 kilometers from the capital. After that, we met President Sarkozy, who claimed to have found a solution which he would then denounce a month and a half later.

WHAT WAS THE SOLUTION? That EU relations with Russia would be frozen until the Russian troops left. And then he found himself at odds with the sixth point of the proposal I guess, which was one of the most important points of the total six.

RADIO FREE EUROPE IS PUBLISHING SARKOZY’S MEMOIRS. IN IT, HE STATES THAT SAAKASHVILI REALLY WANTED TO PLAY ON THE NATIONALIST SENTIMENTS OF HIS COMPATRIOTS AND

EVENTUALLY “WOKE UP THE RUSSIAN BEAR.” WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON PRESIDENT SARKOZY’S REFLECTIONS? I'm just looking at what his actions were, those actions with which he claimed he had achieved peace, and as I mentioned, the most important part of the six-point plan was the agreement that further EU cooperation with Russia would be frozen until the troops left; however, at a meeting of the European Council he had to admit that the proposal he had brokered did not envisage that part, and then it was decided largely due to French pressure not to suspend cooperation with Russia. He was the one who came out and said ‘Thank God common sense prevailed’: that's his quote, in fact. So, given his behavior, I really have a hard time taking much of what he said seriously.

FOR SOME, THE CEASEFIRE IS STILL CONSIDERED AN EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL WESTERN NEGOTIATION TO END THE CONFLICT. DO YOU SHARE THAT VIEW? I didn’t think it was successful from the moment that he came out and backed off on that provision of the agreement.

It might have been successful for six weeks, but since no Russian troops actually left, then I don’t believe it can really be dubbed a success. I rather think it's a spin on the part of people who want to believe it to be a success, because clearly the composite points were never met, and in fact he was the one who was against his own agreement. He might view it as a great success, but in fact he ended up torpedoing it himself. That is just not serious.

TWELVE YEARS IS PROBABLY ENOUGH TIME TO ASSESS THE REAL IMPORTANCE OF THAT FIVE DAY WAR WHICH PROVED SO DISASTROUS FOR GEORGIA. WHAT’S YOUR TAKE? I'd say that in 2014, with Crimea and Donbass, it became clear that appeasing aggression just feeds the appetite of the aggressor; the unwillingness of the proverbial West and the failure of liberal democracies in the transatlantic area to meaningfully deal with the invasion of Georgia only showed Russia and Putin that he’d likely get away with it again, and, of course, since then it's only gotten worse: after all, currently we still have Ukraine in a deadlock. I'd say that some people learned something from 2008, then a few more people learned something from 2014, but not enough.

YOU DEFINITELY DON’T SEEM CONTENT WITH THE

WESTERN RESPONSE TO THESE EVENTS, BUT WHAT MORE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE? More serious sanctions. Russia was seriously pushing for (and receiving) support for visa-free travel after 2008. Of course, after 2014 that stopped, but nonetheless I think the response to 2008 should have been far more robust. Russia, seeing no effective pushback, only became encouraged. The message of the so-called “reset” was it doesn't really matter that you invaded a country, we're going to try to have good relations anyway.

ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT EVENT THAT LED TO IT WAS THE 2008 BUCHAREST SUMMIT. MANY VIEW THAT NOT GIVING GEORGIA A MEMBERSHIP ACTION PLAN BUT INSTEAD A VAGUE PROMISE MIGHT ALSO HAVE PROMPTED RUSSIA TO ACT. HAD THE MAP BEEN DELIVERED THERE, WOULD IT HAVE GIVEN RUSSIA SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT INVADING GEORGIA? I'm convinced that the message that came out of Bucharest was close to a dream for the Russians: they saw that the West was not going to give them what they wanted, therefore, they're not serious. They gave a message of ‘well, you'll someday be a member, but it could be 100 years from now’. It showed that the West was not serious, and I think that it was almost a green light for Russia’s decision to move against Georgia.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS

THE BIGGEST LESSON THAT THE WEST SHOULD HAVE LEARNED FROM GEORGIA, AND HAS IT LEARNED IT? Well, I don't know if Georgia wants to be a lesson; it's not a great thing to be a lesson. But they clearly did not learn the lesson, because the events of 2014 happened. I'm not sure they've learned much given that Macron was quite recently pushing to basically forget Ukraine in order to have good relations with Russia. Once again, it says “let's forget all of this bad stuff, let's get along with the Russians” - that's been the case so many times that it shows that people are not very good learners.

nia to join the EU. I was in the Foreign Ministry at that time, and had this dictum that we always have to be at least as good as Poland, because we knew that politically Poland would get in no matter what, but we had to be as good as Poland in everything. Therefore, when the decision came to begin negotiations with Poland, we could rightfully then say “and why not us?” whereas the predisposition of Europe or the European Union at the time was well “we'll take Poland, Hungary, the Czechs, and the Slovaks, but the Baltic states will come sometime later, if at all.” So, my message to Georgia right now would be to be very good when it comes to economics.

WHILE IT LOOKS UNREALISTIC TO BE ABLE TO SOLVE GEORGIA’S OCCUPIED TERRITORIES PROBLEM IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, WHAT WOULD YOUR LONG-TERM APPROACH TOWARDS IT BE?

IF WE ADJUST YOUR DICTUM TO GEORGIA, WHAT COUNTRY SHOULD WE LOOK TOWARDS? YOU HAD POLAND TO MEASURE YOUR SUCCESS; WHAT COUNTRY WOULD THAT BE IN GEORGIA'S CASE?

With these kinds of issues, it’s very complicated. This is what I suggested to Saakashvili and to Ukraine: that if you forget the short-term, nothing will change unless we see a collapse inside Russia itself...that could happen, but anyway, without an internal collapse in Russia, what one needs to do is be successful domestically so that you are better than they are. That means successfully working at home: get Georgia’s domestic economy moving first and foremost. You need to get the economic side straight, because that's something you can alter.

Clearly it was this economic success that changed people's minds, especially after 1997, when negotiations began with Esto-

Romania, perhaps? You might even have higher democracy or corruption index rankings, but when it came to serious reforms in economic performance, Brussels looked at the numbers. I said we have to make sure that our numbers are good, and not good because we fix the numbers, but rather that they are genuinely good, that the numbers are legitimate: we have to get our performance to the point where we are taken seriously and that's why we were taken in and why we began negotiations. Once you begin negotiations, it's another long process, but even to get your foot in the door, you have to be good enough to get your foot in the door.

New Georgia Poll: Support for COVID-19 EU: Belarus Presidential Elections were Neither Free nor Fair Management, Concerns Over Economy

BY ANA DUMBADZE

A

new nationwide poll of Georgia by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research reveals strong support for the government’s management of COVID-19, at the same time, significant concerns about the pandemic’s economic impact.

These findings come two months ahead of Georgia’s parliamentary elections, scheduled to take place on October 31, 2020.

“The survey reflects strong public trust in the government’s performance on COVID-19,” said IRI Regional Director for Eurasia Stephen Nix. “It is crucial that Georgia’s political parties take this opportunity to build platforms and programs that respond to pandemic-related

economic concerns ahead of the upcoming elections.”

Based on the poll, 79% of Georgians are either “very satisfied” (41%) or “somewhat satisfied” (38%) with the government’s response to COVID-19. Likewise, 58% are either “very” (21%) or “somewhat” (37%) satisfied with the government’s social programs designed to mitigate the pandemic. An overwhelming majority of citizens agree that the National Center for Disease Control (94%), the Ministry of Health (91%) and the Office of the Prime Minister (81%) have effectively addressed COVID-19.

Notably, there has also been an uptick in positive views of the country’s trajectory since IRI’s last poll: In October 2019, 22% of citizens thought Georgia was headed in the right direction, while 36% think so today.

Despite the government’s successful management of COVID-19, 82% of Georgians agree that the economic situation

has worsened since the outbreak of the pandemic. 65% of citizens think the economic situation in their homes is either “very” (22%) or “somewhat” (43%) bad, and 67% think the economic situation in their homes has worsened with COVID19.

Ahead of the October parliamentary elections, 54% of citizens reported that they have heard of the March 8 agreement to revise the country’s electoral system. Of the respondents who are familiar with the change, a combined 77% either “strongly” (41%) or “somewhat” (36%) support the reform.

Source: iri.org

O

n 11 August, EU High Representative Josep Borrell issued a statement on behalf of the EU on the recent presidential elections in Belarus.

“The EU has been following the developments leading to the presidential elections closely,” he said. “During the electoral campaign, the people of Belarus have demonstrated the desire for democratic change.”

“However, the elections were neither free nor fair,” the statement highlighted, referring to the violence used by state authorities after the election day that caused at least one death and many injuries.

“Thousands of people were detained and the crackdown on freedoms of assembly, media and expression intensified,” Mr Borrell noted before calling on the Belarusian authorities to release all detainees.

“It is against this background that we will be assessing the Belarusian author-

Image: European Union

ities’ actions to address the current situation, and we will be conducting an in-depth review of the EU’s relations with Belarus,” Mr Borrell underlined.

“This may include, inter alia, taking measures against those responsible for the observed violence, unjustified arrests, and falsification of election results.”

“We call on the Belarusian political leadership to initiate a genuine and inclusive dialogue with broader society to avoid further violence,” concluded the statement, adding that the EU will continue to support a democratic, independent, sovereign, prosperous and stable Belarus.

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POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY

AUGUST 14 - 20, 2020

Activist Andrei Sannikov on the Belarusian Elections INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE

B

elarus braced itself for the presidential election on August 9, with mass protests held in Minsk against the ever-present Lukashenko, who has seemed at his most vulnerable in recent years. The West, meanwhile, has been trying to solve the conundrum as to whether the stepping down of the wily “Last Dictator of Europe” might pave the way for Russia to seize even more influence over its timid neighbor.

Prior to the 2020 presidential election in Belarus, GEORGIA TODAY spoke to Andrei Sannikov, a Belarusian activist and a runner-up in the 2010 presidential election before being forced to flee.

FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT HAVE WE BEEN SEEING HAPPENING IN MINSK? We’ve been witnessing an uprising against dictatorship; we’ve been seeing the people who have spoken out and even voted against Lukashenko. It’s absolutely clear that this regime is being rejected by the people, no matter what figures they try to present. We’re also witnessing repression against political leaders, members of the candidates’ teams, bloggers, opposition leaders and so on.

I’d like to see Lukashenko stepping down. Of course, it’s wishful thinking; he’ll try to falsify the results; he’ll try to present the figures, maybe 90% for himself, but it’s only a matter of time before he’s gone.

WHAT ROLE DOES RUSSIA PLAY IN ALL THIS? Russia is a big neighbor; it’s a dominating factor, and though Belarus is an independent country, Russia is using Lukashenko’s weakness for its own interests. Today, I might say that Russia is taking the position of “wait and see.” It’s not openly supporting Lukashenko; it’s definitely not supporting the opposition; they are waiting for the outcome; they are of course puzzled with the Vagner group debacle too.

TELL US ABOUT THE VAGNER GROUP MERCENARIES

IN MINSK. WHAT MIGHT BE BEHIND IT?

BOTH THE GEORGIA AND CRIMEA FORAYS BOOSTED PUTIN’S POPULARITY.

It’s a show put on by Lukashenko for several purposes: first, to connect them with a plot against the regime, with the opposition leaders who are now in jail, namely Nikolai Starkevich and Sergey Tikhonovsky. The main message, though, is directed to the West, because there are some “useful idiots” in the West that say that Lukashenko is the guarantor of Belarusian independence, which is not the case; it’s an attempt, I would say quite a weak, badly-staged one, to sell this plot as a Russian conspiracy against Lukashenko to get some support and money from the West.

At the beginning, yes, but today it’s regarded as a big loss because they have to pump a lot of money into maintaining it; they can’t control the criminals; they are losing everywhere: in Abkhazia, in South Ossetia, they are losing public opinion. Even in Russia. But Belarus is even more complicated. The attitudes of Russians toward Belarus is quite different; they don’t expect any kind of negative activities from Belarus.

WHAT WOULD BE AN ACCEPTABLE WESTERN STANCE IN ALL THIS FOR YOU?

WHAT EXACTLY ARE THESE MERCENARIES DOING THERE? I can assure you that hundreds of people like them are on the territory of Belarus from Russia; there are hundreds of people involved in illegal activities, including military activities; they are trained on the territory of Belarus and join the Vagner group. Lukashenko is not only aware of such people in his country, but he provides them cover; so this time he simply decided to use them to send those messages; a group of illegal military unions are travelling through Belarus, are based on the territory of the country.

It’s nothing new; it’s illegal activity being covered by the regime; this particular group was simply needed at this time for a particular purpose.

ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT OPPOSITION CANDIDATES, MR. BABARIKO, HAS STRONG TIES WITH RUSSIA, AND SPECIFICALLY GAZPROM. WHAT WOULD CHANGE IF HE WERE TO COME TO POWER? He’s in jail right now; the only thing we can do for him is to demand his immediate release. It’s always going on in Belarus: that this or that person is pro-Russian, is connected with Russia. People have risen against Lukashenko. Babariko was one of the factors mobilizing people against the regime and as it was a very powerful thing, so he was thrown in jail. The only person who represents the Kremlin in Belarus is Lukashenko; the only politician who made Belarus completely dependent on Russia is Lukashenko. If we speculate

Image source: wikipedia.org

what would happen if Lukashenko stepped down and Babariko became president, first of all, he would need to be released from jail. If that happened, then we’d see the change of power, which is the most important factor. I don’t share the concern that Belarus will become more Pro-Russian.

WHAT ABOUT THE UNION PROJECT RUSSIA KEEPS TRYING TO PUSH YOUR WAY? It’s only on paper; it was dead from the very beginning. After so many years, it’s unlikely to become a reality. It’s not a

treaty corresponding to the interests and desires of Belarusians or Russians.

They have to live up to their own principles. I want to see real values coming from them, because they made a very big mistake in 2016 when they lifted the sanctions on criminals in Belarus, and they are maintaining a very soft position today in trying to improve relations with Lukashenko. I think the best position would be to introduce sanctions, because there are repressions. I think they have to introduce sanctions against every official who took part in the falsification of the elections. They didn’t gain anything from Lukashenko; some businessmen gained something in their shadow business with Lukashenko, but not Europe in general; they were cheated by Lukashenko; the useful idiots’ advice didn’t help; their policy failed because they thought Lukashenko could be changed, that they could educate him.

Nothing happened; Europe is a democratic community, look what happens now in the world in support of Belarus: demonstrations everywhere. No-one would risk his reputation by supporting dictator Lukashenko; without sanctioning criminals you cannot have a strategy.

THERE’S OVERWHELMING WESTERN CONSENSUS ABOUT THIS TREATY THAT IMPLEMENTING IT WOULD LEAD TO YET ANOTHER SMALL VICTORIOUS WAR FOR RUSSIA AND PUTIN.

SO, IF THE PROTESTS GAIN MOMENTUM, SHOULD THE WEST BE AFRAID THAT THIS MEANS BELARUS IS BECOMING MORE PRO-RUSSIAN AND THAT RUSSIA WILL EXPLOIT THIS?

With all due respect, lack of respect to the Kremlin, I don’t think they are stupid. Can you name any victory in Georgia, Ukraine, Crime, Syria? Is there a victory anywhere?

No, of course not. Vice-versa. If Lukashenko maintains power, then there’s more danger, because democratic change is the only guarantee against Russian expansion.

The Value of Information in Georgia OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE

D

o we need to be timely and correctly informed by the media in general? Yes, we do. Why? For us to make correct decisions and in good time! We the contemporary folk are well aware of the value of information as such, and appreciate its reliability and precision. In a word, all of us are involved in the current informational merry-go-round which has a tremendous effect on our lives day in day out. And in this lifelong process, some of us have the prestigious function of provider of information, and some are only its mundane recipients, and both platforms are highly appreciable.

Only, there always persists reasonable doubt as to whether the means of mass communication are playing their celebrated role with dignity and integrity, and if the readers, listeners and viewers of the news are qualified enough to either get it right and digest, or read between the lines and adequately react.

Image source: wikimedia.org

Overall, the entire gist of the relationship between news provider and news customer is if it is working on progress or not. Notably, the bulk of the information received, digested and produced in our local media environment makes most of us ponder if the presented info is true or false. Frankly, it is very tiring and nervewrecking to be faced with such a spiteful guess. Nobody would trust the provided info without a certain sense of misgiving.

And, what is interesting, this kind of attitude was nursed in all of us by the Geor-

gian media style in the last quarter of a century, the reason for this being a sharp political polarization of political powers, attitudes and ideas in this country.

When a free society such as ours is divided so badly, the media often has no way to stay fair and objective, following in the footsteps of the society it serves, especially if the information space is saturated with scores of television stations and even more newspapers and radio joints. Who needs that many means of mass communication in a country of

only three million people? It only hurts and debilitates society, turning it away from producing goods and focusing its attention only on the news and political commentary, or on blown up information on various kinds of accidents, including suicides and homicides.

The same is happening, for instance, in America. The value of information per se has gone totally awry in our reality. It has lost one of its most valuable functions: to improve the quality of life by means of feeding correct and timely information to its customers, thus helping them to make good and timely decisions. What we often hear instead is garbled stories, doctored by the masters of manipulated investigative journalism, outrageously abusing the naiveté and patience of our good people. The execution of control over the public spirit and social view with the help of distractive and manipulative information is becoming somewhat commonplace among us although there is so much unlawful in it, saying nothing about the reprehensible endeavor’s immorality.

The only thought carrying a soothing power in this situation is that this hap-

pens not only in a fresh and fragile democracy like Georgia, but in the West too: the famous venue of the vibrant constitutional order. The fact of depriving the people, especially its voting segment, of a true word is equal to direct devaluation of information, which any constituency needs like air and water to make a right decision, when election time approaches, because it is practically impossible to arrive at a correct conclusion if we are not equipped with undistorted information.

We are not talking only about the electoral exigencies when we demonstrate such staid concern about the value and validity of information. We need to possess unembellished information at all times of our life in order to stay away from darkness, because it is just in the dark that all our misfortunes and misdeeds brew to eventually hit us right in the feels. Without any exaggeration, certain valuable pieces of timely and correct information work like our guardians and custodians. Then, why do some of our ladies and gentlemen of the press and broadcast media still want to warp their news production so much?

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6

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY

AUGUST 14 - 20, 2020

Tbilisi Hills Commercial Director on Bringing a New Lifestyle to Georgia INTERVIEW BY ANA DUMBADZE

F

or me, being a part of Tbilisi Hills means being strong and unafraid of challenges. It also means being open to introduce innovations and novelties, says Maya Shanshiashvili, the Commercial Director of Tbilisi Hills, speaking to GEORGIA TODAY about the new tendencies and lifestyle Tbilisi Hills has introduced in the country.

“We not only sell real estate, we sell a lifestyle,” she explains.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ACTIVITIES AT TBILISI HILLS. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A PART OF THIS TEAM? I’ve been a member of this international team, or rather of this family, for three years now. My career at Tbilisi Hills has developed in a very exciting way. I started my career here as a Senior Sales Manager, and currently I serve as the Commercial Director of the company. The company gives its employees an opportunity to develop, to grow professionally, to set new goals and reach new heights.

For me, being a part of Tbilisi Hills means being strong and unafraid of challenges.

It also means being open to introducing innovations and novelties.

COULD YOU SHARE YOUR VIEW ON CURRENT REAL ESTATE MARKET TENDENCIES? WHAT IS NEEDED TO DEVELOP A SUCCESSFUL MARKETING STRATEGY? I would like to point out the tendency that appeared following the COVID pandemic, i.e. the fact that the demand for

land has increased significantly, which is confirmed by a number of studies and our daily experience. It seems like people now appreciate the superiority and value of investing in private houses even more, and the winners are real estate developers who have such an offer. People now feel a need to live in an ecologically clean environment, feel safer, breathe fresh air, enjoy panoramic views, be able see beautiful mountains at sunrise and watch how the city lights begin to twinkle at sunset. They can get all this with us, just 15 minutes from the city.

I’d also like to tell you about an interesting product - the Tbilisi Hills Apartments, created for those not yet ready to buy expensive villas or who simply prefer to live in a flat. These people are, however, well aware that it’s much better to live in a safe and ecologically clean environment, away from the city. The pandemic has been a kind of a ‘catalyzer’ in urbanization. These developments once again proved the importance and justification of investing in real estate.

TELL US ABOUT THE COMPANY’S MARKETING STRATEGY. The uniqueness of the project, first of all, means that the company has a successful marketing strategy. The first steps: raising awareness in society, have already been taken. Now we’re at the stage of creating brand loyalty and community. Our marketing actively works both on the local and foreign market.

On the foreign market, we’ve had great feedback and interest from Georgians living abroad who have already created their capital and now have an interest in living in their homeland at a much higher level, which is completely satisfied by our project. It meets all their requirements and high standards, and

we are glad to contribute to their return to their homeland. Further, the majority of our residents and potential customers are mixed families: a Georgian husband and foreign wife, or are those who want to come and live in Georgia.

The fact that Georgia is becoming an increasingly popular place to live, and a kind of hub, makes us very happy. I don't brag saying that we have the best real estate offer in Georgia, because we don't sell just walls with roofs. Of course, we use only high-quality materials and have foreign construction experts working here every day and it is not so com-

mon in Georgia. But this is just a form – our marketing is more focused on a “soul”, so that's why we are holding many events here at Tbilisi Hills. Our goal is to create a healthy community that really enjoys life on the top of Tbilisi.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS RELATED TO TBILISI HILLS? HOW DO YOU SEE THE COMPANY’S FUTURE IN GEORGIA? Our future plans, just like our project, are large-scale and ambitious. We have

the necessary base and ambition to say that we are building a city in the city and creating a new lifestyle. We not only sell real estate, but also a lifestyle, being unafraid of novelties and challenges. We were the first and actually the only one at this point to build a professional golf course in Georgia. I hope that others will also follow us and we will have competitors in this direction. We host Georgian golf players and our courses are included in the list of leading European golf courses. We believe that Tbilisi Hills will become one of the trademarks of Georgia.

Georgia Adopts Energy Efficiency Regulations Image source: sustainablesoutheast.net

standing achievement for Georgia. The legislation opens new investment opportunities with greener technologies while boosting the usage of energy from ecologically cleaner sources.” EBRD’s senior counsel in the legal transition programme added: “The adoption of the new energy efficiency laws is a landmark achievement for Georgia, which until now had virtually no energy efficiency regulations in place and very limited investment in energy performance.”

Below is a brief overview of the concepts and basic provisions of the New Laws.

THE LAW ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY

M

G Law Office, through the contribution of partners Archil Giorgadze and Nicola Mariani, joined by senior associates Ana Kochiashvili, Tamar Jikia, associate Mariam Kalandadze, Junior Associate Ana Jikia and Paralegal Lasha Machavariani is partnering with Georgia Today on a regular section of the paper which will provide updated information regarding significant legal changes and developments in Georgia. In particular, we will highlight significant issues which may impact businesses operating in Georgia. *** On 21 May 2020, the Parliament of Georgia adopted two new legal acts – the

Law on Energy Efficiency and the Law on Energy Performance of Buildings (the New Laws). The New Laws constitute a part of the reform of the energy sector that the Government of Georgia (the Government) initiated recently. The reform is a result of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) and membership of the Energy Community.

The adoption of the New Laws was not overlooked by the international organizations. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) supported the drafting of a reform concept and welcomed the adoption of the New Laws. EBRD’s Regional Director for the Caucasus stated: “It is an out-

The Law on Energy Efficiency is a framework legislative act, which aims to reduce energy intensity, to secure energy supply, to increase energy independence and to support activities that will increase energy efficiency. Within the framework of the Law on Energy Efficiency, the Government has to adopt particular normative acts that will determine specific arrangements to achieve the aims envisaged by the law.

According to the Law on Energy Efficiency, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development (the Ministry) shall adopt National Energy Efficiency Action Plan in every three years, which will determine the national energy efficiency target that the state aims to achieve in the following three years. The action plan shall also envisage activities that shall be carried out in order to increase energy efficiency level.

Besides, based on the Law on Energy Efficiency, the Ministry shall determine the format of the electronic platform on which the results of the energy efficiency activities shall be uploaded. Particularly, relevant public authority, energy distributors, energy suppliers and subsidy

providers are obliged to disclose information about the actions that they implemented in order to reduce energy intensity and the results of such reduction.

The Law on Energy Efficiency imposes new obligations on the first category companies. Particularly, within every four years the first category company is obliged to conduct energy audit. Energy audit aims to identify possibilities for reduction of energy usage and to prepare recommendations about activities that will be beneficial for energy efficiency.

Furthermore, the Ministry has to adopt energy efficiency obligations scheme and/or alternative policy mechanisms.

If the necessary funds and opportunities are allocated the scheme might impose obligations on the energy distributors and energy suppliers to reduce losses in the process of energy transformation, transmission and distribution or to adopt programs for reduction of usage of energy by final customers.

THE LAW ON ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS The aim of the Law on Energy Performance of Buildings is to promote reasonable usage of energy recourses and to improve energy efficiency of buildings.

The provisions of the law apply to almost all types of buildings e.g. individual houses, multi-story buildings, offices, hotels.

According to the Law on Energy Performance of Building, the Government shall determine minimum requirements of energy efficiency no later than June 30, 2021. The minimum requirements of energy efficiency will apply to new buildings, if their relevant construction permit applications are submitted after June 30, 2021. The same requirements will apply to existing buildings as well in case 25% of the buildings is reconstructed or if the value of reconstruction exceeds 25%

of the total value of each building.

The Government will also determine the requirements to the energy efficiency of the engineering technical systems that will apply at least to the big systems of heating, hot water supply, air conditioning and ventilation.

The Law on Energy Performance of Buildings prescribes future policies regarding energy efficiency of the buildings. Namely, all buildings construction permit application of which will be submitted after 30 September 2029 will have to meet requirements for almost zero energy usage if during the exploitation period cost-effectiveness of the building is not negative.

Besides, according to the Law on Energy Performance of Building the Government shall adopt rules of certification of energy efficiency of the buildings.

Obtaining certificate will be necessary for new buildings and existing buildings if they are being sold or leased.

In addition, the owner of the building is obliged to conduct inspection of heating and air conditioning systems on a regular basis. Detailed instructions of the inspection will be determined by the Government. *** The News Laws earmark a significant step in the energy sector reform. Georgia is continuously striving to harmonize its legislation with EU rules and regulations. Georgia is committed to make its building industry more competitive and to boost the usage of greener energy sources.

First category company is a company that satisfies at least two from the following requirements: 1. Total value of its assets is more than GEL 50 million; 2. Total value of its income is more than GEL 100 million; and/or 3.

Average number of the employees during one accounting period exceeds 250.

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Georgia’s External Trade - January-June, 2020

I

n the first half of 2020, external trade turnover in Georgia amounted to 5.054 bln USD, which is 18% less than corresponding period of 2019.

• Georgian exports amounted to 1.5 bln in January-June 2020, which is 16% less than in January-June of 2019. Moreover, Georgian imports deteriorated even more by reaching 3.5 bln USD, which is 19% less than in the first half of 2019.

• In the first half of 2020, Georgian trade deficit decreased by 0.55 bln USD (21%), compared to the first half of 2019.

• There are more EU member states amongst Georgia’s top 10 export partners in the first half of 2020, compared to the first half of 2019.

• In the period of January-June 2020, total trade turnover with the EU and Russia decreased by 22% and 16% respec-

tively, but increased with China by 10% compared to the corresponding period of last year.

• Georgia’s main trading partners in the first half of 2020 were Turkey, Russia and China. Their shares in Georgia’s total trade turnover were 14%, 12% and 10% respectively.

•77.4% of Georgian exports are concentrated amongst the top ten partners.

Moreover, top ten import partners occupy 69.4% of total imports.

In the first half of 2020, Georgian exports experienced the drop by 16% compared to the first half of 2019. Moreover, Georgian imports dropped even more by 19%.

It is worth noting that the first half of 2017 was characterized with the highest export growth rate (31%), while the first half of 2018 saw the highest import growth rate.

In the first half of 2020 Georgia’s trade balance amounted to negative 2.046 bln USD, which is 0.55 bln USD (21%) decrease compared to the corresponding period of 2019. The first half of 2018 was characterized with the highest trade deficit in the period 2016-2020 (2.9 bln USD).

In the first half of 2020 the main export partners were China, Azerbaijan and Russia, each of them having a share of 13.6%, 13.5% and 12.5% respectively. It is worth noting that in the first half of 2019 main export

partners were Russia, Azerbaijan and Romania with shares of 14.6%, 12.1% and 6.2%. China’s share in the same period was only 2.9%.

In the first half of 2020 the main import partners were Turkey (16.8% of total imports), Russia (11.2%) and China (9.2%).

On the contrary, the first half of 2019 was characterised with Turkey, China and Azerbaijan amongst top three partners with shares of 16.5%, 9.8% and 6.8%.

77.4% of Georgian exports are concentrated amongst the top ten partners, which is 4.1 percentage points higher than the similar figure of 2019. Imports are slightly more diversified with top ten partners having 69.4% of total imports, which is 3.6 percentage points higher than it was in 2019.

It is worth noting that while in 2019 there were only two EU member states amongst top ten export partners (Bulgaria and Romania), in the first half of 2020 there are three of them (Bulgaria, Switzerland and Spain).

In the first half of 2020, Georgia’s ten

most exported goods amounted to 65% of total exports, which is 2% less than in 2019. Georgia relies more on imported products and, therefore, the structure of imports is more diverse with the ten most imported products amounting to only 35% of total imports. Interestingly, the shares of three product types fell in both the list of main exports and main imports, namely cars, copper, and medicaments. This can partially be explained by the re-export of these product types.

The favorable institutional and legislative situation in Georgia significantly lowers import/export costs and makes Georgia a regional hub for reexporting.

In the first half of 2020, compared with

the first half of the previous year, there were significant movements recorded amongst export figures of major commodity groups. It is worth noting that in the first half of 2019, copper was the second major exported good with recorded 283.4 mln USD of export, and with its growth to 332.4 mln USD, it has surpassed motor cars. Ferro-alloys remained the third export commodity group with 117.6 mln USD and unchanged export percentage. In the first half of 2020, top three major imported goods have not changed compared to 2019 and include petroleum, motor cars and copper ores.

In the recovery phase of COVID-19 crisis it is important to consider the domestic export, defined as export of goods that are produced in Georgia (or imported ones whose value was significantly changed after domestic procession).

Total domestic exports in Georgia in the first half of 2020 recorded 1.079 bln USD, which is 3% less than in the first half of 2019.

Copper ores and concentrates are leading amongst domestic exports as well with 31% and are followed by fero alloys (11%). Wine of fresh grapes occupies 8% of domestic exports.

There are no significant movements amongst the top three domestic export commodities compared to previous years.

Russia, the EU and China are significant trading partners for Georgia. The trade affairs with the EU and China deepened after signing free trade agreements that entered into force in 2016 and 2017.

In the first half of 2020, compared with the first half of 2019, a 22% decrease (21% decrease in exports; 23% decrease in imports) in trade turnover with the EU and 16% decrease (34% decrease in exports, 5% decrease in imports) in the case of Russia was observed. Interestingly, trade turnover with China was characterized with a 10% increase (24% decrease in imports, 290% increase in exports). The increase in exports with China was mostly a result of the 526% increase in export of copper ores and concentrates.

In this period, China’s and Russia’s shares in trade turnover fluctuated, while the EU share was characterized with a tendency of steady decrease.

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Erhan Zorlu on Prospects of Developing the Agrarian Sector in Georgia

T

he sustainable development of agriculture is one of the key factors to strengthening Georgia’s economy.

From the climatic zones perspective, the Georgian biosphere is very diverse, with the country boasting fertile soil and being rich in amelioration and potable water resources.

However, good climatic conditions and rich natural resources alone are not enough for the development of the agricultural field: it needs more professionals with a experience, energy, innovative ideas, as well as ‘fresh blood’- those who will be able to use this natural wealth in the right way for a better tomorrow.

One such professional, with years of experience in the agricultural sphere, is Erhan Zorlu, General Director of two distinguished and different profile companies: ‘WG TECHNO’ and ‘MZA CHITILI.” GEORGIA TODAY spoke to him about his companies’ activities in the Georgian market, current challenges in the field and his expert view on the prospects for agricultural development in the country.

Erhan believes education and constant self-development in various areas are the main driving forces behind success.

And as it turns out, apart from being an experienced professional in the agricultural field, he also has a number of exciting hobbies, among them electronic music. Those interested can listen to his tracks on SoundCloud: Erhan Zorlu / DjErhanz.

“I first discovered Georgia 25 years ago, when I was a student in Turkey. I’ve always been impressed with the country and its culture, and eventually decided to live and work here. I’ve been working in the agricultural field here for the past 10 years,” he tells us.

The first company he decided to open on the local market was Water and Gas Technologies (WG TECHNO), which is the largest and first provider of irrigation systems, producing pipes, vegetable boxes for carrying agricultural products, etc. It is a multi-profile company that covers production, import, realization, and projecting.

“We have a factory and two retail shops.

In addition, we are a project makers.

Many people come and ask us for advice on how to manage agricultural activities, and we help them with our experience,” Erhan says.

“Shortly after establishing Water and Gas Technologies, we found out that there was no seedling production in the region, which is the main thing for the agricultural development of the country.

Georgia has a very good climate, fertile soil, and it is very close to many markets such as Russia, Dubai, and Qatar, which is a very good point. But, imagine that there was no mass production of seed-

lings! So we decided to take a risk and make the first steps in this direction, effectively establishing the company MZA CHITILI, which produces vegetable and flower seeds and fresh vegetables in our greenhouse, and then distributes them to the net supermarkets.

“The main comfort we offer our customers is that in our shops, they can find almost everything necessary for their work, in one space.”

MZA CHITILI is the first company in Georgia to produce not only ordinary but also grafted seedlings, for which the latest Italian technologies and robotics

are used. The aim is to take and implement foreign technologies in Georgia, which will help the local farmers get a large, fresh harvest with high quality and lower expenses.

“MZA CHITILI has been operating for four years now, and we already have some important international contracts,” Erhan says. “I would like to point out our cooperation with the biggest Armenian vegetable producer company among the post-soviet countries, SPAYKA, and we are very proud and glad to be their partners and exchange experience. Our company is producing grafted seedlings for them. The seedlings are then exported to Armenia and produced vegetables are distributed throughout Russia.

“The main problem not only in Georgia but in many other countries is realization of your products. Export is something we really need to do, but imagine that there are many farmers whose production is not so big. So, we have to unite all these farmers and share our experience on how to manage and take care of their business. When we have a standard of production, with the help of international companies, I want to collect all these small productions, make a big brand and sell the production to international markets. Our company is the leader in the market, and we grow as much as we can,” Erhan notes. “Now, we should grow together with Georgia. If Georgia exports, if the country produces more, then we will all grow together, which will be beneficial for all sides and for the country’s economy in general, that’s the main idea.”

Erhan tells us they currently plan to export not only seedlings, but also agricultural tools, such as pipes, fittings, etc., for which the main target is Ukraine, the city of Kherson, where the opening of an equipped shop is planned.

“We’ve learned a lot of things in these 10 years, and we want to use and enlarge this experience in neighboring countries also, with Georgia as a production center.”

As for the current difficulties, one of the challenging issues was the spread of the new coronavirus, which poses a serious problem not only for the agricultural field, but for business in general. How-

ever, Erhan says they were well able to manage their business despite the recent developments.

“In accordance with the COVID reality, we started working on the development of an online business and delivery service strategy. We already had a website, http://farmershop.ge/ge/, where customers can shop online; however, once we’re done working on our new strategy, we will offer even more comfort. Despite all the bad changes the virus brought into our lives, it is the time for real professionals with an original vision.

“One of the most important issues for our companies is to find professional, well-educated and energetic young people with new ideas. We are looking for such staff, and we are ready to cooperate with them, because we have this energy, and we need suitable teammates to implement our diverse ideas. We are ready to deepen their experience through various trainings and practice in our factories,” Erhan says.

“Agriculture has great potential for development here in Georgia. However, we need some ‘catalyzers’ for better results. For instance, American organization USAID is a really good catalyzer, as they are experts of the field. With the help of such international companies, increased exports and high quality products, the country will be able to make significant progress in this direction in the next 5 years. The main thing is to produce good quality products and do our work in a professional manner, and we are firmly on this way.”

He notes his companies are doing their best to contribute to the process of proper agricultural development. In the coming years, he says, they aim to make Georgia a production center, expand production, produce even more diverse materials and export them to the neighboring countries.

“This is planned from WG TECHNO side, and from the MZA CHITILI side, we plan to organize our farmers, share our experience, unite them around one brand and export high quality products produced by them abroad. These two aims are our main projects to work on in the near future,” he concludes.

History of Georgia’s Economy. Part IV

BY APOLON TABUASHVILI, EMIL AVDALIANI

I

n the late 18th century, about 60 fields of craftsmanship production were being pursued in Tbilisi and the cities of Eastern Georgia.

Craftsmen, along with traditional industries (blacksmithry, construction, textile, etc.), over time mastered new activities. For example, artisans from Tbilisi and other cities in the late 18th century were producing different parts of firearms. The artisans were united in various guilds, and from the beginning of the 18th century to the 1870-90s, the number of trade and craftsmanship shops increased from 200 to 500. There were also shops in other Georgian cities: Gori, Telavi, Sighnaghi, Dusheti, and Kutaisi among them.

In the late 18th century, manufacturingtype enterprises were established in Kartli-Kakheti, which was connected with the economic policy pursued by Erekle II. Since the Georgian kingdoms were significantly behind the European level in development, and progressive forms of production could not develop naturally, Erekle II resorted to forced economic development, which manifested itself in state control over the existing economic tools.

Simultaneous to the revival and patronage of trade, the royal government began

to focus on the development of industry.

As a result, from the 1770s, several stateowned manufacturing enterprises were established to employ hired laborers, with manufacturers producing a large number of products. During this period, the Akhtala silver and Alaverdi copper smelters were opened. Shamblugh and Damblughi copper smelters also began to operate. More than 2,000 people were employed in these factories and a large amount of silver and copper ore was mined.

At the same time, a "factory" for producing cannons, mortars and grenades was built in Tbilisi. Additionally, factories producing gunpowder, utensils, glass, salt, soap and more were opened, and the printing house was re-equipped.

Most state-owned enterprises were leased to private individuals, which encouraged private trading capital to become industrial capital. This process became particularly noticeable in the textile industry. In general, Kartli-Kakheti produced more than 5.000,000 arshins (one arshin = approximately 101 centimeters) of fabric per year, most of which was made by private manufacturing companies. As a result of the development of the textile industry, the main dye-house of Tbilisi was expanded, which at that time was already a manufacturing enterprise. In addition to Kartli-Kakheti, fabrics made in Tbilisi and other cities in eastern Georgia were sold in western Georgia, neighboring khanates, the North Caucasus, and Russia.

Against the background of economic activity, trade capital expanded significantly, and the interest rate on loans decreased. Hired labor grew, both in the cities and in the countryside. The number of cases of peasants escaping serfdom also increased.

Thus, as a result of the creation of capitalist enterprises and the introduction of many other innovative approaches to the country's economic life, the kingdom developed economically, and at the same time, government revenues increased.

The growing economic development of the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti is reflected by the fact that in 1795, despite the destruction of Tbilisi by the Iranian ruler Agha Mohammad Khan, the country was able to quickly return to the old level of economic development.

Although the economic situation in western Georgia remained difficult, the country overcame the isolation from the Ottomans and significantly reduced the scale of the slave trade.

When assessing the economic situation of the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti in the discussed period, it should be noted that despite the economic development, the country was still far behind the western European countries, although the gradual establishment of capitalist elements was a precondition for finally overcoming feudalism. At the same time, it is unacceptable (as is seen in modern historiography) to assume that the econ-

Image source: fineartamerica.com

omy of the Georgian state at the end of the 18th century exhausted all possibilities and was doomed to failure. Such assessments are untrue and are dictated

by the willingness to justify the need for the abolition of the Georgian kingdoms by the Russian Empire in the early 19th century.

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GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 14 - 20, 2020

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Accelerating Georgia’s Transition to a Circular Economy. Part II holders, including policy-makers, financial institutions and project promoters, on how to accelerate the implementation of circular economy principles at various levels of economic activity. This program is the basis for an accelerated shift to circularity. It is also a vital contribution to fulfil Georgian commitments under the Association Agreement with the European Union. However, this shift requires action at many levels and, therefore, there is a need for stronger partnerships and cooperation to launch a set of actions designed to provide impetus for an accelerated transition to a circular economy.

These partnerships would assist Georgia in defining specific objectives based on an analysis of the existing needs, experiences and opportunities.

BLOG BY DARIUSZ EDWARD PRASEK* AND SOLOMON PAVLIASHVILI*

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he article discusses the key principles and conditions required for an accelerated transition to the circular economy, a new economic model that represents sustainable progress towards efficient green growth and provides the framework to develop new business models aimed at increasing the value, use and life of materials, products and assets. Embracing the circularity principles can also accelerate the recovery from the economic downturn caused

by COVID-19.

CAN GEORGIA GO CIRCULAR ON ITS OWN? No government is capable of carrying out the transition on its own. Cities and local communities play a crucial role in the transition: they are increasingly recognized as the central generators of circular change. In the process of creating the roadmap to circularity, various available resources need to be considered.

From guidelines found in EU documents to national documents, but above all, the concrete examples presented in the reports of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the McKinsey and Systemiq Companies, the Circle Economy – The Circularity Gap Report, the Dutch, Finnish and Danish Roadmaps, and various other documents. This will allow the formation criteria for the inclusion of good

practices taking into account Georgian specifics, both in its natural resources, driving forces behind its economy, hubs of change and cultural models.

Georgia should benefit from the experiences of more advanced economies in the implementation of the circularity principles, and learn from their successes and mistakes. This calls for strong partnerships in order to choose the optimal path to the transition to a circular economy. A good example of such a partnership is the program supported by the Government of Sweden aimed at promoting the circular economy. The ongoing program being implemented by CSO Georgian Society of Nature Explorers ‘Orchis’, within the framework of the ‘Keep Georgia Tidy’ project has already raised much-needed awareness about the circular economy and provided recommendations to various groups of stake-

HOW CAN CIRCULARITY HELP IN THE CURRENT ECONOMIC DOWNTURN? The transition to a circular economy is at an early stage even in the most developed countries of the world. It is crucial for transitional economies like Georgia to take advantage to be at the forefront of development and become a regional leader in the next stage of development, which has the potential to significantly accelerate the sustainability agenda. In addition, embracing circularity can greatly contribute to the recovery from the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. The COVID-19 crisis has shone a spotlight on the resilience of global value chains, which have become increasingly complex and globalized in recent decades.

The recovery measures proposed by

governments present an opportunity to seek greater circularity in supply chains, which can act both to improve resource efficiency and resilience for businesses (by building greater resilience to supplier risks) and society (by reducing environmental risks). In circular value chains, waste is minimized and end-oflife products are recovered for reuse, remanufacture, and recycling. This is achieved through improved product design (e.g., for disassembly, remanufacturing and recycling) and increased efficiency in the use of material resources, which generates a number of benefits.

The availability of recycled materials and products for reuse and remanufacture leads to new sources of supply and supports the diversification of supply chains. Circular value chains also help to advance climate mitigation via reduced primary material production and oppor-

tunities to shift consumption towards product-service and other circular business models. The Government of Georgia can catalyse the uptake of circular value chains via green public procurement, removing trade barriers on scrap, landfill fees, further advancement of the Extended Producer Responsibility, and capacity building amongst firms.

The increased use of digital technologies for supply chain management can also improve resilience and reduce the likelihood of disruptions by providing data to identify and evaluate a number of resource efficiency risks and opportunities. On one hand, digitalization lays the foundation for disclosure of climaterelated risks by companies, for example through the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD). The recovery from COVID-19 opens an opportunity for governments to require both clear action towards alignment with environmental policy objectives, and disclosure of climate-related risks as conditions for financial support through recovery policies. Governments can catalyse this shift by attaching conditions on stimulus packages to increase the uptake of these technologies, as well as through targeted innovation policies. *Dariusz Edward Prasek is a Doctor in Environmental Engineering, Member of the United Nations Advisory Board on Circular Economy, International Expert in Environmental, Social and Governance Areas. **Solomon Pavliashvili is a Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, Deputy Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture

Thai Box: The Hottest Thai Restaurant in Georgia

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hai cuisine is filled with delicacies that tantalize the taste buds. The allure of this culinary experience lies in the central focus on creating harmony in every bite. It’s therefore unsurprising that Thai cuisine has worked its way into the hearts (and mouths) of many around the world.

You may be one of many concerned about the negative elements of Asian cuisine: you’ve probably never experienced food from a Thai restaurant that doesn’t lace its food with MSG. But we’re happy to be able to say the Georgia has it cracked: Thai Box is the hottest Thai restaurant on the Georgian scene, and it takes great pride in satisfying appetites with healthy Thai dishes.

Carry on reading to find out from Thai Box officials themselves a bit about the restaurant, as they convince us that they are truly the restaurant of choice for Thai food in Georgia.

“Thai food originated in Thailand, a country in Southeast Asia that rests on the borders of Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. Geographically, Thailand is known for its abundance of raw ingredients and spices that are otherwise hard to find, exclusively grown in Thailand.

Therefore, the complexity and depth of our food shows how we value and respect our ingredients and optimize it in numerous ways and with many methods, to create dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (Shrimp) and Green Curry,” says one representative of the company. “Traditionally known for its exotic flavors of spices, Thai cuisine offers the perfect combination of the five basic flavor profiles: sour, sweet, bitter, salty and spicy.

Kaffir lime is one of the spices that gives Thai cuisine its unique flavor.”

Thai Box creators also reveal the reason for opening the restaurant, and it’s not just because the demand for Thai dishes in Georgia was on the rise.

“We didn’t create Thai Box to follow a trend. Instead, we saw a gap in Georgia’s

restaurant market: the lack of healthy, high-quality and, most importantly, authentic Thai food was alarming. We wanted to create a brand that could fill that gap. We believe that in order to create a strong restaurant brand, we must truly understand our customers, and be capable of adapting geographically to cater to everyone, regardless of background,” states Thai Box. Taking a look at the tempo of foodmaking at Thai Box, you can tell that they have adapted well to the Georgian location: they prepare the dishes fast

Address: Zandukeli 9 T: 595 50 39 30 facebook.com/thaiboxtbilisi

and well to please Tbilisians on the go.

It works if you’re on a healthy diet, too.

“Our goal is to provide each customer with an exceptional Thai cuisine experience. Our dishes are created quickly, without compromising quality, and are inspired by the busy lifestyle of Tbilisi residents. Each dish is affordably priced so that Tbilisi’s residents can experience healthy Thai food regularly rather than as an occasional treat!”

It’s an authentic Thai experience, as authentic as you can get outside of Thai-

land: the Thai Box Chef is Thai, and the products the restaurant uses come from Thailand.

“In order to achieve true authenticity, our company has created a strong sourcing and export system for our ingredients, which come straight from Thailand.

Our Head Chef was hired directly from Thailand, meaning customers will therefore be tasting authentic Thai cuisine without unhealthy additives such as MSG. Communication within the company is also vital to us, as we understand

a good system and management to make sure no issues arise that might affect the food we produce.”

Thai Box creators are challengers: they make three words, that are hard to imagine together, fit in the same sentence: healthy, authentic, affordable.

In next week’s issue, you’ll read more about the making of Thai Box and the restaurant’s future plans, giving you even more reason to give Thai Box a try: one of them being that they adhere to a zerowaste practice.

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SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY

AUGUST 14 - 20, 2020

Walking in Circles: Field Notes BLOG BY TONY HANMER

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ow that the Big Svaneti Circle walk is over, it’s time for some details and specifics. Not dry ones, though.

The route, starting July 3, 2020: from Iskari (Etseri) up to Lake Meziri (day 1), then down to and through Mazeri (Becho) (day 2). Across the Guli Pass (day 3) to Lenjeri and Mestia; two days’ rest there.

Then by road past Mulakhi and through Ipari to the Tower of Love (day 6). Next, on to Ushguli (days 7-8), then over the pass between Upper and Lower Svaneti and towards Lentekhi (day 9). Days 10-11 in Lentekhi, then minivan to Zugdidi (days 12-13) and Jvari (day 14), from where we walked back into Upper Svaneti (days 15-16), and Dizi to Etseri (day 17).

Total distance: about 300 km on foot.

Just over 17 km/day average, including rest days; about 21.5 km/day excluding rest days. Longest day’s walk, about 31 km; shortest (excluding rest days), 15.5.

Greatest 1-day change in altitude: day 3, from about 2000 m to 3000, then down to 1600, over 25 km. Average speeds ranged from 1.5 km/hour at start, with lots of short rests, to 4 km/hour when in full stride and with lightened backpacks.

I have been wearing a FitBit health tracking watch for about a year now, and it was useful to have on the walk. Its daily recommended minimum for an adult is to walk 10,000 steps. Quickest time to reach this: before 9 am. Maximum steps in a day during the walk: over 40,000. (I also reached a yearly total of having walked the length of India during the walk).

Temperature ranges were down to 10 degrees C at night on the heights, hottest about 32 degrees daytime in the lowlands.

Things we abandoned from our backpacks in Mazeri and Mestia, to lighten them: a panduri (stringed wooden instrument); solar charger; 1 small cooking pot; 1 water filter (we still had another); 30-year-old waterproof matches which still worked (we had a lighter and a bit of gasoline); extra spices and soup/noodle packs. Extraneous clothes too.

Things we kept just in case but didn’t use once: paper and digitally photographed route maps (we used GPS, maps. me and trail markers); extra eyeglasses and 1 spare camera battery out of three; most emergency medicines.

Strangest thing we found on the walk: a rubber snake. Best thing: a 1 GEL coin.

Worst: all the roadside rubbish!

Most useful light item: My sweatband…

I couldn’t have done without it or something similar.

Most important lessons: —Keep backpack weight on the hips and take care of the backpack, because it’s vital.

—Every gram of extra weight counts, but when the backpack and weight match your physical fitness, you can walk all day. A bit of extra pain or discomfort is bearable, as long as it doesn’t worsen into physical damage, such as blisters.

—Gnat bites can itch for weeks!

—The loudest river noise is still something one can sleep through.

—Mountain weather does its own thing, and forecasts are only a rough guide, so be prepared for rain etc. Light rain is manageable, but all-day heavy rain is to be avoided: change plans if possible.

—Much of staying the course when it gets harder is in the mind: if you can’t

change something, you have to either adapt or give up! We were always able to adapt, not being so rigid that we couldn’t change routes or even travel modes when it was much wiser to do so.

The thing we both missed most: light folding chairs.

The main villages we didn’t see: Tskhumari, Latali, Adishi (to which I’ve never been), Tsana, Chuberi, Nakra.

Things I couldn’t compromise on leav-

ing: my big EOS camera and its three lenses (I used them daily, a little or a lot)! A phone camera was fine for taking video, but not good enough for the stills I wanted and got.

And something I’ve said over and over on this trip and will say again: Georgians and foreigners “stuck” in this wonderful little country, virus-wise and tourismwise, we have it GREAT! So much to enjoy and be thankful for!

Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer and photographer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/ groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

CULTURE

12th Batumi-Tbilisi Int’l Fest 'Night Serenades’ to be Held in Virtual Format

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n August 7, Georgia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport held a press conference on this year’s Batumi-Tbilisi International Festival ‘Night Serenades.’ It was led by Nana Dolidze, Head of the Culture Department of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia; Maka Nasrashvili, Head of the Culture, Education, Sports and Youth Service of Tbilisi City Hall; and Nina Tsagareli, Director of the Festival and Vakhtang Machavariani and the Principal Conductor of the Festival. The soloists Tamar Licheli, Sandro Nebieridze and Liza Chkhaidze also attended.

Taking into account the pandemic regulations and the global experience in holding festivals, the 12th Batumi-Tbilisi festival ‘Night Serenades’ will be held in a different format this year.

The concert in Batumi will be broadcast live on the Adjara Public Broadcaster, and the Tbilisi concerts via livestream.

Masterpieces of classical music will be performed within the framework of the festival, and premieres of works by contemporary Georgian composers will also take place.

The opening of the festival will traditionally take place on August 27 in Batumi, in the Ilia Chavchavadze Drama Theater.

The concert will be dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the famous Georgian composer and teacher, Sulkhan Tsintsadze.

Laureate of many national and international competitions, Tamar Licheli (piano), along with the Gia Kancheli String Quartet, will participate in the festival.

Concert evenings will be held in Tbilisi

on September 2nd and 4th. World-class concerts will be performed by the orchestra ‘Virtuoses from Georgia,’ created by the Artistic Director of the Festival Liana Isakadze, chief conductor of the festival Vakhtang Machavariani, and soloists Sandro Nebieridze, Liza Chkhaidze and Elene Shaveridze.

Within the framework of this year's festival, the premiere performance of classic works created by three Georgian composers will take place: • Concert by Sandro Nebieridze created for the Twelfth Batumi-Tbilisi Festival ‘Night Serenades’ • Giorgi Shaverzashvili ‘Concerto for Piano and Chamber Orchestra N4’ • Jimsher Chkhaidze's work ‘Sentiments’ for chamber orchestra and harp, had its international premiere in Germany in 2011, and the Georgian premiere of the work will be held at this year's

festival.

Night Serenades was founded in 1982 in Abkhazia on the initiative of famous Georgian violinist and conductor Liana Isakadze. Unfortunately, the festival was closed in 1991 and only after 18 years, in 2009, was it renewed in Batumi.

Isakadze is still the Artistic Director of the festival, since 2018, alongside her nephew, artist Giorgi Isakadze.

Supporters of the Batumi-Tbilisi XII International Festival ‘Night Serenades’ include the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia; Batumi City Hall; Tbilisi City Hall; and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara.

The event is organized by the company ‘Art Alliance.’ The official insurer of the festival is the company ‘Ardi.’

Partners: German Embassy, Ilia

Chavchavadze Drama Theater, Batumi; Company ‘PSP’, Wine company ‘Georgian Unique Wine’; Company ‘Sarajishvili;’ Perfume store chain ‘Lutecia’; and ‘Aromateque.’

“Culture is being particularly affected by the current pandemic situation, worldwide. Nevertheless, it remains a priority for the Ministry to carry out all planned events which were scheduled at the beginning of the year,” said Nana Dolidze.

“Among them is the festival Night Serenades, which is one of the oldest festivals. Night Serenades 2020 is interesting in the sense that the organizers have to conduct it in an unusual format. The festival will open in Batumi on August 27, with, unfortunately, no spectators, with an event dedicated to Sulkhan Tsintsadze, live on the Batumi Public Broadcaster. On September 2-4, the events will move to Tbilisi.”

“Tbilisi City Hall has been a loyal supporter of this festival, which is an integral part of Tbilisi cultural life,” Maka Nasrashvili noted. “This year, due to the pandemic, many festivals have moved into the virtual world, and City Hall is trying to help each event as much as possible. The pandemic has affected many sectors of the country's economy, which is why cultural programs and projects have been expanded. This year marks the 95th anniversary of the great Georgian composer and teacher Sulkhan Tsintsadze, and City Hall is actively working to promote art education. I wish this festival success. City Hall will continue to actively support it in future.”

“It was highly questionable whether this important event in the field of music would be held at all, however, we managed to do so, through the joint efforts of state structures and traditional supporters,” said Nina Tsagareli, Director of the Festival. “This year, we will present a very interesting program to our loyal listeners. Masterpieces of world classical music, young talented performers and the premiere of works by three Georgian composers are waiting for festival fans.”

“I’m very grateful to my colleagues, Liana Isakadze, Nina Tsagareli and the whole team, that we are actively working despite this pandemic,” said Vakhtang Machavariani, Principal Conductor of the Festival. “The content of the festival has always been innovative, just like this year. Fortunately, today’s technological conditions allow us to go online. We have to deal with the reality in which we live, we have to work in that reality and do our jobs.”

CULTURE

GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 14 - 20, 2020

11

Georgian Craft Association Holds Craft Tour in Kvemo Kartli

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n August 7, with the financial support of the USAID Zrda Activity in Georgia, and within the framework of the project ‘Strengthening the Business Skills of Kvemo Kartli Craftsmen’, the Georgian Craft Association held a presentation of the Kvemo Kartli Crafts Workshop Guidebook at the newly opened Bolnisi Museum. The guidebook contains information about the services of 30 local workshops.

In addition, an info tour of handicraft

workshops in the region was held for representatives of the tourism sector.

The event aimed to popularize the workshops in the region and increase their tourism potential.

Places visited within the framework of the tour include: Bolnisi Museum; Kosalar, Introduction to the project reWoven; Carpet-Weaving master-class; Tetritskaro, Otar Sharabidze’s Ceramic Workshop, Ceramic master-class; Asureti, Church Bell Molding Workshop.

The tour was held in partnership with

the Georgian National Museum and Georgian Ecotourism Association.

The Georgian Craft Association is a membership organization that acts to safeguard Georgian heritage crafts traditions and works towards a sustainable framework for the sector’s future development.

The association aims to overcome the existing challenges through creating a networking platform for individuals, craftspeople, organizations and guilds who care about the loss of traditional crafts skills.

An Artistic Couple: Nina Pery EDUCATION IN SHAPING AN ARTIST? Painting is a style, a way of life, and I believe, no matter how well you study the techniques, if a painter is not in your inner world, you cannot be shaped as an artist. You could study a particular style, the materials, the history of art… But it will all be very far from painting.

A painter is constantly looking. This entails self-education, and self-change, with no end.

Of course, this is not to say that you shouldn’t get an art education. This is to say that a painter should determine themselves what kind of education, and what limits, are necessary for this particular stage of their work. These parameters change with experience.

HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME ANY CHALLENGES IN YOUR PURSUIT OF ART?

BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE

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EORGIA TODAY is continuing its collaboration with BI Auction, presenting to you Georgian artistic couples. In this week’s issue, we have Nina Pery as our guest, telling us how painting chose her, and about her biggest inspirations, the meaning of art and living with a fellow artist, Sandro Dalikashvili, who you will be reading about next week.

WHO FIRST INTRODUCED YOU TO ART? HOW AND WHEN DID YOU START PAINTING? I was born into a family of artists and it felt like it was painting that chose me early on.

With an artist of a mother and a sculptor of a father, it felt like I was growing up in an art academy: I’d often tag along with my mother and watch her work. I could watch it forever: how the brush moves upon the canvas, how, slowly, an object is created in colors. I would listen to discussions and reasoning on art and different painters. I loved these processes and I would become completely involved in them. My mother, Irina Pkhaladze, is an amazing painter and the vivid colors and bold shapes in her works are subjects of my inspiration. It was she who

taught me how to love art, and I’m forever grateful to her.

I was so little when I began painting that there was simply not a time even in my childhood when I was not painting.

I’ve got an infinite number of diplomas from my childhood when I was traveling and exhibiting my works in post-soviet countries. When I was 14, I received a gold medal at the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy in Moscow.

WHO HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOUR WORK EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER?

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF LIVING WITH A FELLOW ARTIST? I can safely say that we have complete understanding of each other, and are very compatible both as artists and as people.

It is very valuable for me to be living with an artist like Sandro, sharing the work processes, the arguing and reasoning about art. We never cross the line of “personal creative space,” and this enables us to live happily together.

My mother’s works had the greatest impact. World-famous artists came next.

From early on, I would educate myself with books about different painters, but I was most excited when I was eight and saw Van Gogh in Hermitage. Then there was Matisse, who showed me the plasticity of color and form; and Rufino Tamayo, a discovery for me to look at the art world completely differently than before. His paintings were not that impressive in the books but when I saw these gigantic works in person, that looked as if they were on fire, I was left speechless. I love many, many painters and it’s extremely difficult for me to name just one.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY GEORGIAN ART SCENE?

HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU DEEM PROFESSIONAL

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION TODAY?

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George Sharashidze COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT

Commercial Director: Iva Merabishvili Marketing Manager: Natalia Chikvaidze

GEORGIA TODAY

Art is an inner state and a lifestyle for me. I’ve been encouraged to feel this way and to pursue it since I was little.

So, I could not really see obstacles as such because it was and still is a very natural, meant-to-be process.

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT:

Editor-In-Chief: Katie Ruth Davies

Georgia has many very talented artists.

It is definitely possible for us to be very important on the world art scene, but there are certain steps that need to be taken for this to be achieved.

Active organizations and foundations have to exist that will take an interest in popularizing art and giving artists the comfort necessary to create.

Truly independent projects have to exist, and artists should be granted an opportunity to develop the art scene in the country and then present it to the world.

Journalists: Ana Dumbadze, Vazha Tavberidze, Nini Dakhundaridze, Tony Hanmer, Emil Avdaliani, Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Beka Alexishvili, Elene Dzebizashvili Photographer: Aleksei Serov

My greatest inspiration has always been the line between the mystical and real, and interpreting it in my own way.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ART’S MAIN MISSION IS? There have been tons of arguments about this, leading to different points of views.

I may not be original when I reveal to you mine: art, no matter its direction, be it theater, music, painting, should not leave people without emotion. Art should be able to change a person, even the slightest bit for the better; make them think and become the sharer of the artist’s secrets and feelings, make them see and give them the feeling of being extraordinary; make them see with a different visual and vision, the things they have seen before.

The energy and vision that an artist puts into their work compliments and impacts the creative perception abilities of the viewer. Thanks to art, a person is able to perceive more gradations to life. The world changes along with a person.

maybe in some way even too confident.

So, success and complete chaos are equally natural.

For the most part, the one who tries to not only analyse the past but also investigate the future, achieves success.

I would advise all young artists to think and reflect on where art comes from and where it deems to go.

WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK ART AUCTIONS IN GENERAL, AND BI AUCTION IN PARTICULAR, PLAY IN PROMOTING ART? Art auctions are quite popular events for collectors today. There’s much stimulus and heat to be found in the purchasing of a favorite artwork and popularizing a favorite artist.

BI Auction has completed many successful auctions already and it can objectively be proud of a big circle of art collectors.

THE MODERN ART SCENE IS EVER-CHANGING. WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF PAINTING IN THIS REALITY? Everything changes: it’s a natural process. I can’t say that painting is slowly drifting away from the contemporary art world. Painting is just one of the instruments in the art space. I think the time will come when the art process will be a complete union of all the art instruments and it will become a collective process.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ARTISTS JUST STARTING UP? The years of the youth are too daring,

Website Manager/Editor: Katie Ruth Davies Layout: Misha Mchedlishvili Webmaster: Sergey Gevenov Circulation Managers: David Kerdikashvili, David Djandjgava

About BI Auction ‘for ART’: BI Auction is the first Art Auction Company of Georgia, established in 2016. The company’s aim is to promote Georgian art and artists and enlarge the market. In four years, BI Auction ‘for ART’ has organized eight auctions and presented more than 450 paintings from 125 Georgian painters. In every auction, the collection is selected from among a thousand paintings from the well-known legendary artists of Georgia and also from promising young artists.

For more information, please contact biauction1@gmail.com

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