In This Week's Issue

Issue no: 1186/198 • SEPTEMBER 17 - 19, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

Weekly Entrepreneurial News @entrepreneur.ge NEWS PAGE 2 Georgian Wine Agency to Spend GEL 9 mln on Marketing in 2020 BUSINESS PAGE 3 Tbilisoba Tops Arrival FOCUS Guides’ Best Culinary ON ADAPTING Festivals of Autumn 2019 BUSINESS PAGE 4 FASHION Huawei CEO We meet the founders of Kombinzona who are Ren Zhengfei's changing the way Georgians think about fashion PAGE 6 Interview with The Economist, Part 1 Insurance Industry Requests Mandatory BUSINESS PAGE 5 US & China Gear Up for Insurance for Tourists Visiting Georgia Ideological Warfare

BY THEA MORRISON

eorgia plans to launch discussions on mandatory insurance for tourists visiting the country, Devi Khechinashvili, Head of Insurance Association of Georgia, announced. GKhechinashvili says that along with the increase in tourist numbers, the spending on tourists within the Georgian healthcare system is also increasing. He notes that too many tourists come to Georgia without insurance and as a result the POLITICS PAGE 11 healthcare system is struggling to cope. “As we, Georgians, need travel insurance when we go abroad, I think we need to ask the same Prepared for Georgia Today Business by of foreign tourists visiting our country. It doesn’t Markets Asof13ͲSepͲ2019 matter where they buy this insurance, the main STOCKS Price w/w m/m BONDS Price w/w m/m thing is having adequate limits for medical BankofGeorgia(BGEOLN) GBP13.24 Ͳ0,5% Ͳ1,6% GEOROG04/21 104.68(YTM3.72%) Ͳ0,1% Ͳ0,1% GeorgiaCapital(CGEOLN) GBP10.40 +2,6% +2,4% GEORG04/21 105.73(YTM3.10%) Ͳ0,2% Ͳ0,2% expenses,” he said. GHG(GHGLN) GBP2.04 Ͳ0,1% Ͳ10,8% GRAIL07/22 109.76(YTM4.05%) Ͳ0,2% +0,1% The Head of the Insurance Association believes TBCBankGroup(TBCGLN) GBP12.50 +2,5% Ͳ5,6% GEBGG07/23 103.27(YTM5.05%) +0,3% +1,4% that regulations should be introduced which COMMODITIES Price w/w m/m CURRENCIES Price w/w m/m CrudeOil,Brent(US$/bbl) 60,22 Ͳ2,1% Ͳ1,8% GEL/USD 2,9630 +0,1% +1,7% protect the interests of both the tourists and the GoldSpot(US$/OZ) 1488,53 Ͳ1,2% Ͳ0,9% GEL/EUR 3,2812 +0,5% +0,6% state healthcare system. Image source: www.travelmarketreport.com GEL/GBP 3,7044 +1,8% +5,5% INDICES Price w/w m/m GEL/CHF 2,9830 Ͳ0,5% +0,0% “At the moment, there is a normative act about “Discussions are sure to be launched because are not asked for insurance upon entering the FTSE100 7367,46 +1,2% +1,6% GEL/RUB 0,0461 +2,4% +2,4% insurance, but no-one controls this at the bor- this is a very important problem that needs to country, however, where visas are required it also FTSE250 20195,75 +2,5% +6,2% GEL/TRY 0,5211 +0,7% Ͳ0,7% DAX 12468,53 +2,3% +6,1% GEL/AZN 1,7466 +0,4% +1,5% der, so it is necessary to start discussions on be resolved,” he added. states that insurance is necessary. According to DOWJONES 27219,52 +1,6% +3,6% GEL/AMD 0,0062 Ͳ +1,6% NASDAQ 8176,71 +0,9% +2,0% GEL/UAH 0,1195 +1,4% +3,0% this issue,” he noted. This is not the ﬁ rst time the insurance indus- him, in emergency cases, the state is obliged to MSCIEMEE 175,06 +2,1% +3,7% EUR/USD 0,9030 Ͳ0,4% +0,9% Khechinashvili explained that the issue was try has raised the issue of uninsured tourists. serve uninsured tourists free of charge, which MSCIEM 1026,61 +1,9% +6,0% GBP/USD 0,7999 Ͳ1,7% Ͳ3,5% SP500 3007,39 +1,0% +2,8% CHF/USD 0,9904 +0,3% +1,4% raised by the insurance industry during a meet- Earlier this year, Khechinashvili said that tour- naturally affects the state budget. MSCIFM 2616,74 Ͳ0,2% Ͳ0,6% RUB/USD 64,3799 Ͳ2,1% Ͳ0,9% ing with Health Minister Ekaterine Tikaradze. ists who are visiting Georgia visa or visa-free GTIndex(GEL) 1582,68 ͲͲTRY/USD 5,6873 Ͳ0,4% +2,2% Continued on page 4 GTIndex(USD) 1208,13 ͲͲAZN/USD 1,7001 ͲͲ GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS SEPTEMBER 17 - 19, 2019 European Commissioner

@entrepreneur.ge Johannes Hahn Gamarjoba! I’m the Editor-in-Chief of the Georgian edition of Entrepreneur magazine and I’m here to share the top weekly Entrepreneurial news with you:

The fi rst crypto café is to be launched in Tbilisi. Founder Visits Georgia Alex Sudadze says that high demand served as his main inspiration. Having worked in the fi eld for many years, needing to fi nd interesting locations to host foreign guests also operating in the same sector led him to open a thematic café which would solve his problems. The café has an innovative concept, boasting a techno-style interior suited for holding numerous events on different themes- as ideal for the public as professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs. The café serves Georgian and European dishes and offers thematic products, such as Bitcoin coffee, Blockchain Chakafuli, Monero Khachapuri and Satoshi Burgers.

In the village of Sadmeli, Ambrolauri, Racha, check out a family winery run by Mariam Margveladze, a young lady actively involved in ensuring its functioning and appropriate management, along with other members of her family. At the wine cellar, a 5-minute drive from Ambrolauri Airport, ancient traditions are continued and developed. The winery is close to the forest, overlooking the wonderful Rioni Gorge. The Margveladze family winery is distinguished for its historic and ethno items, which almost give the venue a museum-like function. They started bottling wines this year, thus making a fi rst step in their future wine business. Meet Lia Megrelidze, whose love and interest in tea set her to revive the family tradition and launch Komli at her The European Commissioner, along the Government of Georgia, with the 150-year-old homestead. Komli integrates a guest house, BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA with the Georgian government offi cials, support of the European Union, will organic vegetable garden and tea garden providing tea including Minister Batiashvili, Prime establish the very fi rst fully-fl edged picking and agro-tourist services. The business, barely a Minister Giorgi Gakharia and the Mayor European School in the European Union’s year old, is already a success, seeing a constant increase uropean Commissioner for of Tbilisi Kakha Kalaldze, put a sym- Neighborhood. In fact, the fi rst ever, in the number of visitors. Along with the Neighborhood Policy and bolic capsule on the site of the new outside EU borders!” accommodation, guests can try their hand at tea picking, Enlargement Negotiations, European School of Eastern Partnership The European School of Eastern Part- help process the leaves, and then taste the result for Johannes Hahn, is paying an which is planned to be built at Lisi Lake nership is a large-scale project of the quality. Thailand, China, Russia, England, Germany, the offi cial visit to Georgia. by 2023. The ceremony was followed European Union, supported by the Euro- Netherlands and the USA are among the countries guests EWithin the scope of the visit, Hahn is by the joint statement of Hahn and PM pean Commission, which is to be the come there from. Construction of glamping facilities is set to hold a meeting with Mikheil Gakharia. fi rst school launched beyond the EU now underway on the territory, adding to the appeal. Batiashvili, Minister of Education, Sci- "Today I am proud to announce that boundaries, targeting students from the Follow the Entrepreneur Georgia Instagram page to get the latest updates from ence, Culture and Sport of Georgia, as we are laying the foundation for an even Eastern Partnership states and offering Georgian Entrepreneurs. For doing business with Georgian Entrepreneurs, write us on well as students from the countries of larger and more ambitious construction,” internationally recognized European [email protected] the Eastern Partnership. Hahn said. “On this very site, at Lisi Lake, quality educational programs. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 17 - 19, 2019 NEWS 3 Wizz Air Now Offers Direct Flights to Switzerland

From September 10 onward, the airline company BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE began launching direct fl ights to its new destina- tions: Basel, Brussels, Copenhagen, Eindhoven, Bari, and Poznan, with A320 aircraft. izz Air performed the com- Having performed its fi rst fl ight as an airline in pany’s fi rst direct fl ight from 2004, Wizz Air has been operating in Georgia the Kutaisi David Agmashen- since 2012. The company chose Kutaisi Interna- ebeli International Airport to tional Airport as its base in 2016. The majority of the Swiss city of Basel on Sep- the passengers traveling from Kutaisi Airport use Wtember 13. the service of Wizz Air. Finance Minister on Business Environment in Georgia

“I have no idea about that meeting, I didn't attend BY ANA DUMBADZE it personally, so, I can’t say anything about it. How- ever, if there are specifi c facts of pressure against companies, they should come forward and show here has been no such free business it. I've been living in this country for the last 45 environment in the country in the last years, I've been involved in business for about 22 25 years, - the Finance Minister of years, in the public service for one year. I say with Georgia, Ivane Matchavariani, said after full responsibility, that there has been no such free the fi rst government meeting headed business environment for the last 25 years in active byT the new Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia. business and politics. If there are facts of pressure He responded to a question about a statement on a particular company, a specifi c case, they should made by TBC Bank founder Mamuka Khazaradze, come forward, and if there is no response, then we in which Khazaradze recalled a meeting with Geor- can talk. I don’t say it because I am a member of gian Dream Ruling Party Bidzina Ivanishvili over the government. People lived here all these years a dispute with businessman Vano Chkhartishvili, and whoever was in touch with this fi eld will con- attended by then-Chief Prosecutor Irakli Shotadze. fi rm it,” Machavariani said. GEORGIA TODAY 4 BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 17 - 19, 2019 Tbilisoba Tops Arrival Guides’ Best Culinary Festivals of Autumn 2019 capital as an “it” destination for 2019. work display, making Tbilisoba our top pick of the Arrival Guides informs its readers that October year’s autumn food festivals,” the article reads. 5 and 6 will see the city streets fl ooded with open- The article also advises the travelers to attend air concerts, folk dance performances, cultural the Good Food Month Festival in Australia, Wine happenings and, naturally, the true star of the show & Food Festival in the US and the White Truffl e – spectacular culinary offerings from all across the Fair in Italy. country. Tbilisoba, one of the most popular and widely The author of the article recommends travelers attended festivals in the country, was fi rst held on throughout the world to taste distinguished dishes October 28, 1979, and has since become an estab- from Georgian cuisine while attending the Tbi- lished tradition. The festival features open-air lisoba Festival: khinkali (“scrumptious soup dump- concerts of traditional music and dancing and lings sealed with a twist”), mtsvadi (“juicy pork various cultural events, centered in Old Tbilisi, the barbecue”), khachapuri (“a cheese-fi lled, almond- historical part of the city. Beyond celebrating the shaped local take on pizza, often with an egg on city's past and present, people from all over Geor- top”), and pkhali balls, a vegetarian dish. gia represent their region at the fair. Tbilisi City “Wine and chacha (Georgian brandy) fl ow freely Hall also traditionally awards honorary citizenships until the festivities culminate in a spectacular fi re- within the frames of Tbilisoba.

mended by Arrival Guides, blog of the world’s BY ANA DUMBADZE largest travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet. “Here’s a sureﬁ re way of dealing with the autumn blues: attending a food festival. We’ve surveyed the bilisoba, the annual October festival world to ﬁ nd out which autumn food festivals are which celebrates the diversity and on track to becoming fall season’s unmissables,” history of Tbilisi, the capital of Geor- reads the article. gia, leads the list of the best culinary It goes on to note that there is hardly a reputed Tfestivals of autumn 2019, as recom- travel publication that hasn’t listed the Georgian

Insurance Industry Requests Mandatory Insurance for Tourists Visiting Georgia

Continued from page 1 Armenia (+3.2%). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia says Khechinashvili also noted that some Georgian that a citizen of a foreign country who seeks to clinics face fi nancial diffi culties with foreign enter Georgia generally must fi rst obtain a Geor- insurance companies who complicate the pro- gian visa. Certain international travelers may be cedures of transferring compensation for injured eligible to travel to Georgia without a visa if they tourists. meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The visa Earlier this year, the Head of insurance company policy of Georgia is comparatively liberal, allowing GPI Holding, Paata Lomadze, said that uninsured citizens of 98 countries to enter, reside, work and tourists who enter the country must be asked to study in Georgia without the need to obtain either buy insurance in Georgia. a visa or a residence permit. In addition, the Geor- “Buying insurance in Georgia is such a simple gian government approved the list of 50 countries procedure and it will help us avoid the disputes whose visa and/or residence permit holders may and fi nancial risks that Georgian medical institu- enter Georgia without a visa for an appropriate tions currently face,” he said. period and under appropriate conditions. Georgia hosted 2,697,624 tourists (+8%) and In all cases, the ministry says that foreign citizens 4,961,918 international travelers (+7.8%) in January- must be able to present all the required documents July 2019. at the Georgian state border: In addition, 1,099,474 international travelers vis- • Travel Document/Passport ited Georgia in July 2019. The increase compared • Document proving purpose of travel with the same period of last year is +5.8%. • Proof of accommodation Most international travelers came from Azerbai- • Travel and health insurance jan (+13.1%), Russia (-6.4%), Turkey (+9.6%) and • Document proving suffi cient fi nancial means GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 17 - 19, 2019 BUSINESS 5 Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei's Interview with The Economist, Part 1 beginning of the year, to 23% by the end INTERVIEW BY DAVID RENNIE, of June, and now down to 19.7%. Our BEIJING BUREAU CHIEF AND profi ts didn't increase largely due to a ‘CHAGUAN’ COLUMNIST, signifi cant increase in our strategic THE ECONOMIST & PATRICK investments. We have recruited a few FOULIS, BUSINESS AFFAIRS thousand more employees worldwide, EDITOR, THE ECONOMIST mostly high-end talent like young geni- uses and fresh PhD graduates, to help patch our holes caused by the Entity r. Ren, before we ask List. you questions about We have patched our holes from 5G Huawei, we would like to core networks. On September 18, we to ask you a question will announce an AI cluster that con- about globalization and nects 1,024 Ascend chips. This will be aboutM how technology is challenging the fastest AI platform in the world. globalization, because you're also a very Currently, the Entity List still impacts important global business leader, and our consumer business, and it will take you now have big companies that are some time to patch our holes in this selling products and services that can area. only make sense in a world of a great degree of trust. You know, it's not sell- IS THE CONSUMER ing tennis shoes or tennis rackets. It's BUSINESS SHRINKING selling an autonomous car or a medical OUTSIDE OF CHINA? device. So, this globalization is now Our smartphone sales once declined in seeing trade in products that requires markets outside China, but the rate of a lifetime of trust, at the same time as that decline is now decreasing, now at countries like China and America fi nd around 10%. it very diffi cult to trust one another. Can this problem be resolved? What is LATER THIS MONTH, YOU'LL your view on how this problem can be BE LAUNCHING THE MATE 30, solved? THE NEW HANDSET. WILL IT “Economic globalization can bring HAVE ANDROID AND GOOGLE substantial benefi ts to all of humanity. APPS AVAILABLE ON IT? This is because it will play a signifi cant The Mate 30 series won't have the role in driving the optimal allocation Google Mobile Services (GMS) ecosys- of resources and reduction of service tem pre-installed. cost, thereby accelerating the pace of nomic situation. THE US. YOU TALKED ABOUT steamship. However, China continued social progress,” Zhengfei says. “Eco- “Let's look at another example. China EUROPE AND JAPAN, WHICH to rely mainly on horse-drawn carriages IF YOU LAUNCH A HANDSET nomic globalization was a concept put will reduce automobile tariffs to a very CAN SEE THE ECONOMIC for transportation. Those carriages THAT DOESN'T HAVE THE forward by Western countries. Their low level over the next fi ve years. The GLOBALIZATION. WHEN travelled at much slower speeds than FULL SUITE OF GOOGLE APPS guiding principle was to allow the West UK and Europe produce the world's YOU LOOK AT THE US- trains, and they could carry far less ON IT, IS IT CORRECT TO to trade their advanced technology and highest quality automobiles, while Japan CHINA RELATIONSHIP, ARE cargo than steamboats. That's why China THINK THAT THE VOLUME equipment for developing countries' produces the most cost-effective qual- YOU WORRIED ABOUT THE was left behind. YOU SELL OUTSIDE OF CHINA raw materials and cost-effi cient labor ity automobiles. Today, we need to FUTURE OF GLOBALIZATION? The UK became an industrial power- WILL BE MUCH LOWER forces. This enabled global trade. But address the problems arising from glo- Yes, I think China-US relations will house, and managed to sell its products THAN IN THE PAST? the West did not expect that develop- balization one at a time, through con- affect the future of globalization. The all over the world, hugely impacting We would like to continue using Android, ing countries would slowly begin to sultation. There is nothing wrong with US is the most powerful country in the social progress in many countries. Today, because we remain on good terms with move up the value chain with produc- globalization itself. These problems are world. It used to maintain order as the about two-thirds of the world's popula- Google. Even if the US government tion of low-end products. arising because the development mech- "policeman" of the world, and in return tion speak English. With this example, won't allow us to continue using Android, “The West had a serious economic anism has failed to adapt to some of the it was rewarded with the US dollar I want to say that speed determines we have our alternatives. It will take us crisis in the 1960s and 1970s, brought changes in our new environment and becoming the world's currency. The US social progress. two to three years to replace Android about by confl icts between employers the different players involved are not collects seigniorage from the world by 5G is a connectivity technology that with our own system, during which time and employees. Some Western econo- sitting down to have good discussions issuing US dollars. If the US continued delivers high speeds, high bandwidth, our phone sales in markets outside mists suggested higher pay, higher about how best to coordinate on these to maintain world order, it would not and low latency. 5G represents speed in China will see some decline. We think commodity prices, and higher con- problems. stand to lose anything. the information society. Countries that it is understandable. Our smartphones sumption would solve this crisis. This “Let's take Russia as another example. However, the US has destroyed this have speed will move forward rapidly. have their unique features in addition theory worked well to address the If Russia had been accepted as a mem- mechanism. People no longer believe On the contrary, countries that give up to ecosystem applications, so we believe West's problems for a while. For the ber of the European Union, I estimate that the US is trying to maintain order speed and excellent connectivity tech- there will be many more customers who next several decades until the end of that the trade between Russia and other in the world, or that the US dollar is the nology may see economic slowdown. will like and accept our products. We the last century, their economy grew Western countries would represent at most reliable reserve currency. When The British are very intelligent, and will launch the Mate 30 series in Munich very quickly. Sustaining such an eco- least one trillion euros, because of Rus- the world's confi dence in the US and British universities are among the best on September 19, and you can fi nd out nomic model requires very high yields sia's energy exports and Western coun- the US dollar starts to wane, the national in the world. If the UK wants to make what features they will have then. though. Without high yields, it's going tries' machinery and equipment exports. debts and stock markets in the US will a comeback in industry, it needs speed to be very diffi cult to ensure that you These transactions would bring a lot of face crises, which will cause great eco- in the information society. OVER THIS PERIOD WHEN have enough wealth to distribute. money into Europe, which would help nomic and political turmoil in the US. Optical fi bre networks and 5G tech- YOU MAY HAVE TO ROLL OUT Although developing countries created Europe address the issues they are see- nology that is based on optical fi bre YOUR OWN SYSTEM, DO YOU a massive market space for Western ing related to increasing economic dis- THIS YEAR, US DIPLOMATS networks will connect supercomputers THINK IT'S POSSIBLE THAT A countries to sell in, many products parity. HAVE MADE A BIG EFFORT and super storage systems to support COMPANY CAN BE PUSHED from these developing countries also “I've had very good talks with George TO PERSUADE ALLIES LIKE AI. If AI is able to increase productivity INTO MAKING A LOSS? entered developed markets. The clashes Osborne and David Cameron in the BRITAIN AND AUSTRALIA, by ten-fold, then the UK will become No, our growth will slow down, but we and contradictions that arose during past. Back then, Osborne had already AND TO PUT PRESSURE ON an industrial power with a workforce won't see losses. the process are not an inherent prob- lowered the UK's tax rate to 21%, but COUNTRIES LIKE VIETNAM, equivalent to hundreds of millions of lem with globalization, but occurred these cuts didn't impact their national NOT TO USE HUAWEI people. When I say AI can increase IF I WAS RUNNING GOOGLE because of a lack of effective coordina- revenue. Why? Because the UK only PRODUCTS. HOW SUCCESSFUL productivity by ten-fold, this is just an AND HUAWEI ENDS UP tion between countries of these two allowed welfare to be distributed under HAS THE US BOYCOTT BEEN? estimation. The truth is that in some PUSHING ITS OPERATING different development stages. certain conditions. To receive welfare, First of all, it's perfectly normal for cus- rare cases, with the aid of AI, effi ciency SYSTEM OUT GLOBALLY, HOW “Let me use the Europe-China rela- recipients would have to be actively tomers not to buy Huawei equipment. can increase by 100 times or even 1,000 WORRIED SHOULD I BE? tionship as an example to explain how seeking a job or make some form of In fact, many customers did not buy times. Google is trying to persuade the US gov- we could possibly address this problem. contributions to community service, Huawei equipment in the past. Most Alan Turing, the father of AI, was Brit- ernment to allow us to use their ecosys- China has made a commitment to the such as caring for the elderly or engag- customers make their decisions based ish, as was the scientist who cloned tem. In this regard, we are willing to World Trade Organization (WTO) that ing in public health activities. The on commercial considerations. Dolly the sheep. I simply cannot imag- work with Google. Our operating system it will signifi cantly open up its service reduction in tax revenue equaled their When it comes to 5G, I think the US ine what the world will be like when wasn't initially intended for smartphones. and manufacturing sectors. Over the reduced social welfare spending, and may be wrong to politicize 5G or treat genetic and electronic technologies Moreover, Google's operating system is last two years, this opening up has been thus ensuring stability within the coun- it as something dangerous. Countries come together. I believe the UK has open source, so we can continue to use accelerating, even though it is still a bit try. should make their decisions about 5G enormous potential for revitalization. it. The US limits our use of Google Mobile behind the promised schedule. “Afterwards, Theresa May's adminis- to facilitate their development rather Speed will determine whether the UK Services, GMS. That ecosystem includes “The UK and Europe have accumu- tration announced that it would further than fulfi l political agendas. can be successful again. thousands of partners, and Huawei lated hundreds of years of experience lower the tax rates to 17%. All of these Let me give you an example. About wouldn't be able to build a comparable in the service sector. China has a huge policies adopted in the UK are serving 1,000 years ago, China was the most TELL US ABOUT THE ecosystem in just a couple of days. If the demand for services. In this sense, if as the DNA for it to become an invest- powerful country in the world. The FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE US government allows us to continue to the export of large quantities of services ment center again. All in all, this proves prosperity depicted in the famous paint- OF THE BUSINESS SINCE use Google's ecosystem, the US would is allowed from the West into China, it that different players have to keep adapting "Along the River During the Qin- MAY, WHEN THE ENTITY LIST maintain its dominant position in this will facilitate the social advancement ing to the new globalized environment. ming Festival" was not fi ctional; it was BEGAN? HAVE YOU SEEN fi eld. If the US government refuses to of China. In addition, the money earned A one-size-fi ts-all approach won't work. real. A DROP IN REVENUES? grant the license, it will hurt them in the by China from Europe through the This is my humble opinion.” Several hundred years ago, the philo- Our revenue has grown by 19.7% by the long run. export of products will return to Europe sophical thoughts and social systems end of August, while our profi ts were through the export of products and THE ONE COUNTRY YOU in the UK led to the Industrial Revolu- similar to last year's. Our growth rate Don’t miss out on the continuation in Friday’s services, creating a more balanced eco- HAVE NOT MENTIONED IS tion. The British invented the train and has declined from about 30% in the issue of GT. GEORGIA TODAY 6 BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 17 - 19, 2019 Kombinzona, Lobbying Innovation & Happy Lifestyles

your grandmother.” BY KHATIA GELOVANI, TRANSLATED Another sub-brand, “Alicap,” is also BY MARIAM MERABISHVILI waiting to see daylight in a selection of adapted accessories. “For example, a beautiful head kerchief for those who ano Melitauri is a marketer suffer from Sinusitis so that they are by profession with 14 years’ protected and still look good.” experience working in various companies. Inno- WORLD INNOVATION vative sewing factory Another Kombinzona initiative is inno- G“Kombinizona” is her dream come true, vative not only for the Georgian market having entered the Georgian market 1.5 but for the whole world. The idea came years ago and seeing its founder recov- Gano after watching her own children. ering all expenses in just one month. We “My children have never loved getting met Gano Melitauri and her husband dressed or undressed,” she says. “Then Kakha Gagnidze to fi nd out more about I thought about it and realized that adults Kombinzona and their long-term goals. tend to buy the kind of clothes they like. So, I came up with the idea to make this A DREAM COME TRUE process fun and interactive. Kids deserve “The brand ‘Kombinizona’ was highly to wear the clothes they want.” appreciated upon its entry into the Geor- The purpose of Gano’s interactive cloth- gian market. It was able to get to the ing line is to help children learn and develop; break-even point in just one month,” to learn the color gamma or calculations, Gano tells us. for example. Each model will be integrated It all started with Gano making a child- with a different type of game, and the hood dream a reality in adulthood with basics of color therapy will be used through- the support of her husband, Kakha, who out the production process. was working with a friend on a new hotel “We put on comics and popular char- brand when Gano walked into his life to acters for children to collect. We will interview for a job as a marketer. arrange competitions and even create a “Gano was to do market research and similar line for adults. With the help of take the position of Head of Public Rela- clothing, they will be able to cope with tions for the company. She was so inter- stress, wake up in time ... However, indi- esting that I started to see life anew,” vidual investment will not be enough Kakha recalls. for this project and we will need inves- Gano has been creating sketches since tor support,” says Gano. childhood. Everything started with shoe The factory is working well, orders are models and later switched to clothing. on the up and the innovative ideas are Four years ago, while working on a mas- fl owing. The couple’s 10-year business ter’s degree at Warsaw University of development plan is well on its way to Management, she chose the topic “Color success. Kombinizona is continuing to Acceptance in Georgia,” studying color seek an international brand name and matching and its therapeutic effects. aiming to sell the brand’s franchise in Gano’s goal was to use her work as she various mega cities. Gano and Kakha are pursued her dream - to open an innova- neither afraid of obstacles nor are they tive sewing factory which would produce going to give up. clothing and accessories based on color started by focusing on social responsi- a space, equipment and assemble a team. not just manufacture clothing: it is a philosophy. “I interviewed 1800 people bility right away. I wanted Kombinzona “I was convinced that the Georgian lobbyist for innovation and happy life- ABOUT THE BANK OF GEORGIA for my survey,” she says. “I also worked to be a powerful message carrier, taking fashion sphere needed such projects. We styles with strong social responsibility GRANTS PROGRAM with focus groups, learning how con- great responsibility and changing many needed to bring the concept of adapted and design decisions. Bank of Georgia, within the frames of sumers perceive colors, how to plan things for the better - people’s lives, clothing, unique color innovations, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), color matching correctly, and its effects moods and health,” says Gano. Georgian maternity brand and to take FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE has been funding a grant competition on mood and health. That’s when the Kombinzona became the fi rst Georgian real social responsibility,” says Gano. GEORGIAN FASHION INDUSTRY since 2016 to address social issues, pro- outlines of the innovative sewing factory brand to launch a series of pregnancy “We are creating an international school mote employment for people with dis- came to me. However, doing this job outerwear. In addition, they created lines A NEW BEGINNING for people who want to combine theo- abilities and promote social entrepre- would have been completely unthinkable for people with disabilities and school Gano quit her high-paying job and decided retical and practical knowledge with neurship. without Kakha,” Gano tells us. children. to invest all her energy, time and knowl- studying fashion marketing and manage- The grant competition aims to address Gano’s study of color matching will “We started manufacturing adapted edge into Kombinzona. The innovative ment,” Gano says. “Each student will be social issues in Georgia through the soon be published as a scientifi c work. clothing fi rst. Very few understand the clothing factory is working in several able to work in our factory. A vocational establishment of successful social enter- And Gano is already using the knowledge concept of adapted clothing. It is not a directions at this stage. First of all, of school will also be opened shortly after- prises and the development of social and results gained during her sketching luxury but in many cases a necessity. course, any product, be it an item of wards, with students studying high-level entrepreneurship. process. “I created a dictionary that People with disabilities, for example, clothing or an accessory, is created based manufacturing. Nowadays, there is a Bank of Georgia is one of the fi rst com- explains each color. For example, gray is should not have trouble changing their on Gano’s research on colors. serious problem of education in cutting panies to fi nance social enterprises. So a neutral color that translates to comfort.” clothes. My goal is that within 2-3 years, Another important direction aside from and sewing. We will also teach our stu- far, a total of 10 social enterprises have One day, Gano showed her sketches to every person with disabilities in Georgia maternity and disability wear is women’s dents the basics of management so that been set up and the bank has granted Kakha. They talked about the color phi- will have at least one Kombinzona work.” rights. Gano expressed a kind of protest they can continue their business inde- GEL 400,000. The creation of each enter- losophy and decided that the creation against widespread abortion by printing pendently, or at least work in an existing prise is funded with GEL 50,000. of a factory should not be postponed any BANK OF GEORGIA FUND ‘TREE #გოგოსდედა (Mummy’s Girl) on her enterprise.” Social enterprises have been created longer. OF LIFE’ GRANT COMPETITION outfi ts. The plans of the Kombinzona brand throughout Georgia. A bank-funded As soon as it came to market, Kombin- “We received very good feedback. How- are long-term. There will be exhibitions social enterprise was created and people THE FIRST GEORGIAN zona had a lot of fans. Orders increased ever, this is not the last activity we tried in Paris and Milan in the near future. with disabilities were employed in ENTERPRISE OF ADAPTED by the day - both retail and corporate. It to support women in. We’ve set up a From September, the innovative sewing Lagodekhi, Nukriani, Tsnori, Kaspi, CLOTHING was a stressful time for the husband-wife Kombinzona Mothers’ / Women’s Club factory is presenting its work in Euro- Batumi, Tbilisi and Zestafoni. While selecting the factory, buying tex- team. “At the time, we had nothing but that will try to help pregnant women and pean showrooms. Those social enterprise projects serve tiles and turning Gano’s sketches into ideas, concepts and sketches,” Kakha future mothers stay physically active, spend One of the main concerns of Gano and a dual economic and social purpose. The reality, the duo began to develop their recalls. The company had already won nine months of pregnancy calmly, health- Kakha is choosing the right team. “My economic goal must be a prerequisite concept. They studied the market and two tenders and had orders from Geor- ily and productively. We will have meet- strength is developing and executing the for achieving the second, more impor- found that none of the Georgian brands gian designers fl owing in, and the duo ings, outings, competitions and various brand concept, while Kakha is strong in tant goal - social welfare. was producing the adapted clothing that also had plans to travel to the Wolves activities. In addition, we are going to cre- terms of management.” The couple aims By the end of 2019, fi ve new social they had in mind. Summit, where Kombinzona was on the ate a kids club. Together with AlterSchool, to create comfortable working condi- enterprises will have been created and The couple’s goal is not simply to cre- list of innovative startups. based at Alterbridge International Train- tions for their employees. The most the bank will allocate an additional GEL ate a boutique or a “Gano Melitauri” line It was then that the heads of producing and Management University, we are important requirements for employees 250,000. The sixth grant competition and bring it to fashion weeks. Their tar- tion hid a road-block and were unable planning to organize Kombinzona Art is that they have their own vision, the will be announced in autumn 2019, where get audience is diverse, ranging from to go to the Summit. “We had decided Factory children’s programs, the attendees ability to make decisions independently any NGO or initiative group interested children 0 to 18 months, to pregnant to take full responsibility for the devel- of which will share alternative, fun and and a love of the job. in social issues will be able to submit a women and people with disabilities. This opment of Kombinzona, but then another combined forms and will discover Geor- Kombinizona is currently manufactur- social enterprise project to receive up is where Kombinzona innovates, giving great responsibility came along with the gian and world history, art, fi lm, fi lm his- ing a line of school and semi-sports bags to GEL 50,000 in funding to build a social it the opportunity to “swim in the blue birth of Rene-Lazare,” Gano says with a tory, fi lmmaking, photography and editing. in addition to clothing. In the near future, mission-oriented social enterprise. ocean.” Blue Ocean is a marketing strat- smile. We are eager to give children a hands-on a relatively luxurious designer line of Detailed information on the competition egy that aims to differentiate existing Funding was needed to get Kombinzona experience,” Gano says. clothing called “My Grandma,” ethno- will be posted on the following website: market players and gain signifi cant com- its own factory, equip it and hire staff. Along with Alterbridge, many other cultural and 20th century elegant Franco- www.tree.ge petitive advantage with a completely They applied to the Bank of Georgia social projects are planned. Gano and Georgian clothes inspired by Georgian different brand positioning. Foundation ‘Tree of Life’ grant competi- Kakha always discuss the work of Kombin- history, will enter the market “because Originally printed in Entrepreneur Georgia “In every company I ever worked in, I tion. They won, and were able to purchase zona in a global context. The brand does love and a vision of fashion came from magazine. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 17 - 19, 2019 BUSINESS 7

Geostat Report on Average Monthly Earnings in Q2 2019 ties (1,900.4 GEL) and information technology and BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA communications (1,806.4 GEL). Geostat also introduced gender-based data, dem- onstrating the shifts observed in men and women’s he National Statistics Offi ce of Geor- earnings separately. gia (Geostat) has presented a report In the second quarter of this year, the average on salaries observed in the second monthly salary of men amounted to 1,419.8 GEL, quarter of 2019, according to which, whereas the same data for women showed 913.5 compared to the same timeframe of GEL, with the growth of remuneration by 85.9 GEL T2018, the average monthly earnings in Georgia and 69.1 GEL respectively. increased by 76.3 GEL and amounted to 1,179.8 GEL. The Geostat report shows that the representa- A growth in monthly remuneration was observed tives of the business sector enjoyed a growth in in almost all fi elds, with the highest fi gures in the salaries of 90.7, with a total of 1,241 GEL, while spheres of: fi nancial and insurance activities (2,393.6 employees of the non-business sector earned 1,073.9 GEL); professional, scientifi c and technical activi- GEL in average, an increase of 50.1 GEL. PM Gakharia Responds to New Anaklia Port Accusations

The New PM denies the allegations, calling them BY ANA DUMBADZE "unserious," and notes that if Khazaradze has any proof against him, he should show it. “It is not good when the country’s major strategic iorgi Gakharia, the new Prime Minis- project becomes a subject of political gossip and ter of Georgia, has responded to new speculation. Anaklia does not belong to any indi- allegations from Mamuka Khazaradze, vidual, the deep-sea port belongs to the develop- Co-founder of JSC TBC Bank and the ment of the country and we should all show a bit founder of the Public Movement Lelo, more responsibility when it comes to projects accusingG him of making damaging moves against important for the country,” PM said, adding that the construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port. the Anaklia project needs serious investors, which In particular, Khazaradze said that Gakharia, when the consortium does not have at this stage. minister, opposed the development plan of Anak- "The state has fulfi lled all its obligations. No for- lia Project and "repeatedly talked about it with eigners or important American partners are left in foreign diplomats as well." He added that the cur- the consortium, and yet people are still talking rent developments show that the Anaklia contract about somebody’s interests. This is not serious,” may be canceled. he said. GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 17 - 19, 2019 British Embassy Launches 'UK Season in Georgia 2019' opened the ceremony, welcoming guests fi rst in Georgian, then in English. "Over the next three months, across Georgia, we will celebrate the special friendship that exists between Britain and Georgia and we will put in place the building blocks for future friendship," the Ambassador said. "From the 12th century amazing coin of King David the Builder to the very best of 21st century music and dance from Britain: we hope that the UK Season in Georgia will fi nd a place in everyone's hearts. Delivering a season of this kind is only possible with the help and assistance of the Government of Georgia, repre- sented by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and the help of our founding partners." The British Council, Adjara Group Hospitality, Wissol Group, Alma, BP, Bank of Georgia and Georgia Capital are involved in the roll out of UK Sea- son in Georgia 2019. One of the 60 events we can already enjoy is a remarkable coin from the time of King David the Builder on loan to Georgia from the British Museum and now on display to the public for the fi rst time at the Georgian National Museum. The coin bears the following inscription: 'Lord, aid David, king of Abkhazians, Kartvelians, Rans, Kakhs, Armenians.’ Posters will be on display at bus stops and on buses throughout the capital gian and other nationals at the opening BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES ceremony of the 'UK Season in Georgia 2019' in Stamba hotel, Tbilisi, on Sep- tember 13. he British Embassy and The three-month UK Season is to see British Council in Georgia 60 different events celebrating the rela- were joined by Georgian tions between the two countries. government offi cials and Both the courtyard in Stamba and the Tnumerous British, Geor- area beside Rustaveli Metro were dec-

orated with giant Union Jack letters wrapped in pages of our beloved Geor- city showing off everything that makes spelling the word 'GREAT' (and in small gia Today, a tea shop serving cakes and Britain GREAT. printed letters 'Britain & Northern Ire- fruit, an ice cream parlor and numerous For more news on the 59 other events land). Stamba also played host to a deli- visual and musical displays extolling you can look forward to in the next cious healthy buffet made by its team, the virtues of Britain. three months, follow the news with and special "British" areas- ﬁ sh'n'chips Ambassador Justin McKenzie Smith Georgia Today. SUBSCRIBE!

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[email protected] +995 32 229 59 19 Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08   10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 17 - 19, 2019 BUSINESS 9 Finance Ministry to Start Negotiations on Launching Tbilisi Urban Railway Project

TRANSLATED BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA

he Ministry of Finance of Georgia will start negotiations with the European Bank Reconstruction and Develop- ment (EBRD) and European TInvestment Bank (EIB) on launching the Tbilisi urban railway project, - stated Ivane Matchavariani, Minister of Finance of Geor- gia, at the brieﬁ ng held after the government sitting, noting that the project was discussed by the government earlier today. The Minister stated that the project is the initiative of Tbilisi City Hall and represents an important infrastructural junction. “This is a major project, envisaging development of the urban railway in the Samgori- Lilo direction, which is to have nearly seven stations. What's more, within the scope of the initiative, it is planned to establish a connection with Rustavi through the urban railway,” said Matchavariani, noting that the approximate cost of the project is to amount to $174-218 million. “We know that the EBRD and EIB are interested in this project. At this stage, Tbi- lisi City Hall has asked the Ministry of Finance to engage in the details of the project. Even though were are considering obtaining loans, this is the project, also enabling gaining grants,” noted the Minister.

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CONTACT US ON EMAIL OR MOBILE! +995 595 12 93 60 [email protected] FACEBOOK – IVERIA GRILL INN GEORGIA TODAY 10 BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 17 - 19, 2019 GCAA Launches 2nd Global Investment in Aviation Summit, 27-29 Jan. 2020 he General Civil Aviation passenger traffi c is expected to grow 4.3% Authority (GCAA) has annually from 2015 to 2035, 0.3 percent- announced the launch of age points less than the previous forecast, the second edition of its which accounted for 4.6% annually from Global Investment in Avia- 2012 to 2032. The difference is mainly due Ttion Summit (GIAS) under the theme to the economic growth predicted for ‘Enabling global aviation growth through China and the Middle East (overriding fundraising and key partnership’. The higher growth in Europe). All route groups upcoming summit at Madinat Jumeirah, involving Central Southwest Asia are Dubai, on 27- 29 January 2020, aims at among the Top 10 fastest growing , and exchanging expertise and knowledge Central South West Asia – North Asia is between offi cials and aviation industry estimated to have the highest growth rate experts and forging partnerships that at 7.2% annually up to 2035. support the aviation investment sector Al Suwaidi highlighted the roles of globally. strategic partners, among them the Min- The organizing committee of GIAS istry of Economy, Fujairah Aviation 2020 announced the details of the sum- Academy as well as sponsors like Vimana, mit in the presence of His Excellency Indra and Egis, who play a crucial role Saif Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Director- in making GIAS a unique global aviation General of the GCAA, and Nadia Al event. Maazmi, GIAS Platform Director, at a Nadia Al Maazmi, GIAS Platform Direc- heavily attended press conference in the tor, said, “The agenda of the summit also Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, on includes a range of workshops, where Sunday. participants can showcase their projects Reiterating UAE’s commitment to before potential investors and project strengthening the aviation industry managers. The aim is to provide par- around the globe, Al Suwaidi, the Direc- ticipants with valuable insights they will tor-General of the GCAA, said, “The need to establish their best investment Authority has achieved remarkable pro- decisions.” gress by adopting the latest initiatives Al Maazmi highlighted other features and through the completion of many of GIAS 2020, such as the panel discus- innovative projects, including the mod- sions at the upcoming summit, two at ernization of its Air Traffi c Control the ministerial level, and another involv- Center, to serve the commendable growth ing heads of transport authorities. 'Avi- of the aviation sector in the country." ation Optimization Vision and Strategies,' Al Suwaidi added: “By organizing this 'Best Government Achievements in ticipants with the opportunity to rub speakers, eight ministers of state, 120 US, UK, India, Germany, France. For more summit, GCAA becomes a global plat- Aviation Partnerships and Investments,' shoulders with experts and gain relevant investors, 35 startups, and 387 interna- details visit https://www.gias.ae/ form for more than 1,200 international and 'Future Airport Investments: Chal- knowledge in the aviation sector on the tional organizations were present at Strategic Exhibitions and Conference: Since participants, including 200 aviation lenges and Good Practices' are among sidelines of the event, and build long- GIAS 2019. its inception in 2000, Strategic Exhibitions & investors, to exchange their views and the topics of discussion set for the sum- term relations with key stakeholders. Conference is the trusted partner for many discuss market trends that can develop mit. Al Maazmi gave an overview of the Global Investment in Aviation Summit was government entities in developing and man- mechanisms to channel more invest- GIAS 2020 will continue to showcase previous edition that saw presentation launched in 2018 to establish a socioeco- aging high-profi le conferences and events in ments into the aviation sector and sup- its business incubator Intelak that was of investment projects exceeding $200 nomic sustainable civil aviation system. Organ- the UAE. We are associated with Annual port the global economy and support its launched in the previous edition to help billion, $50 million estimated project ised by Strategic Conferences and Exhibitions, Investment Meeting, World Tolerance Summit, growth and sustainability.” startups to become part of the global funding, and allocation of more than GIAS has seen a participation of more than Global Investment in Aviation Summit, Inter- Quoting a International Civil Aviation aviation industry. The training programs $150 million in indirect investments. As 850 international delegates and 120 inves- national Property Show, Dubai Investment Organization report, he said that global and workshops at Intelak provide par- many as 828 participants, including 80 tors from 60 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Week and many more. Georgian Wine Agency to Spend GEL 9 mln on Marketing in 2020 will be an important step forward in BY THEA MORRISON replacing the traditional markets. “We are committed to double-digit growth in the US, South East Asia and he National Wine Agency Europe. So far we have a 60% increase (NWA) of Georgia will of wine export to the US and I hope we spend around GEL 9 ($3.04) will fi nish with a 50% increase when the million on marketing events year is over,” he noted. in 2020, says Levan Mekhu- Mekhuzla says most Georgian compa- Tzla, Chairman of the NWA. nies fi nd it easier to operate in a market He noted that compared to the current where awareness of Georgian wine is year, the Agency's marketing budget will high, but that many are starting to re- increase by almost 1.5 million GEL, though think their strategies. the number of wine exporter countries "Risks are being reevaluated and there is limited. are some companies that are making a “We are working with almost all part- special effort to replace traditional mar- ner countries, but more emphasis will kets or explore new ones,” he added. likely be placed on the Nordic countries, During the last seven months of 2019, where marketing activities have been 47.2 million bottles of wine were exported very sporadic so far. We are also going to 47 countries worldwide, 4% more than to work strategically with Germany,” the same period in 2018. Exported wine Mekhuzla said. income amounted to $114.2 million, up The head of the National Wine Agency 6% on last year. says they will not be spending any of In addition to this, Georgia exported their budget on marketing activities in about 86.2 million bottles of wine to 53 Russia. countries in 2018, which is a record high "In Russia and the post-Soviet space, in the last 30 years. Last year, Georgia aside from the Baltic states, we have not generated $203 million from the sale of had any marketing activities for the last wine abroad. four or fi ve years and we have no plans Revenue increased by 20% from 2017, to do so next year either,” he said. while the volume of exports increased Mekhuzla also noted that following the Image source: itinary.com by 13%, says the Georgian National Wine deterioration of Georgia-Russia relations the Georgian wine industry cautious observed from the Russian importers of gian wine export to the United States Agency. after large-scale June 20-21 protest ral- expectations and we and our companies Georgian wine. increased by 60% and to Russia by just Georgia exported 20 million bottles of lies, after which Russia suspended fl ights are trying to diversify markets in order “The situation there is more or less 2%. However, about 60% of Georgian Georgian brandy (+9%) and 422,000 bot- with Georgia and started talks about a to be less dependent on one particular stable but orders for Georgian wine have wine is usually exported to Russia. tles of Chacha (+47%) abroad in 2018. In new wine embargo, Georgian wines are market,” he said. become less frequent,” he noted. He said in the next 3-4 years, on aver- total, Georgia sold $306.5 million worth struggling in Russia. The Head of the Georgian Wine Agency Last month, Mekhuzla announced that age 4-5 million bottles of wine will be of alcoholic beverages in 2018, including “These statements and events brought added that the same caution can be in the fi rst seven months of 2019, Geor- exported to the American market, which wine, brandy, chacha and more. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 17 - 19, 2019 POLITICS 11 US & China Gear Up for Ideological Warfare

coming from the US offi cials and the BY EMIL AVDALIANI documents from American state agen- cies that Washington is starting to regard China's rise and the challenge it poses ithin light of growing the US-led world increasingly within US-China competi- the ideological boundaries. tion and problems There is a certain build-up in that sense, surrounding Anaklia, and it is likely that the competition with Georgia's positioning China will be framed as an ideological Was the US key strategic partner in the one in the coming years. As it was dur- region might come under question. Any ing the Cold War period, an ideological volatility on the future of Georgia's Black showdown will help the US better clar- Sea ports will hinder prospects of greater ify its aims and ideas to its allies in the collaboration between Tbilisi and Wash- years that have seen a relative sluggish- ington. This would in the long run open ness in NATO and the west's stance on the doors to Chinese investments, limit- global threats in general. ing America’s strength in the Black Sea. The ideological setup will also help Current developments in world politics framing the American public's percep- have clearly shown that the 21st century tion, master the country's resources and will be more or less a geopolitical con- perhaps reinvigorate the political class' test between the two giants, China and commitment to the transatlantic and the US. Asia-Pacifi c allies. Many still compare China-US compe- At the same time, the ideological frame tition to the Cold War of the 20th century instituted by the US will likely be between Americans and the Soviets. The responded to by the Chinese side. As the scale of the China-US contest is far larger Soviets did, Beijing will follow suit and than the 20th century example by involv- frame its own worldview more openly ing technological, commercial and mil- and antagonistically (which it has so far itary competition. The Soviets could not explicitly avoided doing) towards the US. compete in trade and technologies, while The ideological framing of the compe- the Chinese nowadays are almost as tition will also be the last straw which strong as the Americans. would lead the two countries into the Thus, these confrontations are of quite kind of war the Americans and Soviets different scales. But there was one inter- had. However, while the US in the 20th esting aspect in the Soviet-American century sat and waited till the Soviet cold war which is rarely mentioned by Union collapsed, simply because the scholars, analysts and politicians – the gems as well as effective alliance been so in history. Looking back at the tition, politicians and analysts in the Soviet system was destined to fail eco- ideological dimension. building abroad. But it was nevertheless post-WWII years, it is visible how grad- West talk about possible consensuses nomically from the very beginning, a The Americans, following the end of important to cushion all of that into the ually the American political leadership between the two powers on trade and similar expectation would not work for World War II, started increasingly look- concept of an ideological crusade. It was moving from hopes of reaching pos- other issues. However, from time to time China. ing at the Soviet challenge as an ideo- helped the US master its allies across sible understanding with Stalin to rec- many even in the US itself fail to grasp Thus, it is important to watch closely logical battle. It was not merely about the world and explain that any meander- ognizing that a showdown was imminent. how deep the differences between Wash- the various statements and reports com- democracy being against communism, ing would lead to their destruction by Once this realization happened, an ide- ington and Beijing are, which limits ing from both Americans and Chinese but more as a free world against oppres- the Soviet state’s non democratic insti- ological cushion was prepared and it exponentially the potential for a wide and how their respective offi cial language sion. Behind this thinking was a method- tutions. became diffi cult to stop the US. ranging agreement. evolves into religious, nearly canonical ical strategic planning, military strata- Ideology is important and it has always Back to the modern US-China compe- What is missed is the various hints pronouncements of Good against Evil.

CULTURE Tbilisi Photography & Multimedia Museum Opens at Stamba Hotel

n September 16, Stamba Hotel, the renowned historic pub- welcomed the opening lishing house converted into a design of the Tbilisi Photog- hotel. raphy & Multimedia The key purpose of the museum is Museum. to use visual art across the region, OThe museum is the ﬁ rst institution while encouraging further develop- in Georgia and the South Caucasus ment of civil society and fundamen- to focus on contemporary imagery tal values. through photography, video and new The Tbilisi Photography & Multi- media. media Museum opened with a video The museum was created as part installation by a duo of French art- of the ‘South Caucasus Photography ists, Vincent Moon & Priscilla Telmon, Hub for Education and Innovation’ called ‘Unus Mundus: Rituals and funded by the Swiss Cooperation Trances.’ Ofﬁ ce in the South Caucasus. A space The installation was accompanied of 950 square meters has been pro- with live music. Find out more in vided by Adjara Group at Stamba this Friday’s GT.

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