facebook.com/ georgiatoday

Issue no: 998/104 • NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Natural Georgian Produce Fair to Go International NEWS PAGE 2 ReforMeter: Tracking Progress, One Reform at a Time ISET PAGE 4

Gov’t to Tighten FOCUS Construction Regulations ON GOV'T RESHUFFLE BUSINESS PAGE 6 Ministries cut, PM welcomes British Trade Envoy to new Finance and Education ministers PAGE 2&14 Georgia & Armenia on Georgia's Potential in PM: Gov’t Supports Entrepreneurship, Business & Innovations Britain BUSINESS PAGE 11 BY THEA MORRISON A he Georgian Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili has once again stated that Momentous the promotion of entrepreneurship, business and innovations is one of the Week for main priorities of the government. TKvirikashvili made the statement on November the World 12 at Tech Park Tbilisi at the opening ceremony of Global Entrepreneurship Week. POLITICS PAGE 15 The PM thanked the US Embassy and Ambassa- dor Ian Kelly for the initiation and fi nancing of a program of mentorship that connects experienced Girl of Now: Elie Saab’s mentors with young people and business sector representatives for a year with various activities New Fragrance at Ici that will provide young people with innovative ideas for their businesses. Paris Stores Continued on page 3 SOCIETY PAGE 15

Prepared for Georgia Today Business by Markets Asof10ͲNovͲ2017 STOCKS Price w/w m/m BONDS Price w/w m/m BGEOGroup(BGEOLN) GBP35.57 Ͳ0,9% +8,1% GEOROG04/21 107.29(YTM4.45%) +0,1% +0,9% GHG(GHGLN) GBP3.37 Ͳ4,0% +9,5% GEORG04/21 112.35(YTM3.03%) Ͳ0,3% Ͳ0,0% TBCBankGroup(TBCGLN) GBP17.00 Ͳ2,4% +6,2% GRAIL07/22 111.77(YTM4.89%) Ͳ0,1% +0,2% BGEOLN07/23 103.19(YTM5.34%) Ͳ0,0% +0,1% COMMODITIES Price w/w m/m CrudeOil,Brent(US$/bbl) 63,52 +2,3% +12,2% CURRENCIES Price w/w m/m GoldSpot(US$/OZ) 1275,07 +0,4% Ͳ1,0% GEL/USD 2,6506 +1,7% +7,0% GEL/EUR 3,0940 +2,3% +5,7% INDICES Price w/w m/m GEL/GBP 3,4962 +2,6% +6,9% FTSE100 7432,99 Ͳ1,7% Ͳ1,4% GEL/CHF 2,6663 +2,3% +4,7% FTSE250 20020,85 Ͳ2,2% Ͳ0,6% GEL/RUB 0,0448 +1,6% +4,9% DAX 13127,47 Ͳ2,6% +1,4% GEL/TRY 0,6855 +2,3% +2,7% DOWJONES 23422,21 Ͳ0,5% +2,6% GEL/AZN 1,5603 +1,7% +7,0% NASDAQ 6750,94 Ͳ0,2% +2,5% GEL/AMD 0,0054 Ͳ +3,8% MSCIEMEE 162,54 +3,4% +1,3% GEL/UAH 0,1000 +3,5% +7,3% MSCIEM 1128,49 +0,2% +1,4% EUR/USD 0,8573 Ͳ0,5% +1,2% SP500 2582,30 Ͳ0,2% +1,2% GBP/USD 0,7581 Ͳ0,9% +0,1% MICEX 2169,26 +4,2% +3,9% CHF/USD 0,9961 Ͳ0,5% +2,1% MSCIFM 2854,13 Ͳ0,3% Ͳ0,9% RUB/USD 59,1593 +0,2% +2,0% GTIndex(GEL) 1133,66 ͲͲTRY/USD 3,8644 Ͳ0,6% +4,1% GTIndex(USD) 922,38 ͲͲAZN/USD 1,6985 +0,0% +0,1% GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 Prime Minister Introduces Changes within Government pean and Euro-Atlantic Integration will of Energy, to be led by Dimitry Kumsish- BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI be merged with the Ministry of Foreign vili, former Minister of Finance of Geor- Affairs, while the Minister of Foreign gia. Kumsishvili will continue to be the Affairs, Mikheil Janelidze, will continue fi rst Vice Premier of the country. Foreign he Prime Minister of Geor- in his current post. The Ministry of Envi- Intelligence Service and the State Secu- gia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, ronment and Natural Recourses Protec- rity Service are to be combined in one has announced structual tion will now form part of Ministry of structure. changes in the Government Agriculture, while Levan Davitashvili, Giorgi Gakharia, Former Minister of of Georgia in a briefi ng on Minister of Agriculture, is to retain his Economy and Sustainable Development, Monday.T post. Ministry of Culture and Monu- will now lead the Ministry of Internal According to Prime Minister Kvirikash- ments Protection will merge with sports Affairs of Georgia, while Giorgi Mge- vili, several Ministries will be merged affairs, Mikheil Giorgadze will continue brishvili, former Minister of Internal and new candidates will be appointed as Minister of Culture; the youth com- Affairs, will now lead the newly formed to Ministerial posts. Following the infor- ponent from the Ministry of Sports and Center for Emergency Management. mation recently announced, the number Youth will move to the Ministry of Edu- Mamuka Bakhtadze, former General mer Deputy Rector of Tbilisi Ivane The recent changes are planned to be of the Ministries will be cut from 18 to cation and Science of Georgia. Ministry Director of Georgian Railways, is to be Javakhishvili State University, will replace implemented during the upcoming gov- 14. of Economy and Sustainable Develop- appointed to the post of Minister of Aleksandre Jejelava in the Minister of ernment meeting, and consequently The State Minister Apparatus for Euro- ment is to be merged wth the Ministry Finance, while Mikheil Chkhenkeli, for- Education and Science post. presented to Parliament to approval. Tbilisi City Hall to Start Legal Dispute against C.T. Park

imposing high fi nes on them. Company and the Mayor’s Offi ce was BY THEA MORRISON Kaladze says that he is considering signed under the previous government applying to the court to fi nd out if the in 2007, and the company received exclu- company is acting within the law. sive rights to manage parking services in ayor-Elect of Tbilisi, “Lawyers will be involved in the process Tbilisi until 2022. Kakha Kaladze says that of verifying the legality of C.T. Park activ- The previous Mayor, Davit Narmania, City Hall is going to start ities. Our approach will be legal,” Kaladze also stressed on numerous occasions that a legal dispute against told Imedi TV. he was unsatisfi ed with C.T. Park, and the parking regulatory He added that 99% of court disputes explained that the agreement cannot be companyM C.T. Park, which has the exclu- over fi nes imposed by this company were cancelled as, according to the interna- sive right to manage parking in the capital. ruled in favor of Tbilisi citizens, which tional auditing company Ernst & Young, Many Tbilisi residents say they are raises questions about the company actions the annulment of the agreement will cost unhappy with their services of the com- being legal. the Mayor’s Offi ce 25 million GEL in pany, accusing it of acting illegally while The contract between the C.T. Park expenses, a “huge sum for Tbilisi's budget”. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 NEWS 3 PM: Gov’t Supports Natural Georgian Entrepreneurship, Produce Fair to be Business & Innovations Continued from page 1 women entrepreneurs,” he said. At the event, US Ambassador Kelly “We aim at creating economic devel- handed Kvirikashvili a replica of the opment and a knowledge-based econ- Voyager Golden Record that contains omy,” he said, highlighting as an example 116 images, a calibration image and a the Georgian Innovations and Technol- variety of natural and other sounds, Held Internationally ogies Agency, and projects Produce in among them Georgian folk song Chakrulo. Georgia and Startup Georgia, that pro- The items were selected for NASA by mote innovations and entrepreneurship a committee chaired by Carl Sagan, after BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI in the country. which one of the rooms at Tech Park has “Through various educational and been named. fi nancing programs and schemes, these The Voyager Golden Record replica atural Georgian products, projects are actively involved in small will be exhibited in Tech Park. united under one brand, and medium businesses and startup sup- “I would like to thank the US embassy are preparing to enter portive programs,” Kvirikashvili said. and NASA for such an amazing gift,” the the global market. The Prime Minister also talked about PM stated. Irakli Chavleishvili, the reform of the education system within The US Embassy and partner organi- NHead of the Project, plans to organize which special emphasis is placed on the zations are promoting innovation and an exhibition and fair of natural Geor- STEM fi elds: Science, Technology, Engi- entrepreneurship from November 12-18 gian produce at the Event Hall in Tbi- neering, Mathematics and also informa- within the framework of Global Entre- lisi from 10:00 to 18:00 on November tion technology. preneurship Week 2017. 18. He explained that undergraduate and This year’s theme, ‘Women First, Pros- The event will introduce the Gemo- graduate programs in collaboration with perity for All,’ highlights the importance vani brand to customers, with around the University of San Diego enable Geor- of women-led businesses and female- fi fty Georgian producers participating gian students to obtain higher education friendly working environments. in the exhibition, coming from across and American academic degrees in these The US Embassy will also launch a Georgia and bringing their natural fi elds. year-long business mentorship program products: bread, milk, meat, fruits and The PM thanked the Millennium Chal- for women and men from all regions of vegetables, grains, and more. lenge Corporation and San Diego Uni- Georgia to develop business skills. “From 2018, weekly fairs will be held, versity for their contribution to the pro- American entrepreneur Betsy Fore, bringing together the produce under ject. known for her work with Hasbro and the Gemovani brand,” Chavleishvili Kvirikashvili also spoke about the topic Mattel, will also run a series of work- says. of Global Entrepreneurship Week, not- shops and lectures in Tbilisi, Batumi, “We want to use the local market as ing that promoting women's education Khashuri, Marneuli and Akhmeta, focus- much as possible, and most importantly in the STEM spheres and digital economy ing on product development, marketing, help to restore traditional Georgian tling into the local, Georgian market, The General Sponsor of the Gemo- is vital for the development of any state. branding, and intellectual property. production methods and promote the fi rst thing planned is to enter the vani exhibition and fair is the Georgian “I want to encourage female students The event brings together more than natural Georgian produce. The prod- international one,” Chavleishvili notes. bread brand Mzetamze, while Whiz- and future entrepreneurs who are in this 10 million participants from all over the ucts united under the Gemovani brand According to him, any farmer with zard Events, Kar.ge and Georgian Wheat room today to maintain their faith and world: entrepreneurs, investors, politi- are unique, and the outside world should Georgian produce is free to participate Producers Union are the event sup- keep their ambitions. I am glad that this cians, researchers and educators special- come to know them too; so, after set- in the project. porters. Mentor Program focuses mainly on future izing in entrepreneurship and innovation. GEORGIA TODAY 4 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 THE ISET ECONOMIST A BLOG ABOUT ECONOMICS AND THE SOUTH CAUCAUS www.iset-pi.ge/blog

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

eforMeter is imple- provided through the Reform- to introduce mechanisms of social ties issued by an affi liated entity. to integrate all their data into an to a “performance-based” fi nanc- mented by the ISET Verdict – a summary score, derived pension indexation, and state that Such restrictions in underdevel- electronic system. Geographical ing system, where private and Policy Institute and as an average of scores assigned it should be linked not only to oped and small capital market are access to vocational education public institutions are treated supported by USAID to each reform. The score is infl ation, but also to other param- problem for asset management has improved during the last four equally; however, the programs G4G. Our goal is to adjusted on a monthly basis, fol- eters. Otherwise, the pension companies. Instead of prohibiting years. Colleges are present in all will be fi ltered by priority profes- generateR reform progress analysis lowing the monthly stakeholder replacement rate (currently at investment, they propose regulat- regions of Georgia, and three new sions. Based on new quality con- for policy making and public dia- meetings. 18%) will decrease in the future ing such investments by setting institutions will be added this trol regulations, employers will logue, and thereby promote Below we present the results of and main goal of poverty reduc- thresholds and high standards of year. be engaged as external evaluators informed debate about reform the most recent assessments of tion will not be achieved. transparency. The ministry also mentioned in the programs, and will evalu- priorities and policy decisions, Pension Reform and Vocational It was also mentioned that social that the government is in the pro- ate the level of preparation of the improve accountability and help Education and Training Reform. pensions are linked to the sub- VOCATIONAL EDUCATION cess of forming a Private Public students. build trust between the govern- sistence minimum, but that the AND TRAINING Partnership framework. Dual According to international ment, the private sector and the PENSION REFORM methodology for the calculation REFORM - PHASE 1 organizations, involvement of the general public. Five reforms are – PHASE 1 of this is outdated. It is necessary private sector in the informal currently being evaluated by the education sector is a challenge ReforMeter: Agricultural Devel- throughout the world. The private opment, SME and Innovation sector often believes that educa- Development, Capital Market tion, including vocational educa- Development, Pension Reform, tion, is the sole prerogative of the and Vocational Education and government. Therefore, the aware- Training Reform. ness of the private sector should Each reform is evaluated, twice be raised in this regard. per year, by a group of stakehold- Representatives of public col- ers made up of 15 individuals not leges mentioned that there are affi liated with the Government successful examples of business of Georgia, but directly affected involvement in Georgia. However, by the reform in question. The entire group of stakeholders con- The fi rst reform assessment was to review the methodology and The reform assessment was con- vene at ISET to review the results conducted on 27 September 2017. to calculate infl ation separately ducted on 4 October 2017. Accord- of the Government Survey and Based on the Government Survey, for retired people. ing to the Government survey, objective outcome indicators that 38.8% of the reform has already The postponement of the imple- 80% of the 2013-2017 Action Plan, have been collected and analyzed been implemented. At this stage, mentation of the reform and the and 50% of the entire reform by the Project Team. the reform concept has been many changes in the reform con- (which is scheduled to last until The Government Survey meas- elaborated and approved by the cept, are other causes for concern. 2020) has been implemented. The ures progress made on the imple- government. The functions and It is necessary to accelerate the survey showed how the reform, mentation of selected reforms, obligations of the pension fund reform process. including the launch of a dual based on the indicators and time- have been formulated, the regu- The level of communication education system in 2013, has tables agreed upon with the latory body defi ned, and operat- between the government and revamped the whole structure of implementing agencies. ing rules of the pension system stakeholders is not at the desired the vocational education system. The objective outcome indica- designed. level, according to asset manage- However, it will be diffi cult to programs in agricultural educa- to increase their motivation, a tors collected and analyzed by It is important to highlight the ment companies. They expect achieve the desired results with- tion already exist, and three new more fl exible tax legislation is the Project Team measure the most important issues mentioned adequate and timely information out the active involvement of the dual programs in tourism educa- required. It is also necessary for outcomes and impact of each by the stakeholders: on all changes from the reform private sector. tion are planned for the near employers to evaluate the students reform. The trade union representative implementation body. If the time At the stakeholders’ meeting, future. It was noted that the in the colleges. This will help Each member of the group pro- underscored the importance of given to prepare for the tender is representatives of the Ministry voucher fi nancing system creates businesses to become more vides an anonymous quantitative social pensions as a tool for pov- not suffi cient, they are afraid they of Education and Science stated a situation where private colleges informed about the programs, so assessment of the reform in ques- erty reduction, since access to will miss the opportunity to par- that before 2013 the duration of are in uneven competition with that they will not spend additional tion. The stakeholders answer the saving scheme will not be ticipate. VET programs were too short. public colleges. The ministry is resources on the same kind of three questions (each scored on provided to a large portion of the It was also underlined that the As a result, 16-year-olds were currently considering switching training. a 0-10 scale): population due to the high level existing law and the presented already entering the labor market 1. What is your assessment of of informal employment in the reform concept restrict invest- with incomplete education and Georgia’s current performance country. They welcome the plan ment of pension assets in securi- qualifi cations. The duration of in the area of [reform name]? the programs increased after 2013, 2. Is the economic reform agenda which caused a decrease in the in the area of [reform] progress- number of students in the VET ing as expected? system. Employment among VET 3. Is the economic reform likely graduates is gradually increasing to deliver adequate results? from year to year, but it is worth The total score for each reform mentioning that the ministry only is calculated as a simple average has data for public colleges and of individual assessments. programs. Based on Georgia's The overall assessment of the new regulations, private colleges reform process is automatically and programs will also be obliged

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected]

GEORGIA TODAY 6 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 Natakhtari Fund Launches 6th Fundraising Wave

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

atakhtari Fund announced the start of its 6th fundras- ing wave at a press con- ference held at Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel Tbilisi, Nlast week. The results of the six-year work of the foundation were also pre- sented to the public. The event was attended by the Natakhtari Fund man- agement representatives and NGOs involved within the Natakhtari Fund activities, encompassing the assistance of youth outside the childcare system. Cuneyt Arat, General Director of the Nataktari Company; Nikoloz Khundzak- ishvili, Corporate Affairs Director at Natakhtari; and Manana Omarashvili, Head of Psychological Service of the Association ‘Our House-Georgia,’ talked about the advocacy campaign initiated In the six years since establishment, education and various courses, or cov- the Natakhtari Fund, the program for the youngsters, plan interventions and by Natakhtari Fund which supports the GEL 757, 864 was raised and 307 young ering their transportation costs,” said the support of children and youth out- conduct monitoring, while local author- socially deprived and vulnerable youth people were provided education and Omarashvili of Our House-Georgia. side the childcare system, initiated by ities can be involved through renting groups within the Fund’s ‘Take Care of employment assistance. The project is “The major advantage of the Natakhtari the Coalition for Children and Youth, housing for them, paying communal fees the Future’ project, aiming to assist run together with the Our House-Geor- Fund is that each and every young per- written for the local self-government or covering transportation costs. socially deprived youngsters in pursuing gia Association and supported by Ilia II, son we’re helping is a separate case and institutions in Georgia, was also discussed Nino Kviria, Head of the Healthcare an education and fi nding employment Patriarch of Georgia. our approach to each is individual. In during the press-conference. and Social Services Department at Rustavi opportunities. “Natakhtari Company will continue to our realm, it’s the only project which As Natakhtari Fund is working with Municipality, attended the press con- Natakhtari Company established the fi nance this project as long as such sup- does not stop its service or assistance socially deprived young children from frerence and expressed great interest in Natakhtari Fund in 2011 with the launch port is needed,” Khundzakishvili, said when young people reach 18 years of family type shelters, the Fund offers cooperation. A meeting with the Rustavi of the charity ‘Take Care of Youth’. Every at the event. age: the project follows them to the cooperation possibilities to the local Mayor is planned for November 15 to year, from each bottle of Natakhtari “We’re helping young children and point untill they are ready to live inde- self-governance authorities in this direc- discuss the issues related to the assis- Lemonade sold, one to fi ve Tetri go to youth according to their needs, be it pendently”. tion. Within the expected cooperation, tance of the children and youth outside the Fund. providing a shelter or fi nancing their Alongside the fundraising activities for the Fund is able to assess the needs of the childcare system. Gov’t to Tighten Construction Regulations

At the meeting special attention was BY THEA MORRISON paid to the development of a regula- tion plan. According to Minister Giorgi Gakharia, during the elaboration of the he Government of Georgia amendments, members of the Devel- is to make amendments opers Association and construction to the 41st Government specialists offered their opinions. Resolution of January 28, “There are problems and we have 2006, on technical regula- worked together to elaborate these tionT and building safety rules, with the amendments. Amendments require the aim of tightening regulations in the builders and developers to observe and fi eld to make new buildings and con- fully follow the safety standards dur- struction works safer and in line with ing the construction process,” he stated. the capital’s architecture. The Minister added that the amend- The amendments were prepared by ments also envisage the creation of a the Ministry of Economy in coopera- construction policy, which will be a tion with Tbilisi City Hall. general document and will be followed The Minister of Economy, Giorgi by all development and construction Gakharia, and newly-elected Tbilisi Mayor, Kakha Kaladze held a meeting with the representatives of various construction and development com- panies last week in order to share views and agree on the amendments. companies in the country. construction companies should take not have the visual appearance it has The Economy Ministry says the “This is principally important because into account the visual side of the today. It is unacceptable to have such amendments cover the design, con- We all agree that it allows Tbilisi and other municipali- buildings and residential complexes, unfi nished buildings to save on exterior struction and operation of existing ties to elaborate and develop the con- in order not to distort the architectural design or facades. We request severe buildings as well as on-going construc- struction policy as well as to implement look of the capital. regulations regarding this issue. The tions, reconstructions and demolition the capital should it. Otherwise, with the existing devel- “We will work and implement general government offered this initiative and works. opment regulatory plans, most of the standards which have to be met by we completely support it,” Lasha “The goal of the amendments is to not have the residential building remained behind developers during construction,” he Papashvili, the CEO of Redix Group ensure standard safety conditions for this policy. This is the main agreement added. said. public health, safety and common wel- visual between the Ministry of Economy and The representatives of the construc- The Economy Ministry says that pub- fare, protection of life and property Sustainable Development, City Hall tion and the development companies lic discussions were also held during from fi re and other threats, as well as and the representatives of the fi eld,” assessed the meeting as fruitful and the amendment elaboration process, safety of fi refi ghters and rescuers dur- appearance it has Gahkaria said. said they support the governmental adding there were trainings for the ing the emergency situations,” the The new Tbilisi Mayor, Kakha Kaladze, initiative. architects and specialists of the admin- ministry stated. today stated that apart from safety norms, “We all agree that the capital should istrative services. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 BUSINESS 7

NOVEMBER RETAIL FPI | Sweet Peach Preserves for Cold Winter drop was for eggplant (-8%), buck- was 44% higher compared to the previ- wheat (-8%), and onions (-4.4%). ous year (23.1 ths tons). Although pro- duction fi gures for 2017 are not yet avail- IN THE SPOTLIGHT: able, the current year was considered to PEACHES be quite good in terms of harvest in Peaches are among the prod- Kakheti, which might suggest that 2017’s ucts for which prices increased low price is the result of increased sup- most in the middle of Novem- ply. In contrast to Kakheti, this year was n the fi rst ber: the average price of a peach extremely bad for western Georgia, where half of November, moved from 2.48 GEL/kg in the harvest was destroyed by the stink ISET’s Retail Food October to 2.85 GEL/kg in Novem- bug invasion. Given that stink bugs like Price Index increased by ber. This is not surprising, as the prices peaches as much as they like hazelnuts, 9.2% y/y (compared to November for most fruits and vegetables tend to if they continue to invade the country I2016). On a monthly basis (compared to increase at this time of year due to sea- and expand to Kakheti region, which is October 2017), retail food prices slightly sonal shortages. a major producer of peaches (80% of the increased, by 1.2%. The largest bi-weekly Over the last three years, peach prices peaches produced in Georgia come from price changes were recorded for fruits have been exhibiting a downward trend, that region), this year might be the last and vegetables. The price of peaches primarily caused by increased produc- year for Georgian consumers to enjoy (14.8%), cucumbers (11.9), and bananas tion. In 2016, the production of peaches cheap, sweet peach preserves during the (9.5%) increased most. The biggest price and nectarines was 33.3 ths tons, which cold winter. The Guidebook for Business Associations: Interview with Terrance Barkan CAE bling economic reforms, such as tax otherwise they don’t have a large enough BY TOM DAY Policy and Administration; trade facilita- domestic market. To be export-orientated, tion system/transport and logistics; cap- you have to be competitive. To be com- ital markets; pension reform; building petitive today, you have to have quality errance Barkan is a CAE codes; state procurements; insolvency products and services. (Certifi ed Association Exec- reform; innovation and technology; crop utive) who focuses on help- insurance; water resource management; …AND WHAT WOULD ing associations build inter- electricity trading mechanism; and energy HAPPEN IF GEORGIA national growth strategies strategy reform. This requires strength- FAILS IN THIS REGARD? andT business plans. For the past 27 years ening of the government’s institutional It’s in everyone’s best interest to protect he has worked in over 60 countries span- capacity, strengthening the private sector this way of operating; to maintain trans- ning over 6 continents, developing his and civil society actors’ capacity to effec- parency, the rule of law, fact-based deci- membership fee; it’s irrelevant. What’s ance issues?’ One thing that is unique international management career pre- tively engage with the government, and sion-making, democratic processes and important is what the company can do about an association is you have a volun- dominantly in the not-for-profi t sector. ensuring a productive PPD process. G4G engagement with all stake-holders. It is with the information they get and how teer board of directors, so you have this He wrote ‘Global Growth Strategies; is strengthening the capacity of both the important for the country to keep its pro- valuable it is to their business. So, if they’re governance structure that sits on top of the International Association’, used by public and private sectors to effectively gress transparent to keep its World Bank a 10 million GEL company and they get the organization that has to run like a more associations than any other publi- co-operate on elaboration of the legisla- ranking as one of the top country’s for just a small percentage of improvement business. cation to help shape their international tive changes required for the identifi ed doing business. because they have better workplace safety, The other thing people misunderstand strategies and business plans. He was also reforms through an inclusive consultative I think the risk is that policies would or they have better quality processes, then is the term ‘not-for-profi t’. This doesn’t selected by the Center for International process. get made that are not consensus-based, how valuable is that to the company? That mean that the association cannot make Private Enterprise (CIPE) to author their which means that whoever has the big- is what they should think about when they a profi t, it means that it’s not paying guidebook, ‘Business Associations for the WHAT’S YOUR IMPRESSION gest voice can shape it to their benefi t. think of the membership fee, not saying income tax. It also means that any surplus 21st Century’. The book is used as a ref- OF THE GEORGIA One piece of advice I have for the coun- ‘here’s a membership fee’, when they aren’t that the association makes gets reinvested erence guide for CIPE employees that BUSINESS SPHERE? try and for the government is to have a sure what they’re getting. Because the in services to the members. So, the dif- are working in post-confl ict countries What I’ve observed about Georgia is that focus on quality, as I mentioned before. whole purpose of these business associa- ference is that no individual person prof- around the world to establish democratic it is in a really unique position. It’s amaz- That means professionalism on all levels, tions is to help businesses be more effec- its from the operations. Associations still business associations. ing, for me it’s like where Switzerland it means education, it means doing busi- tive and profi table. have to be sustainable fi nancially, which Barkan has also been an author of arti- was after World War Two. 70 years ago, ness in a transparent way and following Most people don’t understand how means they have to make a surplus every cles, guidelines, original research and Switzerland was a poor and mainly rural the law. The Swiss model is based on important the not-for-profi t business and year, so they can grow and add services white papers on international association country. Then they decided to focus on quality and Georgia has a great opportu- professional association sector is; for for their members. It’s just like a business, growth strategies. He served as the Chair quality, so they looked at the fi nancial nity to create that brand for itself, but that example, food safety standards, car safety except there are no individual sharehold- of the International Section Council for sector, sophisticated engineering, tour- means using best practices. What asso- standards, come out of industry associa- ers or profi ts. What I like about this model the American Society for Association ism. We can all see where Switzerland is ciations are really good at is developing tions where peer groups work together is you get businesses coming together Executives (ASAE), is a former member today. It has a lot of similarities with best practices through a peer-review to establish these standards and then put who would otherwise be competitors, to of the Board of the European Society of Georgia; it’s a small country, mountain- process. This is for every single sector them forward to government, so that they work on a common problem. Association Executives and has been an ous, small population, so for me Georgia that you can imagine. There is an asso- can make a more informed and intelligent adviser to the Chinese Federation of could look at Switzerland as a model to ciation everywhere for anything that decision on legislation. If associations CAN YOU GIVE US A REAL- Industrial Economics (CFIC). build towards. There’s tremendous oppor- human beings do; whatever industry it didn’t play this role, it would be up to WORLD EXAMPLE OF THIS? Barkan was invited in Georgia by the tunity, and the access these business is, they focus on best practices through individual companies which is not very One very interesting group we worked United States Agency for International associations have to the government today this peer-review process. I think it’s a democratic, or there would be no infor- with was the International Carwash Asso- Development (USAID)- funded project to be able to have a dialogue to make tremendous advantage for a society to mation and the government would have ciation. When I said before that there is Governing for Growth (G4G) with the educated, sound policy and legislation is accelerate development and not have to to do it in an absence of information, an association for everything, I really support of the Center for International a fantastic opportunity for the private go through a slow growing process. which is also not good. So, the average meant everything! So, the ICA is an asso- Private Enterprise (CIPE) to evaluate the sector and for the government. It’s a great person doesn’t understand or appreciate ciation for owners with two or more out- state of business associations in Georgia chance for the government to make good TELL US ABOUT YOUR how important the work is that happens lets and this group is primarily in the US. and to provide customized guidance on policies for the long-term benefi t of the NEW GUIDEBOOK in these associations. And it’s important They were looking at global expansion how they can build their capacity and country. It’s to help Georgian business associations for government to listen to groups that and serving the market. First, they looked effectiveness. Its relatively easy to establish a business improve their capability to be more effec- represent whole industries as opposed to Europe and found, from our market GEORGIA TODAY met with him this here, so I think there are some excellent tive and successful in what they’re doing. to just one or two voices. study, that there were more carwashes weekend to talk to him about his upcom- opportunities. The geo-political location Some of the challenges they face are quite than in the US. We recommended that ing publication for Georgian Business of Georgia is an interesting position to new, many of them are to do with indus- YOU’VE WRITTEN TWO they establish a trade show in Amsterdam. Associations. be in. The alliance and alignment with try sectors that are not yet mature, which OTHER BOOKS BEFORE THIS For the fi rst show we estimated that they the EU and the US are things that must is a problem because most associations Well, one book I wrote is specifi cally for would get a minimum of 1000 people TELL US ABOUT THE be preserved because, for the long-term, serve well-established industry sectors. business associations and I wrote it for which would at least break-even fi nan- G4G PROJECT? it’s important for access to very large In Georgia, the problem is that some of the Center for International Enterprise. cially, but they had 2000. Within one G4G is designed to support the Govern- markets. This could be very good if Geor- the business sectors themselves are not Anybody can request this book for free month of announcing the next show, they ment of Georgia to create a better ena- gia became more export-orientated, but yet mature and the associations are also by download. I’ve also written one called had already sold 60% of the exhibition bling environment in which legal and that then goes back to the quality issue new. So, the guidebook is to help them International Strategy for Associations, space. The point here is that they were regulatory reforms are fairly and trans- because to compete in these mature mar- and to be a catalyst for the learning pro- which I update every year. It’s for anybody successful because there was a good mar- parently conceived, implemented and kets, you must have quality products and cess; to mature faster than if they tried interested in just a general understanding ket study and real data was used. So, for enforced providing a level playing fi eld services. It’s a great opportunity, espe- to learn these things on their own. of a trade or professional association and associations here in Georgia, if they want for small and medium size enterprise cially for a small-population country: if One of the concepts we’re trying to con- the role that it plays in society. I wrote to address a market, they need to fi rst growth. It supports effective formulation you look at Denmark, Belgium or Holland, vey to them is value-based pricing. They this one because I kept getting the same measure it. They also need to know who of the government policies necessary to these are all small-population countries need to ask what the value is of what they questions; ‘what’s the difference between their competitors are; not just other sim- drive economic development through and they’re all export-orientated. Swit- deliver to the end user. So, if you’re a busi- an international association and a global ilar associations, but pro-profi t companies, the promotion of constructive Public- zerland is the same, all of these countries ness association and you have companies one?’ ‘What are the different business magazines, and tradeshow organizers that Private Dialogue (PPD) in business-ena- have to be export- and trade-orientated, that are members, we don’t talk about the models?’ ‘What are some of the govern- are serving the same market. GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 Ajara Tourism Representatives Attend London Tourism Exhibition

Teaching Kids

advertising companies worldwide. BY TAMZIN WHITEWOOD "Tourism is a very lively, fast developing area. Therefore, it is necessary to gain information about about Real Jobs the current trends. The London exhibition was he tourist potential of Ajara was pre- attended by 50,000 people. These are the people sented at WTC London 2017, one of who have the leading positions in tourism, are show them the various professions.” Pirimze is a BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES the world's largest tourist exhibitions. looking for new markets, represent new technolo- center offering shoe/bag repairs, ateliers, key cut- The Ajara Tourism Department, along gies and creating a vision for tourism development ting and other practical jobs that we need in eve- with the National Tourism Adminis- issues. At the meeting, they talked about the chal- ryday life. “We want to show the children that there Ttration and tourism companies in the UK, attended lenges faced by tourism today. n Monday, the children of the 5-6-year- is more to the concept of work than ‘an offi ce job’, the event. “In 2018, Great Britain is to be an offi cial target old group of Tbilisi Kindergarten 162, that there are many other respectable jobs out More than 5,000 tourism companies and organi- destination where we plan to carry out active which is based in Okrokhana village there,” Nino tells us. zations from around the world took part in the advertising and marketing campaigns,” said Sulkhan on the outskirts of Tbilisi, took a trip On completion of their supermarket tour, the London Tourism Exhibition, contributing to estab- Glonti, Chairman of the Department of Tourism to Carrefour supermarket in Kol- children repaid the kind welcome by holding a lishing business contacts and fi nding potential and Resorts of Ajara. “The United Kingdom is very meunebaO Square as the exciting conclusion to an 15-minute concert for staff, parents and shoppers, partners. Within the scope of the exhibition, rep- interesting for us both in economic and cultural in-school project about markets, supermarkets, including songs and a small ballet dance. resentatives from Adjara held meetings with terms. The London exhibition was a great oppor- hypermarkets, produce and jobs. “We were very glad to welcome these children Euronews, BBC, CNN and New York Times, as tunity to establish the necessary contacts for future GEORGIA TODAY went along with them and to our store,” Nino Ramishvili, PR Manager, Majid well as representatives of British tourism, and cooperation”. spoke to Kindergarten Director Nino Tsiklauri as Al Futtaim Hypermarkets Georgia LLC (Carrefour) two groups of children were led around by enter- told GEORGIA TODAY. “It’s a great initiative for taining staff members. During the ‘tour’, the chil- children to be given the chance to see different dren were asked to identify the products, talk about professions in action, people actually working in their favorites, and highlight the health benefi ts of different fi elds. Letting children see such things eating certain foods, such as fi sh and fruit. The from an early age is important. We welcome such children also got to watch tone bread being made initiatives. In fact, we often work with disabled and meet the serving staff. children and have playgrounds in some of our “At our kindergarten, we have a system of con- stores. We work with the Ministry of Education, cluding our projects with an outing related to the kindergartens and schools to do something fun for theme,” Tsiklauri told us. “When we focused on children. One of our company missions is ‘To cre- books, we took a trip to the Sulakauri publishing ate great moments for everyone, every day in our house; when we talked about technology, we went stores,’ and I feel today is a great example of that”. to meet the AI robot Pepper. We also go to various Tsiklauri echoed the sentiment, as the children museums, the Childrens’ Theater to watch specifi c sat in the Carrfour Cafe tucking into a feast of pas- performances, and to other venues for the children tries, cupcakes, marshmallows and juice. “The to get some practical experience related to what children have really enjoyed themselves today, and we’re teaching them in the classroom. In future, come away with new experiences. I think the staff I’m planning on taking the children to Pirimdze to enjoyed it, too, going by the smiles on their faces!”

GEORGIA TODAY 10 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 Tbilisi Book Days 2017 the framework of Book Days 2017, the BY MAKA LOMADZE Book Art Festival had a pivotal role. “These two events are interlinked, as they were founded together,” Otar Karal- etween November 9-12, the ashvili, Curator of Book Art festival, told ‘Expo Georgia’ exhibition GEORGIA TODAY. “We try to show center hosted Tbilisi Book various aspects and forms of what a book Days 2017. The event was can be. We had an exhibition of photo- supported by the Georgian books, which represents a separate genre, MinistryB of Culture and Monument Pro- in which there were a lot of Georgian tection. photographers. Photo-books are a new Over the course of four days, EXPO thing for Georgia, fi rst appearing some hosted leading local and regional pub- two years ago. As far as I know, this is lishing houses, as well as research labo- the fi rst big exhibition of this kind.” ratories, bookshops and distributors. Data Patatishvili, 21, is one of the young- Book Days are held annually. This year, est among the photographers to make a saw more than 54 publishing houses photo-book. “This is my fi rst photo-book,” taking part,” said,” Tina Laghidze, PR he said. “At fi rst, I didn’t think that I’d and Media Communications Manager present it in the form of a book. How- of Expo Georgia. “The amount of trans- ever, because I wanted to have tighter lated literature from Georgian into for- communication with viewers via a united eign languages and vice versa has grown. concept, I decided to turn the photos This year’s Book Days was distinguished into a book. It is called ‘A Rare Hike on by a lot of events for kids and adults. the Circle’. I tried to transmit what the The Georgian National Museum gave human perceptions are about people, presentations in the kids’ corner, and their surrounding environment and the Academy of Thinking ‘Leterato’ objects”. discussed ‘Catcher in the Rye’ by Jerome Among the exhibitions was a world- Salinger”. renowned Polish graphic design exposi- There was also a discussion on Richard tion, as well as ‘Street Photography’ by Bach’s ‘Jonathan Livingston Seagull’, and self-taught photographer Gigo Karalash- what benefi ts logical thinking brings in vili. Amazingly, the most famous Swiss general. The main news, as always, was Publishing house has translated 21 Geor- Frankfurt Book Fair 2018 at which Geor- same Georgian fairy tales in New York, Center, the number of Georgian books the new books themselves, as well as the gian fairy tales into the German language, gia has the status of honorary guest. too. The upcoming Frankfurt Book Fair that were translated in 2017 was the same new authors, who made presentations entitled ‘The King Never Smiles’, the By the end of 2018, it is planned to has boosted the translation process. amount as had been translated in the Among the events that took place within presentation of which will take place at publish the English translation of the According to the Georgian National Book last ten years combined. Ambitious Plans for Adjara Development: Large Scale Projects to Make it a 4-Season Region connecting the investment land plots at the untouched nature some 100 kilome- to add more. Creating an ethno-village the resort. Next year, we’re planning to tres from Batumi. in Machakhela is also a very interesting improve a 1300m road at the resort. At project, bringing and reviving folk tradi- this stage, there are six investment pro- WHAT INFRASTRUCTURAL tions in one place. Machakhela is close jects running at the Goderdzi resort, AND OTHER PROJECTS ARE to the city, so tourists could reach it by with GEL 80 million fi nancing. Another BEING REALIZED IN BATUMI bike and enjoy the rich nature of the direction which we’re promoting is Green AND OTHER MUNICIPALITIES area, alongside the added historical and Lake, with a construction development FOR TOURISM? cultural value that our region has to offer. regulation plan aiming to create infra- The attractiveness of our region is exactly We’ll do our best for Adjara to become structure for ease of access to the lake in it being a four-season, year-round even more interesting and attractive for and area. We’re also working on the tourist destination, and we’re putting tourists, offering them the best service Goma Mountain master plan, all of which lots of effort into developing it further. and a comfortable environment. helps to bring private investments, a From the successful projects realized process in which government is also lately, the Kobuleti territory needs high- WHAT ARE THE MAJOR involved. lighting, with an ambitious, high budget CHALLENGES YOU FACE? In addition, we’re realizing a landmark construction project of a 200-room hotel, Our plans are quite ambitious and we’re project: the gasifi cation of mountainous with an approximate investment of GEL realizing mega-scale historical projects Adjara, which started this year. All the 200 million and 400 people to be in the region. The team of professionals way from Batumi municipality to employed. There were lots of health and involved is the defi ning factor that means Shuakhevi municipality, the Mountanous spa sanatoriums during the communist few diffi culties or challenges create bar- Adjara gasifi cation project will ensure period in Kobuleti, and there’s a great riers: we want Adjara to be a four-season 11,000 subscribers start to receive gas. interest in that direction now, too. I region, a place where tourism fl ourishes, The fi rst stage of the project is to be expect we’ll have a number of novelties a place for business. fi nalized in the spring of 2019. Next year, coming. If we take the Autonomous we’re planning to acquire a new project Republic of Adjara at a whole, we have HOW WILL 2017 BE for the Shuakhevi to Goderdzi direction impressive fi gures: according to the 2016 IMPORTANT FOR ADJARA? gasifi cation. One of the projects real- data, approximately $428 million invest- This is the question I often asking myself ized by the Ministry of Economy and ment was made, 71% of which was for- and I think 2017 is the year of starting Finance of Adjara is the concept of eign. As for the tourism direction, on projects of historic signifi cance. We Heroes Avenue (Heroes Lane) in Batumi, the territory of the new boulevard, more started the gasifi cation project; we’re INTERVIEW BY NANA ABULADZE WHAT IS THE REASON BEHIND THE GROWING POPULARITY OF which greatly helped the investment than half a billion GEL investment has planning to start estacade construction; ADJARA IN RECENT YEARS? fl ow to the region as well as to the overal been made, which means approximately we’re starting the Batumi Central Sta- First of all, the fact we’re promoting its development of the location. From the 2600 new employment possibilities and dium project; we have also managed to eorgia became an attrac- tourism and investment potential. We’re very start, the decision on what type of 1700 hotel rooms. The aforementioned launch six projects in mountainous tive country both in terms trying to realize many infrastructural building should be constructed in the Heroes Avenue is expected to have more Adjara, with an overall investment of of tourism and investments, projects to make our region attractive area was made, which assisted the con- than additional 1000 hotel rooms with GEL 80 million minimum and the chance a tendency refl ected in the and accessible year after year, and I’m sequent systematic and effective devel- 1500-2000 workplaces. On one hand, it’s to create up to 500 workplaces. In other adjara region as well, with delighted that’s exactly how it is. opment of the territory. There are 12 bringing in investments, and on the other words, we can say that the kick-off is Ga considerable boost seen both in the investment projects in the area, with it’s improving social consitions, refl ected extremely positive and we think that it number of tourists visiting and in the TELL US ABOUT YOUR an overall GEL 609 million investment, in greater employment opportunities. will bring a lot of benefi ts to the region. increase of the investments in the region. PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR which will add a 1000 hotel room capac- 2017 was a good year for the region. Where, years ago, foreign visitors came ASSISTING ADJARA’S ity to the city. Apart from offering this IS THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND to Batumi primarily to enjoy it as a sea FURTHER DEVELOPMENT territory to investors, we’re planning SERVICE WELL ADJUSTED FOR WHICH PROJECT ARE YOU resort, the trend has changed, as Adjara There is great number of such projects. to start building an international Batumi ATTRACTING TOURISTS? MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR is becoming an attractive destination We have road infrastructure improve- football stadium opposite the Heroes The Ministry of Economy and Finance TIME AS MINISTER? year-round. GEORGIA TODAY met with ment, being carried out by the Ministry Avenue, bringing a fi nal touch to the of Adjara is planning to carry out an I’d say that every project realized is Mr. Ramaz Bolkvadze, Minister of Econ- of Infrastructure and Regional Develop- district, which will be developed through interesting project, building campsites important for me, and it’s diffi cult to omy and Finance of Adjara, to talk about ment of Georgia, which will see the state and private investments. This along the central road to Goderdzi resort underline only one; however, I would the ongoing projects for promoting the Khulo-Zarzma road construction this increases interest in our region; tourists and also on the road to Cholokhi. The note the Batumi international football region and to fi nd out what’s are in the year. We’re working on the Goderdzi are eager to come and see the modern project is already being worked on, stadium project for 20,000 spectators pipeline to grow Adjara’s tourism poten- resort internal road construction, part architecture, the modern possibilities encompassing approximately six camp- that our beautiful city of Batumi is soon tial and attract new investors. of it being done with a 1761c meter road of the region and at the same time see sites; however, next year we’re planning to have. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 BUSINESS 11 British Trade Envoy to Georgia & Armenia on Georgia's Potential in Britain

The sectors we are focusing on are be top of the list, front of the queue, to BY MÁTÉ FÖLDI environment and infrastructure, educa- have an early bilateral trade deal with tion, fi nance and banking, and retail. the United Kingdom. That doesn’t mean Those are huge potential growth areas. having something brand new, but build- efore launching a career in Next year I hope to lead a Trade Mission ing on the current association agree- Parliament, Mr. Mark from the UK, and we will be inviting ment and the deep and comprehensive Pritchard, MP, ran a market- companies that have a particular inter- free trade that Georgia already has with ing consultancy fi rm advising est in those sectors. the European Union, so the bilateral large blue-chip companies With regards to fi nance and banking, trade deal with the United Kingdom andB multinationals all over Europe, pensions is an area where the City of will be transitioned from the existing including those that wanted to enter London have expertise. If asked by the agreements that Georgia has with the markets in the former Eastern Bloc. For Georgian government and the private European Union, of which the United the last 12 years, Mr. Pritchard has been sector, we hope to try and help advise Kingdom is still a part of. a Conservative Member of Parliament, and share our experience on the best and is also on the Speaker’s Panel, allow- practice for managing pensions, and CAN YOU PROVIDE ANY ing him to chair legislation and debates pension reform. CONCRETE FIGURES OF FUTURE in the British Parliament, similar to a As for education, I think that there is BRITISH INVESTMENT IN THE deputy speaker. Furthermore, he has also huge potential for British companies, AFOREMENTIONED SECTORS? been appointed as the UK representa- both in secondary and tertiary educa- They are potentially very signifi cant. tive on the Council of Europe, and the tion, from helping shape the academic What British investors are looking for Trade and Investment Envoy to both curriculum to publishing, through to the is political stability, low taxation, trans- Georgia and Armenia. physical infrastructure of building new parency, ease of doing business, lack of GEORGIA TODAY sat down with Mr. technical colleges and accommodation INTERNATIONALLY? CAN WE Georgian companies, so we’d like to see corruption, and also recourses in com- Pritchard to discuss the future of Geor- for students. EXPECT A DEEPENING OF more of that. mercial courts of arbitration, should ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN gian-British trade relations. Furthermore, I think that infrastructure As far as how trade and investment are there be any disputes over contracts or LONDON AND TBILISI IN is also a sector that we can help with. THE POST-BREXIT AGE? linked to diplomacy and politics, I would payments. All of those are pretty much GIVE US A SUMMARY OF Georgia has huge infrastructure devel- say that they are separate. I’m not talk- in place in Georgia, though there could THE HISTORY OF BRITAIN’S opment plans, in energy, network and This isn’t a one-way relationship. It is ing about transactional diplomacy or be some improvements in some areas. ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH communications. If Georgia wants to be in the mutual national and strategic transactional politics; diplomacy and As along as Georgia’s political landscape GEORGIA, THE SECTORS BRITAIN a hub for trading and investment as it interest of both countries for both the security are completely different to trade remains stable, as well as its security HAS FOCUSED ITS INVESTMENT used to be hundreds of years ago, then United Kingdom and Georgia to pros- and investment. I’m not a Politician, even relationship with its neighbors, there AND EFFORTS IN, AS WELL AS the UK can help to build the communi- per. It’s a win-win if we get it right. I though I’m a member of Parliament. I’m is no reason why we cannot see a sig- EXAMPLES OF KEY PROJECTS cation and logistics, rail network and know that both governments are com- not a Diplomat, even though I studied nifi cant increase in British trade and Bilateral relations between the United other infrastructure that will allow Geor- mitted to getting it right. We want to diplomacy, and it’s not security, even investment here. Certainly, there is a Kingdom and Georgia are excellent. gia to prosper as a regional hub. I believe see more trade and investment in Geor- though I used to be on our National lot of genuine interest. When trade del- We’ve just had a very successful stra- that Georgia is capable of fulfi lling this gia by British companies, but we are Security Strategy Committee. It is about egations visit and when British compa- tegic dialogue in London with Foreign goal, and it’s already on the right path also very happy to see exports of Geor- trade and investment, that is my focus, nies approach Georgian ministries and Minister Mr. Mikheil Janelidze. This to doing so. gian goods and services to the UK. Two the rest I will leave to the Ambassador departments, they are well-received, followed the excellent meeting I had of the major banks in Georgia are listed and his excellent Embassy team. and the information they request is with Prime Minister Kvirikashvili a few HOW HAVE THE ONGOING in the London Stock Exchange, and are Brexit provides new opportunities. available openly and freely. I think that weeks ago. I am due to meet some more BREXIT TALKS AFFECTED very successful, in many ways they are We are leaving the European Union not the future for British trade and invest- high-ranking Ministers in the near future. THE UK’S TRADE STRATEGY as much British companies as they are Europe. My hope is that Georgia will ment is a bright and positive one. GEORGIA TODAY 12 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 STS: Satisfaction that Sells

ing up this long-term plan and not to EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY TOM DAY think from day to day and from room reservation to room reservation. We’ve established a team of talented ichael Kerschbaumer and experienced international experts is a hospitality profes- to meet all demands, for partnering with sional who began his any investor to supporting them in estab- impressive 30-year lishing standards, hiring and training career leading teams in their workforce, creating a long-term theM food and drink business. He took his strategy and following up with the inves- skills and talent around the world, gain- tor to check the success of our partner- ing experience by seeing the different ship. markets and approaches used in a wide Finding the right workforce for the range of cultures, religions and econo- right job is a huge challenge for the hos- mies. He did this for many years, up until pitality industry in the future, especially recently managing two international if we’re not able to establish the right Marriott hotels simultaneously, both approach and culture for these jobs and with up to 340 employees, making him we don’t have enough sources and oppor- extremely knowledgeable about the tunities for technical and personal devel- Georgian market and needs. opment of talent in Georgia. This is Taking all that he has learned, and after another reason STS Hospitality has seeing the growth and opportunities that already started to partner with colleges Georgia has to offer, Kerschbaumer set and academies to drive talent develop- up STS Hospitality Georgia, a consul- ment, and to hold master-classes focused tancy company for the hospitality busi- on personal development, guest satisfac- ness. He has integrated himself into the tion, improving awareness and techniques local culture, which allows him to under- to become a successful part of the hos- stand both the investor and the work- pitality industry in the near future. Other force. This puts him far above other questions we have are ‘How do I train similar consultancy professionals who my staff’? ‘How do I keep them engaged come from abroad. with me for a long time?’ There are always GEORGIA TODAY sat down with Mr. openings on the job market, so they will Kerschbaumer to talk about his company, jump from one opening to the next and why he has chosen to establish it here you will lose the staff you trained if you in Georgia, how his company will aid aren’t building the right company culture Georgia’s growing tourism industry, how and taking care of your staff. When you he and his team will ensure clients remain take care of your people, they take care on top of the competition and why peo- of you. ple should choose to pay for his services. HOW WILL YOU OPERATE IN TELL US ABOUT STS GEORGIA’S RAPIDLY GROWING HOSPITALITY GEORGIA TOURISM INDUSTRY? STS stands for ‘satisfaction that sells’. We need to build up the base in the hotel We’re a team of highly experienced and industry, working with the government locally-based international experts, hav- to make sure that their efforts are mate- ing explored many different cultures, rializing. The business alone can’t suc- markets and products, going with the ceed: hospitality works with the govern- current trends in the hotel/restaurant ment in the same way that a chain links industry, partnering with high value together. Georgia is quickly getting more marketing and research experts. and more popular as a skiing destination, but there are places where there still WHY DID YOU CHOOSE isn’t 24-hour electricity or an effective TO ESTABLISH YOUR drainage system! We’re seeing these COMPANY IN GEORGIA? areas bought for development and we’re In recent years, we’ve seen a huge increase currently working on a project in a place in the number tourists coming to Geor- like this where the client wants to estab- gia. The country has established its name lish luxury apartments. Before this is as a prime travel destination and is get- possible, we need to break down the ting more and more interesting because standard to a minimum because there it has so much to offer year-round. From is no infrastructure availability. Yes, the the seaside in summer to the mountains government has developed these cable in winter, as well as fashion, music, cul- cars to transport tourists into the moun- ture, traditional food and wineries, which tains, but everyone trying to make busi- are all driving more and more interna- ness there is struggling. They are fi nding tional interest. great diffi culty even in getting a laundry The current number of hotels, apart- service and fresh loaf of bread. The cli- ments and hostels has long passed the ent is willing to work, but they need the grand fi gure of 11,000 and that number support of the government. It’s not just is growing day by day. That said, it’s also about coming here to go the mountains, fact that international travelers and cus- you need to have a pharmacy, a super- tomers are getting more and more market, a hospital, etc. demanding these days and are expecting respond best to guest complaints?’ ‘How from Turkey, Montenegro and many the same product as them. What they even more from their hotels, apartments, HOW WILL YOU HELP can I stay profi table?’ The important other countries. So, whenever we work need is somebody to work with them and restaurants, so the total infrastruc- INVESTORS DRIVE A HIGH thing here is to know your target group with clients, we ask what other services and inform them on how to be better ture around these is more important AND CONSISTENT FLOW of clients, to train and develop your team or products customers can use instead than the rest. It doesn’t matter which than ever before, if they are to follow OF CUSTOMERS? and also to know your competition inside- of them. country they are in; guest demands are current trends and stay updated in any Online booking channels are getting out. Many companies don’t know who So, with these questions it’s easy to see always going to increase. Technology is aspect of the latest technologies. more and more important these days. their competitors are and at the end of why you need experience and knowl- also growing very fast and new trends Additionally, younger travelers are get- Most of the time they have a fl at strategy the day their marketing plan isn’t built edge. Many investors in Georgia have are coming every day to the market that ting into the travel market more and that they use for the whole year and are to work against them. When we work established a great product, but now it’s are separating from their product and if more. Yes, they might be mainly lower not responding to market demands. So, with partners, we ask if they have a com- time to make it even greater. There are they don’t recognize this then they will budget travelers, but this generation is we want to help them to better under- petition set established. Do they know so many new products coming to the fall behind very quickly. When we part- more demanding in the way of wanting stand the strategies out there and build more about them than they know them- market every day and it is a great chance ner with a company, we want to use our to network and learn the local culture a long-term plan with them to optimize selves? Sometimes our clients consider to grow and get your piece of pie. years of experience across many differ- and traditions of the world they are liv- the opportunities to grow their business. any hotel in the area with the same rat- ent markets and countries to give pro- ing in. And don’t forget, these are our When speaking with any investor, they ing as a competitor, without taking into CONSULTING IS EXPENSIVE. fessional, tailor-made strategies and future high-value guests. We need to all have the same questions; ‘How can I account the differences in the facility WHY SHOULD PEOPLE tactics to support our clients to stay on make sure they want to return to Geor- grow my ratings on these booking chan- range, service range and target audience. CHOOSE IT? top. gia! nels?’ ‘How can I deal with this demand?’ The keystone of any successful business The most successful businesses in the The biggest advantage with our com- ‘How can I establish a strategy?’ is, fi rst of all, a deep understanding of world turn to consultancy. They are pany is that our international experts HOW WILL YOUR COMPANY Georgia is one of the few countries in its competitive advantages and answers visionaries. They carry on looking to the are based locally: that is why they are HELP TO ACHIEVE ALL THIS? the world where tourists want to come to the question ‘what is the client paying future. It’s like in professional sport - much more affordable in terms of time Long term planning, establishing strate- back again and again which makes this for'? even if you’re the best in the world, you and money. gies, and having a solid marketing plan service very important. It’s not that you At the same time, sometimes hoteliers still have a coach who helps you to be We really passionately seek develop- in place by knowing the competition served them one and that’s it, you can forget about indirect competition. They so. This coach can’t jump better than ment of the whole hospitality market in best will be critical for the future and have a lifetime client. So, it’s very impor- don’t realize that Airbnb and personal you, but he knows how to train you to Georgia, that is why we make sure that the base for any investor’s success. We tant to build up repeat customers and apartments are also their competition. jump better, and this is exactly what we the cost of our consultancy is paid back. want to partner with investors and this only works when they listen and On a wider scale, visiting another coun- are doing. Georgia is an amazing place providing develop their needs and ideas tailor- react to guest needs. try is also a choice for the traveler. If we Our clients are working in an ocean- thousands of opportunities for business, made for more success and more growth Other questions we get are, ‘how can are talking about mountain tourism or like environment and are surrounded by for partnership, for success and it is great opportunities, to support them in build- I increase guest satisfaction?’ ‘How do I sea tourism, there’s huge competition an awful lot of sharks who are selling that together we create MORE. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 BUSINESS 13

Anaklia Port: the Window to Georgia

naklia exemplifi es what Georgia strives attractive business environments in the world. With to be. There is no doubt that it is a signing and implementing its Deep and Compre- game-changing project that can alter hensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU, which our perception of political geography, comes hand-in-hand with the highest international unlocking markets and disrupting regulatory trade standards, Georgia is moving to Atrade fl ows from Europe to Asia as we know them. conclude a Free Trade Agreement with China. And On the eastern shores of the Black Sea, infrastruc- Georgia has already concluded preferential trade tural “hardware” combines with regulatory “soft- agreements with EFTA, Japan, the US, and Canada. ware” which Georgia has been building for over a From Georgia, producers and exporters have spe- generation to deliver the “next big thing” in inter- cial access to the biggest markets in the world, as national trade. well as and favorable terms. Besides the special corporate tax status of an FIZ, CHANGING LANDSCAPES investors in Georgia have access to a cluster of There are at least two ways to see Anaklia. On the goods and services in one of the easiest places to one hand, it is a gateway to a 160-million person do business in the world. This includes a low-reg- market in the landlocked states of Central Asia; on ulation and low-taxation environment, with Euro- the other hand, Anaklia is a trade hub in the emerg- pean levels of transparency and internationally ing trade route from China to Europe – and vice- competitive labour and energy supply costs. Geor- versa – through Central Asia. The role Anaklia can gia not only makes up part of an oil and gas energy play is not “destiny,” but the materialisation of vision. highway from the Caspian region, but also has a There is an old Norwegian proverb that goes “the state of the art electricity grid and covers 95% of sea unites us, land divides us.” This saying refers to its electricity needs from clean, reliable, and cost- the diffi culty of overland travel throughout history. effective hydroelectric power. With Georgia’s rich For over fi ve centuries, the link between the Far East metallurgical tradition and access to both a Turk- and Europe has been almost exclusively shipping. ish and a Central Asian heartland of commodities, Ever since the Portuguese reached China with their Anaklia also makes a strong case for investment in caravels in 1513, global trade has shifted to the Atlan- manufacturing. tic, with sea travel becoming faster, safer, and more Complex supply chains can make their way from cost-effective. In this case, caravels made the differ- Asia and Europe to Georgia. Taking advantage of ence. Today, bullet trains are the equivalent of Por- energy and labour inputs at internationally com- tuguese caravels, breathing new life into ancient petitive prices, products can be assembled by the caravanserais and overland trade routes. standards required by the market of the destination East of Georgia, the Silk Road is regaining signifi - country, taking competitive prices of energy and cance as trains run from China through Kazakhstan, labour. Then, assembled products can be shipped Iran, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Then, cargo can be to Europe or loaded onto trains to any part of redirected to Turkey, Southeastern Europe and the Europe, Asia, the Far and the Middle East. Middle East. Alternatively, it can be shipped to Cen- tral Europe. For landlocked Central Asian nations EMBRACING THE WORLD with a total population of 160 million people, Anak- The way the Anaklia Port was tendered and is being lia is the natural import-export logistics centre. For developed provides a hint to its attraction. mainland China, Anaklia is the diving board before The project was tendered in a transparent process one takes a dip into the lucrative Single Market of according to international standards. From the 500 million people, which embraces Turkey. inception of the tender, the highest levels of gov- Despite a population of only 3.8 million people, ernment lent support to the process and indicated Georgia’s geographical position makes its ports their desire to back the project. The only dispute indispensable to regional logistics. Georgia’s between the government and the opposition was seaborne container demand has increased rapidly of the “who thought it fi rst” variety. From a foreign in recent years, with the rapidly growing countries policy standpoint, the Georgian government’s selec- in its hinterland market, outpacing infrastructural tion of an American/Georgian partnership is a capacity, increases. Anaklia opens new horizons. strong expression of the administration’s foreign Across the western side of the Black Sea, logistics policy intention to continue to look west towards experts can look to Odessa, Constanta, Varna and Bur- an institutional and regulatory environment that gas. But, on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, only inspires security, confi dence in contract enforce- Anaklia can host Panamax type vessels. Through ment, and respect for human rights standards. Anaklia, Eastern Europe can reclaim its own centrality Transparency and accountability are equally in ancient trade routes, unlocking markets and unleash- important to external security when estimating ing the potential for production and exports into the “country risk.” Besides being a good place to invest heartland of emerging economies. From Madrid to and do business, Georgia aspires to be a good place Xinjiang, cargo today can reach its destination in less to work and live. The post-Soviet world is littered than 12 days; from Warsaw, it takes a week. with colonies, places with tremendous potential Anaklia trims the cost and narrows the distance that have never become what they could have between Europe and Asia. It is not a stop. It is not become because they are regimented rather than “in the middle” of a trade route. Anaklia is an infra- being open to the world. In such places, there is structure that adds value and interlinks different no investment, no growth, no opportunity, and regions of the world, markets, people, and ideas in sovereignty is devoid of substance. We can work ways previously impossible. This is what Georgia with this world, but Georgia chooses to be all it wishes to do; this is what Georgia wants to be, and can become. this is the landscape it is creating. Georgia’s role is not the fruit of geographical destiny. Reforms, often painful, vision, and com- AN ATTRACTIVE MANUFACTURING mitment have cumulatively created an opportunity. PROPOSITION Anaklia is the window to that opportunity. Adjacent to the port, the Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) of Anaklia opens up new possibilities. The article by Tedo Japaridze was originally published For years, Georgia has honed one of the most in Anaklia Magazine. GEORGIA TODAY 14 POLITICS NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 De Facto Abkhazia Denounces Removal of Monument in Scotland Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze Names New Deputy Mayor

deputies, as is Irakli Bendeliani, who pre- BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI viously worked in the energy sector. Giga Nikoleishvili, who held the position of Deputy Mayor in the period of David Nar- ewly elected Tbilisi Mayor, mania, is set to retain his post. Kakha Kaladze, announced Kaladze is expected to name the can- the names of the new Vice didate for the fi fth post of Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayors on in the near future, and as Georgian media Monday. sources report, it is likely that it will be NKaladze will have fi ve deputies overall: Ilia Eloshvili, who held the post of the Irakli Khmaladze, Kaladze's former deputy Minister of Energy. The new Mayor of at the Energy Ministry, was named as the Tbilisi will also be announcing heads of Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi. Maya Bitadze, municipal services in the coming days. Former Deputy Minister of the Environ- From November 13, Kakha Kaladze ment and Protection of Natural Resources, offi cially took the mayoral post from will also now be one of Kakha Kaladze’s Davit Narmania. ties of Georgia is regarded as an act of last month, when she paid a visit to Scot- BY THEA MORRISON vandalism aimed at destroying the his- land, she had meetings with local author- torical memory of the Abkhaz people, ities, parliament and other groups. against whom Georgia committed ethnic “We were promised that the Scottish he de facto Ministry of For- cleansing and genocide,” the statement authorities would talk to the local gov- PM Kvirikashvili eign Affairs of Georgia’s of the “ministry” reads. ernment of the city of Kilmarnock and breakaway region of Abk- The “ministry” also claims that in Octo- explain the situation to them. They got hazia released a statement ber 1992, in occupied Sokhumi, Georgian full information, shared the position of regarding the decision of authorities burned down and destroyed the British state towards the territorial Meets New Ministers Tthe authorities in the Scottish town of buildings of the Abkhaz Institute of Lan- integrity and sovereignty of Georgia and Kilmarnock to dismantle a memorial guage, Literature and History, and the the local council decided to dismantle stone dedicated to victims in separatist- State Archives of Abkhazia, adding “as the monument. This is defi nitely a good held Sokhumi of the 1992-1993 Abkhaz- a result of these barbaric actions, unique result. We really have the opportunity ian war. documents on the history and culture to fi nd and neutralize similar cases based after Gov’t Reshuffl e The de facto ministry stressed that the of Abkhazia were destroyed”. on trust and cooperation with our part- removal of the monument was the ini- The exact date of construction of the ners," Beruchashvili explains. tiative of Offi cial Tbilisi, assessing the memorial is unknown, as the repre- “One of the main tasks of the Embassy fact as ‘barbaric moves by the Georgian sentatives on the local city council have of Georgia, and general Georgian diplo- leadership and another vivid confi rma- long since changed, but is estimated macy, is to use all means against the tion of the aggressive and anti-humane that it was built somewhere around efforts of the Russian government to character of the Georgian policy towards 1993-1996. propagate the so-called independence Abkhazia and its people’. Georgian ambassador to the United of Abkhazia and South Ossetia,” she “This behavior of the offi cial authori- Kingdom, Tamar Beruchashvili, said that added. Georgia’s Foreign Policy Demonstrates Strengthening of Territorial Integrity adding it will be important to carry out BY THEA MORRISON the optimization process as profession- ally as possible so that people can see BY MÁTÉ FÖLDI that the main focus of this process is fter announcing a number really the people. of important changes in the “Each program and every article in the cabinet, which resulted in state budget is to be aimed at improving he primary goal of Georgia’s a reduction of the number our citizens' lives," said Kvirikashvili. foreign policy is to of ministries from 18 to 14, The PM also underlined that education strengthen the nation’s ter- Athe Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi is one of the top priorities of the govern- ritorial integrity and sov- Kvirikashvili, met the new ministers of ment, the promotion of vocational “a ereignty, Foreign Minister, finance and education, Mamuka step forward in this fi eld”. TMikheil Janelidze, declared at an event Bakhtadze and Mikheil Chkhenkeli, who Kvirikashvili wished Mikheil Chkhen- dedicated to the Day of Diplomacy at will start working after Parliament keli success, and expressed hope that Tbilisi State University. approves the changes. his role will see more results for Geor- “All remaining activities serve this main Kvirikashvili congratulated the minis- gia’s education system. goal. We have chosen the Euro-Atlantic ters on their new positions and wished Former Education Minister Alexander integration path because we believe it them success. Jejelava was advised by the Prime Min- is in the best interests of Georgia,” The PM stressed that it is important ister to move the diplomatic sector. Janelidze said. to spend state fi nances on current needs, However, he noted that the decision The Foreign Minister also explained especially during the process of optimi- should be made by Jejelava himself. the various successes of Georgia’s for- zation. He highlighted the important "He would be welcome a move to dip- eign policy. work carried out by Finance Minister lomatic work, but as he told me, he wants “We have been intensely involved in result of our priorities in terms of non- macy is very strong, it means success Dimitry Kumsishvili, who is to now to to work in the fi eld of education. Let’s bilateral diplomacy. We have opened 60 recognition policy, economic ties and on a diplomatic level. Strengthening lead the Ministry of Economy, which see what decision he makes. He is a embassies, three missions and consulates. Georgia’s representation throughout the of the country’s positive image shows was merged with the Energy Ministry. member of our team and a very worthy Indeed, this is very large-scale effort for world”. the fulfi lment of all goals,” Janelidze Kvirikashvili wished Bakhtadze luck, person," said the PM. a small country like Georgia; it is the “The direction of multilateral diplo- added. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 14 - 16, 2017 POLITICS 15

SOCIETY Girl of

Photo source: ugc-about.futurelearn.com Now: Elie Saab’s New Fragrance at Ici Paris Stores

inspiring ELIE SAAB’s latest scent,” BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI reads the new Girl of Now advert on the designers offi cial page. As Khatia Shamugia, Head of Ici Paris lie Saab’s new fragrance 'Girl PR and Marketing Department, says of Now', launched in 2017, in her interview with fortuna.ge, Girl is now available in Ici Paris of Now is a fragrance for young, dar- A Momentous Week stores. ing and successful contemporary “It’s a reverse fairytale that women. Ebegins at midnight and ends with three “The new fragrance’s top notes are friends walking in the early light of mandarin orange, pear and pistachio, dawn. It’s about a night of play, paparazzi with a mixture of patchouli and almond fl ashes and a perfume that meets their milk, bringing an element of eternity for the World mood: see the girl of now in her ele- to the mix,” she says. scandals erupted in the US regarding (particularly in Lebanon). Enmity and ment, on her own terms and with a Elie Saab is a Lebanese fashion OP-ED BY EMIL AVDALIANI Russia’s role in the pre-election period accusations between the two increase spontaneous and audacious energy, designer born in 1964. and Canada introduced new sanctions day by day. Yesterday, Bahrain’s major against Russian offi cials. All of this pipeline was under attack and the gov- he past week was full of pretty much summarizes the current ernment was prompt to accuse Iran important events around diffi cult situation which exists in the (who denied it). This shows that, if the globe as well as some US-Russia relations and that, as I have continued, the Middle East might be momentous geopolitical written previously, there are core geo- further engulfed in a sectarian and over- developments in the Mid- political differences in the former Soviet all geopolitical battle between major Tdle East and elsewhere. space, hindering any meaningful break- regional players. In Asia, Vietnam hosted the APEC through in the current standoff. summit where a range of important global TOWARDS A MORE topics was discussed. World attention IRAN’S GRAND STRATEGY COOPERATIVE CENTRAL ASIA? was drawn to a potential Putin-Trump Let’s move to the Middle East, where Over the last week it has become yet meeting, but full-format talks between last week Iran-backed forces moved more clear that in Uzbekistan, under the two presidents did not take place. closer to control the Syria-Iraq border. new leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbek- The Russians blamed it on the American This is a momentous event, as Iran would istan is set on a course of being more protocol service, saying that it lacks fl ex- be able to gain a contiguous land bridge cooperative with the neighboring coun- ibility, according to the Russian Presi- from its proper territory, through north tries. Tajikistan is likely to renew import dent’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov. Iraq and Syria, right to the Mediterra- of Uzbek gas after nearly fi ve years of Nevertheless, the two managed to speak nean coast. To gauge this development, near enmity between the two countries on a number of occasions during walks it suffi ces to say that the last time the under former Uzbek president Islam and on Sunday, US President Donald Iranians managed to do this was in the Karimov. Moreover, the two countries Trump said at a joint press conference 620s AD, just before the Arab conquest also agreed to reunite their electricity with his Vietnamese counterpart Tran of the Middle East. grids. These developments take place Dai Quang, that he considers it neces- From now on, the Iranians will be able as Tashkent voices its concerns over sary to get back to cooperation with to communicate with their closest allies Tajikistan building a large dam on its Moscow, which will be benefi cial for the in Lebanon: Hezbollah. Iran is being territory. Uzbekistan, a veritable center country and for the whole world. transformed into a powerful geopolitical of landlocked Central Asia, could serve The two touched upon Ukraine, Syria player whose infl uence will be projected as a cooperation motor for the entire and not so much North Korea. One over hundreds and maybe thousands of region. Indeed, the Kazakh leadership might think that this could be a sign kilometers beyond the state borders. already hinted that there would be talks that the Russian strategy is working Those are important developments for on holding an inter-Central Asian states when Washington and European coun- our policy-makers to follow, as Iran’s summit, the fi rst such event in years. tries increasingly look at Moscow to position has been on the rise in the South A more cooperative Central Asia would play a bigger role in those confl icts, Caucasus too. I have already written how actually have ramifi cations for Russia’s thereby creating possibilities for the essential local pipeline and railway infra- ambitions in the region. For China, on Kremlin to bargain more effectively structure is for Tehran and the region the other hand, an interconnected region with western powers. However, beyond overall. Iran sees opportunities in the would mean more ease in laying its large this seeming scenario, there are no con- South Caucasus, but it should neverthe- pipeline and railway infrastructure pro- crete developments on the ground in less be put into the overall picture unfold- jects (often stalled because of the enmity Ukraine to suggest that changes in Rus- ing in the Middle East. of the Central Asian states towards one sian behavior will follow. Nothing sug- In Saudi Arabia, the important arrests another). Either way, what happens now gests that Europe is willing to compro- are likely to infl uence the Middle East. in Central Asia is as important as unprec- mise either. Several days ago, additional Riyadh fears Tehran’s growing infl uence edented in the past decade or so.

PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Website Manager/Editor: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Tony Hanmer, Zaza Jgarkava, Tamzin Whitewood 1 Melikishvili Str. and advertisements without Maka Bibilashvili, Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia prior editorial permission is COMMERCIAL Dimitri Dolaberidze, Layout: strictly forbidden. DEPARTMENT Maka Lomadze, Misha Mchedlishvili Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Commercial Director: Joseph Larsen, E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Webmaster: Iva Merabishvili Vazha Tavberidze, Sergey Gevenov F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Marketing Manager: Nugzar B. Ruhadze, is registered in Mtatsminda Salome Vashalomidze Nino Gugunishvili, Circulation Managers: ADVERTISING & district court. Thea Morrison David Kerdikashvili, SUBSCRIPTION EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: David Djandjgava +995 577 14 14 87 GEORGIA TODAY Editor-In-Chief: Photographer: E-mail: Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies Irakli Dolidze [email protected]