Business Ratings Award Ceremony to Be Held in Tbilisi

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www.georgiatoday.ge Issue no: 796/3796/3 • NNOVEMBEROVOVEMEMBER 24 - 26, 2015 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

Georgia Healthcare In this week’s issue... IFC Funds ‘m² Residential’ Group Joins Premium with USD 23 Million Listing of London PAGE 2 Georgia’s Ravaging Stock Exchange Nepotism ISET PAGE 4

Geocell: “We Dare You to Innovate!” FOCUS PAGE 6 ON SUCCESS First Regional Tier-1 PoP to Nikoloz Gamkrelidze, General Director of Georgia Healthcare Group discusses how Be Launched in Tbilisi they made it to the list PAGE 3 PAGE 7

Sharing Experience of Business Ratings Award Ceremony Visegrad Countries to be Held in Tbilisi PAGE 8 Georgian business. The winner will be awarded a Grand Prix- the BY ANA AKHALAIA The contribution of Business Ratings in pro- national business award, a handmade and exclu- Bernard Kouchner: moting Georgian business is recognized not sive composition Bolnian Cross. The remaining only by the business sector but also in the polit- companies will be awarded in different catego- Communication he 16th edition of the Business Rat- ical world. The fi rst Business Ratings was held ries and certifying diplomas of the top best 30 ings Award Ceremony for winning in 1995 and since then it has named many of will be given. with Society Key companies and business persons Georgia’s leading businesses as winners. A professional jury has already evaluated the will take place at the Funicular The Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance companies on the following criteria: protecting to Reforms Complex Ballroom on November provided Georgian Times and GORBI with a the interests of entrepreneurs; public image; T26th. The Ceremony is being held by media list of companies which bring more than 1 mil- effective management; charity / philanthropy; PAGE 10 holding Georgian Times and public opinion and lion GEL into the Georgian budget. Experts, the effectiveness of advertising campaigns; new marketing research company GORBI (Georgian economic journalists, non-governmental organ- technologies; new jobs; stability of activities; Opinion Research Business International). izations, foundations, representatives of indus- company growth and success; recognition abroad; Enterprise The project aims to defi ne the most success- trialist and taxpayer unions, and pollsters then public relations (PR); effective marketing; fi nan- ful business sectors, to establish a new image chose the top 60 of the best and most success- cial transparency; level of professionalism; and Georgia Striving for Georgian businesses, to promote new ful companies which was then narrowed down potential investment attractiveness. promising companies, to bring Georgian busi- again to just 30 best companies. The sponsors of the event are: Black Sea Group, for Excellence nessmen together and to attract the attention These 30 companies will choose the leader Socar Energy Georgia, Wissol Petroleum Geor- of the international business community to and the winner company amongst themselves. gia and supermarket chain Smart. SUPPLEMENT TO GT

Markets Asof20ͲNovͲ2015 STOCKS Price w/w m/m INDICES Price w/w m/m BankofGeorgia(BGEOLN) GBP18.41 Ͳ1,6% Ͳ9,5% FTSE100 6334,63 +3,5% Ͳ0,2% TBCBank(TBCBLI) US$8.50 Ͳ1,2% Ͳ5,6% FTSE250 17189,11 +2,5% +1,2% GHG(GHGLN) GBP1.80 Ͳ0,6% na DAX 11119,83 +3,8% +9,6% DOWJONES 17833,37 +3,4% +3,6% BONDS Price w/w m/m NASDAQ 5099,30 +3,5% +4,5% GEOROG05/17 101.38(YTM5.89%) Ͳ0,1% +0,6% MSCIEMEE 124,89 +6,4% Ͳ2,8% GEORG04/21 107.14(YTM5.33%) +0,0% +0,5% MSCIEM 837,14 +2,0% Ͳ3,2% GRAIL07/22 105.06(YTM6.79%) Ͳ0,2% +1,3% SP500 2091,33 +3,4% +3,0% GEBGG07/17 104.06(YTM5.09%) Ͳ0,1% +0,5% MICEX 1826,72 +5,7% +6,0% MSCIFM 2408,41 Ͳ1,3% Ͳ4,2% COMMODITIES Price w/w m/m GTIndex(GEL) 885,86 Ͳ Ͳ2,6% CrudeOil,Brent(US$/bbl) 44,49 +2,0% Ͳ8,7% GTIndex(USD) 728,38 Ͳ Ͳ3,6% GoldSpot(US$/OZ) 1077,20 Ͳ0,6% Ͳ8,4% GEORGIA TODAY 2 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 24 - 26, 2015 Euro Climate to Represent IFC Funds ‘m² Wolf Technologies in Georgia

industry started in the air-conditioning BY ANA AKHALAIA and air-handling sectors. Wolf products Residential’ with are installed in opera houses, airports and offi ce complexes. uro Climate has been named Environmentally friendly and effi cient the offi cially representative heating units from Wolf quickly estab- of German company Wolf in lished themselves as quality brand prod- USD 23 Million Georgia and aims to sell mod- ucts. As a systems supplier Wolf com- ern solar panels approved in bines the five sectors of heating, Ethe world’s leading countries, high pro- ventilation, air conditioning, solar and duction heat pumps, central-heating combined heat and power plants, estab- condensing boilers, fan coil units, ven- lishing itself fi rmly as the competence tilation installations and various types brand for energy saving systems. and models of devices. Entry into the heating-technology sec- Euro Climate Ltd. was founded in July, tor in the early 1980s was a milestone in 2015 by Vladimer Nartkoshvili, Giorgi the company’s success story. Wolf was Tsagareli and Giorgi Chargeishvili. The also the leader in the introduction of company provides retail sales and whole- boiler guarantees extended to six years. sale, and installation services on heating, Wolf products have thus also been cooling, ventilation, heat pumps and awarded design prizes. Wolf concentrates solar panel devices. all its capabilities at its single produc- Wolf GmbH is a leading supplier of tion facility, which is sited in Mainburg, air-conditioning and heating technology. Bavaria. market. It can be said that Wolf is a fl ag- The company’s rapid progress to the “We believe that the combination of ship company in this sector worldwide,” forefront of Europe’s building services all these is a new step for the Georgian the company stated.

for the families in Georgia. The goal of BY ANA AKHALAIA m² Real Estate is to build 2000 new apart- ments by the end of 2018,” said Irakli President of Mongolia and Director Burdiladze, m² Real Estate Director. nternational Finance Corporation IFC’s Regional Manager in the South General of the OIE Join Forces to (IFC) has funded m² subsidiary Caucasus, Jan Van Bilsen, stated that IFC m² Residential with USD 23 mil- promotes competition in the construc- lion. The goal of the loan is to tion sector and this project will not only Protect Pastoralism increase access of people with improve people’s living standards, but Iaverage incomes to energy effi cient, also create jobs in the process of the ‘green’ constructions. construction and beyond, thus contrib- According to the company, the grow- uting to economic development. ing demand on high-quality, affordable According to Green for Growth Fund housing is still not fully satisfi ed. Board Chairman Christopher Knowles, With IFC’s fi nancing, m² Residential the goal of the Fund is to support energy will build 1800 energy effi cient apart- saving and CO2 reduction in Georgia. ments, saving energy, water and con- “Compared to similar sized new build- struction materials in the process, thus ings in Georgia, the residential projects decreasing harmful effects on health and of m² Residential will be 40% more environment. energy effi cient and the demand on such IFC’s funding includes USD 11.5 million high quality buildings is high,” Knowles from the European Green for Growth stated. Fund (GGF). Georgia became an IFC member is 1995. “Partnership with IFC helped us to Since then IFC’s long term investments carry out the fi rst stage of our strategy, in Georgia amounted to more than USD to build high quality residential projects 1 billion in 52 projects of different sec- in Tbilisi. We, as one of the leading tors. IFC also conducts consulting pro- development companies in Georgia, jects in Georgia which are aimed at continue to improve living conditions developing the private sector. during his offi cial visit to France. The activities of the Mongolian Veterinary BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES meeting tackled various issues relating Services. to pastoralism and animal health in Mon- Protecting pastoralism in Mongolia golia, a country that is actively working and the world was a particular focus of ast week, the Director General to improve its animal health situation, discussion, leading to an agreement to of the OIE, Dr Bernard Vallat, with the aim of developing its rural organise a high-level Conference on this welcomed His Excellency Mr economy and foreign trade. The OIE subject by the end of 2016, under the Tsakhia Elbegdorj, President reiterated its commitment towards sup- patronage of Mongolia and of the OIE, Lof the Republic of Mongolia, porting sustainable improvement of the with the scientifi c support of the OIE. Order Natural NFA-Certifi ed Georgian Agro-Products Online

BY TAMAR SVANIDZE

new entrepreneurship which aims to promote natural products from villages of Georgia has been launched on the Internet. AThe online portal, named “Soplidan. ge” (“from the village”), was established by two friends Natia Ninikelashvili and Consumers seeking natural certiﬁ ed Nino Mgebrishvili and intends to offer products can now order from natural products from villages to city Georgian villages online residents. Anyone wishing to purchase healthy In an interview with Georgian online service. They will order whichever prod- food for their family can order through media outlet, founders of the website ucts they want and we will deliver them the website and have natural products emphasized that the idea in creating the fresh from the villages,” Natia Ninike- delivered to their homes. Ltd “Soplidan” online service came from their own lashvili said. She added that Georgian is registered in the databases of the experience. “Both of us have children consumers have already welcomed the National Food Agency (NFA) as a busi- and buying natural products at the mar- initiative. ness operator, which makes it obliged to kets was a challenge. We were always The delivery of the products takes place follow the rules of product inspection, questioning: were they natural, where three times a week: on Monday, Wednes- transportation and storage. did they come from and so on. We are day and Friday. At this stage online pur- Currently, through this website, consum- from Kakheti, Georgia’s eastern region, chase of natural products from the vil- ers have the chance to buy around 40 vari- and we can go and buy natural products lages are available only to customers of eties of natural products from Georgian there, but most of our neighboring city the capital Tbilisi but the founders plan regions, including vegetables, dairy produce, dwellers do not have this opportunity. to broaden their geographic scope in the dried fruit, Churchkhela, and honey. So we decided to offer them an online near future. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 24 - 26, 2015 BUSINESS 3 GEORGIA HEALTHCARE GROUP JOINS PREMIUM LISTING OF LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE

The shares of Georgia Healthcare Group have been admitted to the premium listing of the London Stock Exchange and the ﬁ rst trade of the Georgia Healthcare Group shares have taken place.

Georgia Healthcare Group manages medical corporation Evex and insurance company Imedi L, the largest provider of medical insurance and healthcare services in the country.

By placing its shares on the London Stock Exchange, the Georgia Healthcare Group has attracted new capital of USD 100 million. This investment will be used for the further development of the clinic network Medical Corporation Evex, creating a modern medical infrastructure, implementing innovational medical technologies and improving healthcare services.

Georgia Healthcare Group is the ﬁ rst healthcare company in the region to be listed on the London Stock Exchange and its shares can be seen alongside world famous hospital brands: NMC Health, Al Noor Hospitals, and Spire Healthcare.

This is another Georgian example of a successful, stable and future-oriented business, which creates a trust-worthy environment for the foreign investors and is a prerequisite for the long-term development of the Georgian economy.

We spoke to the General Director of Georgia Healthcare Group – Nikoloz Gamkrelidze.

Mr. Gamkrelidze, Georgia Healthcare Group is the second company after the Bank of Georgia to be admitted to the premium listing of the London Stock Exchange. Will foreign investors now be more interested in investing in Georgian healthcare?

Nikoloz Gamkrelidze: After making the ﬁ rst public offer we attracted USD 100 million and numerous big investors got interested in purchasing the shares of our group. We sell purely healthcare business, which around the globe is charac- terized with rather high levels of income and rarely reacts to macroeconomic ﬂ uctuations. According to recent studies, throughout the world, including in Georgia, life expectancy has increased, thus increasing the demand for healthcare services. New and innovational medical technologies are also being developed quickly, and, despite the overall living conditions, people still spend a lot of money on medical services. Investors know this and are therefore very interested in healthcare. As yet the healthcare expenses are quite low in our country, which, in absolute numbers, amounts to USD 200 per person. Although not much at the moment, analysis of life expectancy suggests that in 10 years our country can reach the level of Turkey, where the medical expenses per person amount to an average of USD 500-600. 10 years ago Turkey was where we are today.

What will the attracted investment be spent on?

Georgia Healthcare Group, which manages Medical Corporation Evex and insurance company Imedi L is one of the most dynamically growing businesses in Georgia. We are now entering the phase of an even bigger growth. New capital will be completely spent on developing the business. We will create an even more modern infrastructure, establish innovational medical technologies, strengthen the primary healthcare and increase the ambulatory network, which is a big challenge for the country. Additional capital will support the development of healthcare in Georgia, and access to medical services for the population will increase signiﬁ cantly. We expect to soon be able to strengthen the oncological, laboratory and pediatric services, thus considerably increasing customer satisfaction. By implementing new and innovational technologies, the population of our country will have the chance to undergo treatment in Georgia and this will result in there no longer being a necessity to leave the country for the treatment of speciﬁ c illnesses.

What did you have to do to get admitted to the London Stock Exchange?

Our group has been admitted directly onto the premium listing, where the requirements and regulations are even stricter. In the fi rst place, you need to show the strategy that you are working towards and what type of growth you plan. Your fi nancial results must be public and transparent and the company audit carried out by the Big Four. Apart from fi nancial results, the company is obliged to correctly evaluate those risks that can affect the development of the business. There is an organization named UK Listing Authority which grants permission to be admitted to the London Stock Exchange, and it was one of the regulators which examined the Georgia Healthcare Group practically from top to bottom.

The conclusion of the UK Listing Authority signals to investors that it is worth putting their money into your company, that you are distinguished by a high level of transparency, a high quality of corporate management, and that you satisfy the demands of the international stock markets. Being an afﬁ liated company of the public Bank of Georgia Group facilitated our admission to the London Stock Exchange because its shares have been listed on the same since 2006. Our Group satisﬁ es all those standards that the UK Corporate Governance Code requires from companies.

How will being admitted to the London Stock Exchange listing reflect on the employees of the company?

Every employee will be proud to work in such an organization which is strong, transparent and, most importantly, stable. This will also reﬂ ect on the ﬁ nancial welfare of the employees. Apart from this, the attracted investments will enable us to implement large projects which will support the creation of new working places in the country. All of this together will result in the improvement of the macro-economic parameters of Georgia, thus developing the healthcare system of the country.

www.ghg.com.ge | www.evex.ge | www.imediL.ge GEORGIA TODAY 4 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 24 - 26, 2015 THE ISET ECONOMIST A BLOG ABOUT ECONOMICS AND THE SOUTH CAUCAUS www.iset-pi.ge/blog

The ISET Policy Institute (ISET-PI, www.iset-pi.ge) is an independent think-tank associated with the International School of Economics at TSU (ISET). Our blog carries economic analysis of current events and policies in Georgia and the South Caucasus region ranging from agriculture, to economic growth, energy, labor markets and the nexus of economics, culture and religion. Thought-provoking and fun to read, our blog posts are written by international faculty teaching at ISET and recent graduates representing the new generation of Georgian, Azerbaijani and Armenian economists. Georgia’s Ravaging Nepotism fuss that somebody appointed a cousin procedures. The United States’ govern- BY FLORIAN BIERMANN AND or relative does not mean that it is nep- ment maintains a large jobs website CHARLES JOHNSON otism. […] Georgia is a small country, USAjobs.gov where any citizen can make there is always a relative, a neighbor, or a profi le and enter their skills in a data- somebody, and this topic does not need base. Candidates that meet the technical eorgian media is full of to be sensationalized.” (http://www. requirements have their CVs automati- stories about nepotism and tabula.ge/ge/verbatim/95350-tofadze- cally forwarded to hiring managers. This the funny justifi cations of kvelas-hkavs-vighac-nacnobi-da-ar- website was how our American author, those involved: nishnavs-rom-es-nepotizmia) Charles, was hired as an analyst at the When Irakli Garibashvili Gogi Topadze certainly has a point. Department of Defense without know- Gwas still Minister of the Interior, he was Georgia is a small country and seemingly ing anyone in the Pentagon beforehand. confronted with nepotism allegations, nepotistic appointments may be the Such a system could even be designed and replied: “Don’t you know that a result of a rigorous and meritocratic in a way such that the name of the appli- relative of your wife is not your relative?” selection process. Yet, this is not reason cant is not revealed to the reviewer. (http://ick.ge/rubrics/politics/13851-i. enough to completely dismiss nepotism Secondly, it should be impossible for html) in the public sector as “help among indebted to that colleague. Even worse, Putting it simple, UNM fought corrup- anyone to get a job by simple appoint- When the 23-year-old brother of Vice friends”, since it is extremely detrimen- if a citizen has a dispute with a govern- tion with nepotism, but was it such a ment of a politician or senior offi cial. Prime Minister Kakhi Kaladze’s wife was tal to a country’s development: ment offi cial, such dependencies may smart strategy in the long run? Thirdly, as part of the application pro- appointed head of the City Hall’s depart- Firstly, if hiring decisions are nepotis- make a fair and impartial review by other It seems that the decision to rely on cess candidates should be required to ment for education, sports, and youth tic, people who lack competence will be offi cials impossible. It is also diffi cult to nepotistic networks contained the seeds disclose information about relatives and affairs, Tbilisi Mayor Davit Narmania assigned offi ces, reducing the govern- reject questionable wishes from col- of UNM’s fall from grace and political personal acquaintances who are already stated that he had “known him for a long ment’s effi ciency and effectiveness. In leagues with whom one has personal defeat. By 2007, those people affi liated working for the government. With some time and did not consider any other Georgia, there is evidence of unqualifi ed alliances, e.g. reject requests to make with the ruling party formed closed international employers, such as the alternative” as he knew “his active drive government employees at all hierarchy exceptions of rules. power circles, in which they distributed International Monetary Fund, the exist- and attitudes towards youth politics and levels, and a good deal of this may be a considerable share of Georgia’s eco- ence of such connections would be an sports.” (http://www.tabula.ge/ge/ explained by nepotism. FIGHTING CORRUPTION nomic resources (a form of “grand cor- obstacle for employment, but this might verbatim/95545-narmania-natesavebi- Secondly, and related to the fi rst point, WITH NEPOTISM ruption”). Largely out of touch with an excessive requirement for Georgia. tsinasaarchevno-kampaniashi-damsax- young Georgians will get the impression As the above examples show, there is a people who were not part of their net- As Gogi Topadze said, Georgia is a small urebistvis-dainishnen) that qualifi cation and hard work do not lack of awareness for the problem of works, the ruling group became more country, and the government may be too In the Khulo municipality in Samegrelo, really matter in their careers. If success nepotism in Georgia. This is in stark and more encapsulated, not recognizing important an employer to apply such an offi cial who had provided her daugh- is primarily determined through net- contrast to “standard” corruption, which, that public support for their government strict rules. Still, Georgia could at least ter with a job clarifi ed: “Yes, she is my working, incentives to invest in human in our experience, most Georgians was crumbling, and fi nally they were set up an independent committee to daughter but not a member of my family, capital are diminished. All the efforts to strongly despise. Interestingly, this pecu- replaced by the Georgian Dream. review these connections once some- because she is married […] and she is improve the educational sector will be liar combination of aversion against For the progress of Georgia, it is crucial body is selected for hiring. Based on now a member of another family.” (http:// futile if, in the end, the most qualifi ed standard corruption and tolerance for that the plight of nepotism will be objective (meritocratic) criteria, such a newposts.ge/?l=G&id=67443) people do not get the jobs. nepotism may be embedded in Georgia’s addressed. But how? committee could decide whether there To counter the suspicion that nepotism Thirdly, nepotism leads to dependen- recent reform history. is reason to believe that personal acquaint- might be going on, recently Georgian cies and power structures within organ- In 2003, Georgia ranked 124th in Trans- SYSTEMIC INTEGRITY ances played a role in the hiring decision. Dream Member of Parliament (MP) Gogi izations that should not be there. The parency International’s Corruption Per- Nepotism in hiring, like other forms of The US government, the UN, and the Topadze set the record straight: “Geor- willingness to report misconduct by a ceptions Index (CPI) whereas in 2014 it corruption, is a systemic problem and World Bank all have laudable hiring gia is a small country, and making a big colleague is reduced if one is personally ranked 50th. Most observers attribute does not result from a defi cit in indi- models to be consulted in the process this improvement in the CPI exclusively vidual moral standards. It is not the case of redesigning Georgia’s hiring processes. to an eradication of so-called “petty cor- that in countries which are heavily Finally, to avoid other forms of nepo- ruption”, i.e. nuisances like bribing police- infected by corruption, like Greece, peo- tism which are not related to hiring, the men and minor government offi cials, ple have “fraudulent” or “rotten” atti- Georgia’s civil society and general pub- while political or “grand” corruption tudes. Once corruptive practices have lic should play a larger role in the fi ght was not eliminated. become the norm, no individual can against nepotism, organizing transpar- In the wake of the Rose Revolution, a retain their integrity without incurring ency campaigns, properly reporting large portion of state offi cials were fi red, excessive cost. To move out of such an information on nepotistic practices, and thereby destroying their patrimonial unfavorable equilibrium, the government making sure that the individuals respon- structures of bribe collection and infl u- has to set incentives which override the sible are voted out of offi ce. ence buying. However, this transition natural selfi sh behavior. With regard to Widespread nepotism is arguably one could not have been done without its ordinary corruption, this was done by of the major obstacles for Georgia’s eco- own corrupt practices: new high-ranking UNM very effectively through various nomic progress and its continued Euro- offi cials were selected based on personal measures that made it risky and danger- Atlantic integration. Indeed, for Georgia loyalty considerations so as to ensure ous to accept or pay bribes. Similar to unlock the potential embedded in the United National Movement’s (UNM) measures are available in the fi ght against recently signed Association Agreement political survival and achievement of its nepotism. with the EU, the problem of nepotism goals. And since personal friends and First of all, the Georgian government has to be addressed at all levels of the relatives were considered loyal, what and public companies should take greater Georgian society. A good fi rst step might followed was a wave of nepotistic appoint- steps to formalize their hiring process be to recognize the nepotism is, indeed, ments. and make use of “blind” technological a problem.

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 24 - 26, 2015 GEORGIA TODAY 6 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 24 - 26, 2015 Geocell: “We Dare Geocell’s Geo LAB is an innovation Laboratory for smart minds. It is open 24/7 to the development of different, interesting, useful and at You to Innovate!” the same time innovative ideas

ducted by International research Agencies, Geocell Information Technology Institute (an educational ence engagement in Technology Advanced Inno- BY EKA KIPIANI has an established image as the most innovative center) is a part of Geo LAB. Anyone who is inter- vations is a Geocell HUB. brand among Georgian customers. The same trends ested to get knowledge in programing a new prod- Geocell HUB is a dedicated multi-purpose space are seen in the results of Net Promoter Score (NPS) uct, creating a web or mobile application design in Geocell fl agships. The idea of Geocell HUB orig- lmost all future trends of consumer- Tracker for 2014-2015. Customer perception has a can apply for three-month program at ITI. inates from the Geocell Retail Concept, where the ism, predicted by numerous institu- solid background, starting from 2012 when Geocell Geo LAB has been functioning since May 6, 2015. BOX is a part of the retail space in our larger shops. tions, come from innovative thinking. chose a clear role as Technology and Innovation The Laboratory has already hosted 23 events and Geocell HUB is always busy; it already hosted Advanced products, services, and Educator in various directions. presentations. numerous guest speakers and innovative product platforms are more and more in Geo Lab recently hosted Devfest Tbilisi 2015, presentations and masterclasses like Google Glass Ademand. INNOVATION LABORATORY GEO LAB sponsored by Geocell. Devfest is one of the biggest presentation, Oculus Rift presentation, 3D map- Innovation seamlessly covers all areas of human One slow rainy morning, while brewing your cof- events of Google, supporting the development of ping, internet safety, Digital Marketing, and more. activity, but technology innovation comes fi rst to fee and surfi ng the Net to check the latest FB or new Technologies and Innovative Solutions in There is a lot of participant feedback that stimu- our minds as a defi nition. LinkedIn posts, a big idea zaps your brain! You Georgia. lates HUB managers to take initiative in HUB talks Today, customers, as the end users, are more could create a new mobile application. “Oh come For more inspiration, here is a short list of the in future. involved in developing new solutions. They bring on, get real, Steve Jobs!” – says your inner you, projects developed by students: Geocell HUB activities do not limit participants new ideas and contribute to future technology chuckling with its usual irony. • Tbilisi Street Art map according to age or professional groups or operator progress, and so, correspondingly, user experience Do not give up! Your idea is too cool! Head along • Mobile App Auto stop subscription. All upcoming HUB events are prelim- (UX) has been given priority by many leading to Geo LAB and make your idea a reality. We dare • Virtual Classroom inary announced on Facebook, where the interested companies worldwide. you to innovate! • Education portal for Programing audience can easily register and get a ticket. There Geocell, as a leader of technological innovations Geo LAB is an innovation Laboratory for smart • Mobile game SpaceX are events especially organized for schoolchildren, on the Georgian market, has its alternative solu- minds. It is open 24/7 to the development of dif- • Shopping list application; and many more university students and other specifi c groups. tions to supporting innovative thinking. Geo LAB ferent, interesting, useful and at the same time Follow this link http://geolab.edu.ge to register. The future for Geocell HUB is promising; it may and Geocell HUB are already well placed among innovative ideas. Geo LAB is equipped with the just take advanced responsibilities to establishing young smart minds. latest technology and boasts the qualifi ed help of GEOCELL HUB Digital Discipline and other modern global trends According to the 2014 Brand Tracker results con- Geo LAB team. Another smart project that actively supports audi- coming soon! Rumor Has It New Flagships Are Coming

BY BEQA KIRTAVA HTC’s current ﬂ agship, the One M9

hile the 2016 Mobile World Con- gress (MWC) (where companies version which will go on sale sometime in the ﬁ rst often debut new high-end gadg- six months of 2016. ets) is still quite far away, rumors Despite reporting a net loss of USD139 million have already started circulating and stating it will no longer provide earnings guid- Wabout the upcoming releases of nearly all the major ance from Q4, HTC is expected to debut the One companies. We decided to take a peek at what’s to M10 at MWC 2016. Reports say that the company’s come. upcoming high-end smartphone will be powered Why don’t we start with Samsung? There seems by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, have 4GB RAM, to be plenty of (not quite reliable) information a staggering 27 MP camera and a QHD display. about the Galaxy S7. According to reports, the However, the reliability of all these reports are phone will be powered by the new Exynos 8890, a highly questionable. brand new 64-bit, octa-core chipset, however, an Moving on to LG, if rumors are to be believed, alternative model of the smartphone could have the company is planning quite a release. The LG the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820. Moreover, some G5 is expected to have a 4K screen, run Qualcomm sources on Weibo claim that the Galaxy S7 will Snapdragon 820 and have a high-tech iris scanner, have a premium version, bragging a 14-core GPU which is said to be able to identify a user’s eyes up and 4K screen. to a distance of 50 centimeters. Let’s continue with Apple, the CEO of which So, which high-end smartphone are you planning recently blasted Microsoft, calling its Surface Book to buy? Or do you prefer not to spend money on ‘deluded’. There is not much known about the super-expensive gadgets? Don’t forget to send us iPhone 7 yet, as it is expected to be released in the your comments, experiences and ideas on our third quarter of next year. However, rumor has it Facebook page. that Apple’s upcoming release will have a mini www.fb.com/georgiatoday

Georgian Government to Launch Tea Plantation Rehabilitation Program

lowest economic activity. BY ANA AKHALAIA The program is expected to start next year.

ore than 7 thousand hectares of state-owned tea plantations are scheduled to be rehabilitated, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Economy and Sustain- Mable Development has announced. FOR RENT The government will support small tea process- ing enterprises through donor organizations by setting up certifi cation programs which are required Apartment in Vake (behind the Vake Swimming Pool) in an ecologically clean to export goods to the EU. environment with beautiful views. In addition, the government will work to promote The 120 sq. m. duplex apartment on the 10th fl oor, newly renovated, with a new kitchen, storage facilities in order to prolong the produc- fi replace, balconies. tion season. According to the Minister of Agricul- ture, 15-20% of the fruit and vegetable production is lost each year due to improper storage. Price: 900 USD The program will focus on the mountainous Tel: 577521020 Tekla (English); 597000109 Dato (Georgian) regions and 12 municipalities with the nationwide GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 24 - 26, 2015 BUSINESS 7

The signing ceremony of the memorandum of cooperation between TI Sparkle, ISP Silknet and Turkcell Superonline First Regional Tier-1 PoP to Be Launched in Tbilisi

represent the fi rst Tier-1 PoP in the have met another reliable partner. power of our partners gives us the BY EKA KARSAULIDZE Caucasus Region and will address the Silknet is one of the leaders on the confi dence to talk about its success. increasing demand for a Tier-1 IP Tran- Georgian market, and we believe that We chose Silknet because it has a very sit service not only from under-served it has all the potential to give the pro- open policy. In this case, our project I Sparkle, the International Caucasus and Caspian Regions but also ject a regional scale,” he added. has a regional character, which indi- Services arm of Telecom from Middle East and Central Asia Silknet is one of The Tbilisi PoP is the result of a tri- cates the openness to other countries Italia Group, announced through Silknet’s and Turkcell Super- lateral partnership between Global as well,” said Emre Erdern, represent- the expansion of its Global online’s fi ber networks connecting the the leaders on the Service Provider TI Sparkle, Georgia’s ative of Turkcell Superonline. IP Backbone with a new Tbilisi PoP to TI Sparkle’s IP Global main ISP Silknet and Turkey’s leading The new Tbilisi PoP will meet the IPT Point of Presence (PoP) in Tbilisi, backbone ‘Seabone.’ Georgian market, Network Provider Turkcell Superon- demand of major ISPs, fi xed and mobile Georgia. This strategic development “I would like to note that this project line. Once launched, the new PoP will operators, content and CDN players, is also in accordance with Georgia’s is important not only for Tbilisi but and we believe be interconnected to TI Sparkle’s Sea- increasing TI Sparkle’s Global IP Back- main ISP Silknet’s vision of improving also the regions as it means the provi- bone Global IP backbone through bone capillarity in Eastern Europe. The broadband internet access in the region. sion of high quality services from TI that it has all the Istanbul and Frankfurt via diversifi ed Tbilisi PoP will further improve the The memorandum of cooperation Sparkle and parterres,” said Paolo Ficini, terrestrial routes and will transform performance of TI Sparkle’s Global IP between TI Sparkle, ISP Silknet and representative of Telecom IT Sparkle. potential to give Tbilisi into a regional telecommuni- Transit Service Seabone offered to Turkcell Superonline was signed on “Our company is focused on the East. cations hub by ensuring full redun- ISPs, OTTs, Content and Service pro- November 17. We already have a large and reliable the project a dancy. viders in the region, and at the same Located in a carrier neutral Data partner in Turkey and we are pleased “It is important to choose the right time will offer an overall better Inter- Center, this new point of presence will that on the other side of the border we regional scale partners in our project. The status and net experience. GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 24 - 26, 2015 Anti-Dumping Policy Abbasov: Azerbaijan to be Adopted Fully Meets Gas Commitments to Turkey

for 25 years with nine fi rms from eight near Baku and runs through Georgia, BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES countries to supply natural gas from the ending at a gas distribution hub in the Shah Deniz-2 fi eld. But this does not Turkish city of Erzurum. mean that the country does not have From June 2018, Turkey will also receive zeri Deputy Energy Minis- enough resources to fulfi ll its obligations Azerbaijani gas via the giant Southern ter Natig Abbasov has under other contracts,” he told Trend. Gas Corridor. The Trans-Anatolian pipe- announced that Azerbaijan Azerbaijan supplies gas to Turkey via line (TANAP), which is a part of the fully meets its commit- the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum (BTE) pipe- Southern Gas Corridor, envisages the ments on gas supply to line. From Baku to the Georgian border transportation of Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz ATurkey. He released a statement hitting with Turkey the BTE’s technical opera- fi eld gas from the Georgian-Turkish bor- out at recent rumors spread by Russian tor is BP, while Azerbaijan’s state oil der to the western borders of Turkey. media sources that Azerbaijan allegedly company SOCAR is its commercial TANAP’s initial capacity is expected supplies less gas to Turkey. operator. to reach 16 billion cubic meters of gas “We have no disagreement with the The BTE gas pipeline, also known as per year. Around six billion cubic meters Temur Maisuradze, Deputy importers. No-one has appealed regard- the South Caucasus Pipeline, exports of this gas will be delivered to Turkey Chairman of the Economy and ing the changes in the supply conditions. Azerbaijan’s gas from the Shah Deniz while the remainder will be sent to Economic Policy Committee Moreover, Azerbaijan signed contracts fi eld. The pipeline starts at a terminal Europe. discussed the Anti-Dumping Bill

member Uta Maziashvili told business BY ANA AKHALAIA publication Commersant that if the Gov- Ten Million USD to be Invested ernment adopts the anti-dumping law it will be a very bad precedent for the he work on an Anti-Dump- free market and will result in an increase in Western Georgia Power Plant ing Policy Bill is now com- of prices on imported as well as local plete. The Bill has been products, leaving the country ‘doomed agreed on with the govern- to have a permanent place on the list of BY ANA AKHALAIA ment as well as in Parlia- poor countries.’ Tment. At this stage the Ministry of “This will have negative effects in every Economy is calculating the risks of the respect,” said Maziashvili. “Prices on new law. The Bill is expected to be imported products which are of good he Khani Hydropower Plant adopted fully by Parliament by the end quality and are available for consumers, 7 will be built in Imereti, a of 2015. will rise. Respectively, if there is a local western region of Georgia, Anti-dumping laws prohibit importers product, it will also become more expen- funded by a $10.56 million from imposing sharply lower prices on sive. When competition is limited, it investment. products compared to the domestic mar- always leads to a price increase.” TThe hydropower plant will be built by ket prices, since the purpose of such Temur Maisuradze stated that it is pos- SanaLia Ltd., which gained the rights action is often to sink local companies. sible that importers are against the anti- following a study of the technical and The purpose of the law is to protect the dumping law, however, exporting Geor- economic sides of construction. local industry from unfair competition. gian businesses can’t be against it because Based on the application issued by Temur Maisuradze, Deputy Chairman the law protects them. SVS-Georgia Ltd., the Ministry of Energy of the Economy and Economic Policy “If foreigners come with dumping prices, declared their interest regarding the Committee, stated that some business- it doesn’t mean they always work with research, construction, and ownership men are against the anti-dumping policy. dumping prices. They just enter with of the hydropower plant, which will be And while a number of small and medium lowered prices, destroy competitors and built on the Khanistskali River in Imereti. businesses accept the adoption of the then they sell their products at higher Khani HPP 7 will be capable of produc- law quickly, the same cannot be said of prices again. Therefore, we shouldn’t give ing 6.4 MW and the annual output is large businesses, many of whom claim them the opportunity to sink our com- expected to be 48.1 mln KWh meters. that adopting the law this year will hurt panies with artiﬁ cial prices. In this regard, their businesses. there should be a regulatory law in our Importing company GD Holding board country,” Maisuradze stated. Qedeli Handmade Cup Accessories Help Launch McDonald’s Social Fundraiser

place, McDonald’s customers will be met by managers who BY ANA AKHALAIA underwent training in sign language. There will be an adapted environment, ramps and a menu in Braille. I hope our loyal customers will be actively involved in this initia- abor-theraputic studio Qedeli is making hand- tive and contribute to the charity,” Tengiz Kapanadze, made cup accessories for McDonalds’ social General Director of McDonald’s, stated. campaign ‘Closer, Easier’ which aims to raise money for disabled orphans. The campaign, which began on November 23rd, Lsees a special menu being launched- and if you buy from this menu, you will receive a special gift of a handmade cup holder. Traditionally, McDonald’s has had a lot of involvement with charity. All donations will be given to the orphanage for children with disabilities in Kojori, a small town near the capital of Georgia, and will be used to improve living conditions and allow more social integration for the ben- eﬁ ciaries. “We are pleased that McDonald’s has launched such a large scale cooperation with the social enterprise. There will be an We have a new campaign slogan adapted ‘Closer, Easier’ which is particu- environment, larly applicable to this partnership. ramps and a In the restaurant, Labor-theraputic studio Qedeli is making handmade cup where the cam- accessories for McDonalds’ social campaign ‘Closer, Easier.’ menu in Braille paign is taking Source: bpi.ge GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 24 - 26, 2015 BUSINESS 9 Sharing Experience of Visegrad Countries at the Forefront of EU Georgia Association Agreement

ince January 2015, the Asso- Offering V4 experience for ongoing Website: http://www.v4eap.ge/ ciation of Young Economists matters and for future reformers is what https://www.facebook.com/ of Georgia has been running determined the holding of several pub- V4eapge-790425804339223/ the project ‘V4 Countries lic lectures at higher educational and Project implemented by: Association of Young Reforming Experience for civil society organizations in Georgia Economists of Georgia, SGeorgia and Ukraine.’ Georgia and and Ukraine. The activity covers the fol- http://www.economists.ge/ Ukraine, as countries aspiring to mem- lowing organizations: bership of the European Union (EU), • Grigol Robakidze University Article prepared by Project Expert: Giorgi have a lot to learn from the Visegrad • Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State Kuparadze (CIESR), giorgi.kuparadze@tsuge (V4) experience. By experience we mean University and Ana Chikovani, Regional Development those reforms in social and economic • Conference offi ce of the Associa- Institute of Georgia (RDIG). affairs that have been undertaken in the tion of Small Towns of Ukraine group of four countries: Poland, Slova- • Offi ce of Association of Young kia, Czech Republic and Hungary. Trade Economists of Georgia Remedies, Public Procurement, Com- Discussion of the Visegrad phenom- petition and Transparency are just the enon and the way cooperation promoted fi rst on the list of policy issues that the the processes of EU integration of the experts from V4 will share their insights Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and on with their Georgian colleagues. This Poland was of special interest for young experience-sharing will be documented students and civil society representa- through the publishing of a collection lic (1993-2003) addressing the Polish were not just part of an emotional speech tives. of analytical articles involving interna- Parliament in Warsaw on 25 January but a strong policy direction that worked On 11th December, 2015, a united con- tional and national experts. Publication 1990: “The years of similar destinies and in practice. Return to Europe has become ference gathering all project experts will in Georgian and English languages will struggles for similar ideals ought there- a real possibility. Now it’s time for other be held in Georgia, Tbilisi, where inter- make it usable in Georgia as well as fore to be assessed in the light of genu- countries aspiring to membership of the national and national experts will have abroad, with special value in particular ine friendship and mutual respect; … EU to take action and return to Europe. the opportunity to sum up their recom- to Ukraine and other EaP countries. The This authentic friendship - based on a The latter is genuinely true for both mendations for better policy directions Visegrad Group - A Central European proper understanding of the destiny Ukraine and Georgia. Thanks to the for Ukraine and Georgia with one goal Constellation is a vivid example of imposed…, on the common lessons it International Visegrad Fund V4, experi- – to speed up the reformation process regional cooperation for the rest of the taught us, and above all on the common ence is available for Georgia and for leading to membership of the European world. In the words of Czech writer and ideals that now unite us - should ulti- Ukraine via the project: Sharing Experi- Union. politician, Havel, Václav, former Presi- mately inform a proper coordination of ence of Visegrad Countries at the Fore- The project is funded by the Visegrad Fund dent of Czechoslovakia (1989-1992) and our policies in a process we both refer front of the EU Georgia Association (http://visegradfund.org/), the fi rst President of the Czech Repub- to as “the return to Europe.” These words Agreement. Project # 21470096). GEORGIA TODAY 10 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 24 - 26, 2015

“You cooperate with international organizations and experts but only to a Bernard Kouchner: Communication with Society Key to Reforms certain level and that’s why I mention tion Board, as he is a doctor by back- did not receive good results. I would say politics” Kouchner said. He went BY ZVIAD ADZINBAIA ground. that we are at the fi rst stage of a very on to say that only expert Kouchner, while attending a global signifi cant political reform [in Georgia]. experience is not enough. conference at Tbilisi’s exhibition center This is not only a medical reform. We “It is also important to ast week, former Foreign Min- Expo Georgia, cited that reforms need refer to the political decisions that will explain what happens and ister of France, Bernard Kouch- to be planned and carried out meticu- enable the Georgian population to have what is expected. Shar- ner, came to Georgia for two lously. “I would like to assure you that access to medical services. Of course, ing the goals with society days to discuss the develop- reforms will be catastrophic if they are such availability was not ensured in our is very signifi cant. When ment of the healthcare system. conducted with only the support of country and Georgia has not allegedly you conduct such reforms, such a com- the framework of his visit, Kouchner had LGeorgia’s Minister of Health, Labor experts.” achieved it,” the French expert under- munication should exist,” Kouchner said, the possibility to discuss the basic strat- and Social Affairs, Davit Sergeenko, “I was the Health Minister of France lined. adding that carrying out lucrative reforms egy of development of the healthcare announced that Kouchner, currently the for seven years and there were many He emphasized that political decisions in the healthcare system requires certain system. Head of the Global Alliance Board, has challenges in my country. Reforms were are necessary that will provide all civil- expenses. The French guest also held a meeting become the Head of Georgia’s Consulta- also conducted there. We tried this and ians with access to medical service. As Davit Sergeenko announced, within with medical society and students. CULTURE Bulgarian and Japanese Embassies Sponsor Exhibition of International Paper

Daniela Todorova is a Art at National Museum Bulgarian artist who has been working primarily garian wine and Japanese sake on offer past,” Ms. Todorova explained. But this practice of paper art, after all, isn’t a with paper since 2006 Friday evening were able to watch cal- is far from the end of AMATERAS’ ambi- remotely Bulgarian tradition, but is bor- ligraphic artist Kihachiro Nishiura cre- tions in Georgia. Having conducted suc- rowed explicitly from the Far East. Even ate works in real time before them, cessful two-country art collaborations the name AMATERAS, as the Japanese more at home with more solid materials. dressed in a kimono and working with in the past, the Todorovs are now look- Ambassador informed us, is from Japa- BY ROBERT ISAF Panels against the back wall, displaying thick black strokes to write “Gamarjoba ing to return, even as early as June, to nese, meaning “the Sun Shines in the images of and information about his in- to the Moon” on a huge white sheet in create a collaboration specifically Sky.” So what attracts Ms. Todorova, and situ work, ground the exhibition as a whole, the middle of the fl oor. between Bulgaria and Georgia. To hear the cadre of artists from around the APER INNOVATION, a paper- imbuing a sense of balance between the Daniela Todorova, the driving force her discuss it, such a project is so natu- world, everywhere from the United States based art exhibition featuring fragile, airy, placeless and timeless work behind the exhibition, is a Bulgarian art- ral a fi t that it’s almost surprising it hasn’t to Finland and full circle back to modern the works of artists from so characteristic of the paper medium and ist who has been working primarily with happened before. Japan, to this kind of work? around the world, opened last the heavy, grounded world of Mr. Todor- paper since 2006. She and her husband “The Georgians are very sensitive,” she “Design, and a pure line,” Ms. Todorova Friday night at the Ioseb Gri- ov’s sculpture. have used the AMATERAS umbrella to says. “They are very sensitive about their says, “and the silence in the art. Silence, shasvhiliP Tbilisi History Museum. Of course, paper art is also inherently create a host of international projects and culture, about their identity, about their especially in contemporary art, has to The exhibition, co-presented by the Bul- sculptural, and the exhibition makes exhibitions, including what has become past, and this is usual for all countries exist. Because we are too busy in our garian and Japanese embassies, is based playful, productive use of its space to the Sofi a Paper Art Fest. This current which have at one time or another been minds, with too many things. Therefore around the collection of the AMATERAS showcase this. Forests of long, painted exhibition, she explained, stemmed mainly under some other that tried to change when we look at art we have to fi ll a free foundation, a seven year-old Bulgarian and carefully cut-apart scrolls descend from the relationships that those years history, tried to change how they identi- space, and then our imagination will be project devoted to paper art centered from one end of the ceiling while thickly of collaboration have cultivated – spe- fi ed themselves. We are also from a post- developed, and we will be able to see around the husband-wife team of Todor painted strips of paper, hardly recogniz- cifi cally with Plamen Bonchev, the cur- communist country. We have this syn- something that is shared with ourselves, and Daniela Todorova. The work of the able as paper, imitate waterfalls at the rent Bulgarian Ambassador to Georgia. drome… countries with ancient land, which can be absolutely personal.” two as a couple poses a striking contrast, other. A large circular “garden” serves “The idea of this project is to be mainly with ancient civilizations. We have a lot The exhibition will be shown at the since Mr. Todorov is in fact a sculptor as the centerpiece. international, and to show that nowadays of connections.” Ioseb Grishasvhili Tbilisi History who by his own admission feels much What’s more, visitors enjoying the Bul- people are more connected than in the And what about the medium? The Museum until December 4th. WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI

THEATRE SECRET IN THEIR EYES Language: English RODOLFO VILLAPLANA MUSIC Directed by Billy Ray Start time: 12:00 In 1961 Man Ray wrote in the Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Ticket price: 6-7 Lari TBILISI NODAR DUMBADZE preface to a text for his great friend RUSTAVELI THEATRE Kidman, Julia Roberts Marcel Duchamp: “We deal with the STATE CENTRAL CHILDREN’S Address: 17 Rustaveli Ave. Genre: Mystery, Thriller MUSEUM present, which is a form of eternity.” THEATRE Telephone: 2 72 68 68 Address: 99/1 Agmashenebeli Ave. Language: Russian This is exactly what Rodolfo Start time: 22:35 www.rustavelitheatre.ge Telephone: 295 39 27 GEORGIAN NATIONAL Villaplana means in the title of his Ticket price: 11.50 – 12.50 Lari MUSEUM exhibition, DUCHAMP IS DEAD. SIMON JANASHIA MUSEUM From the 20 paintings exhibited on November 26 November 24 RUSTAVELI CINEMA NATIONAL SYMPHONY THE PRINCESS, FROG, Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. the occasion of this retrospective, Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 some were realized at Villaplana’s ORCHESTRA AND KETEVAN HANSEL AND GRETEL Telephone: 255 50 00 KEMOKLIDZE Directed by Dimitri Khvtisiashvili www.museum.ge studio in Tbilisi. www.kinoafi sha.ge Conductor: Simon Jangulashvili Language: Russian GALLERY Program: Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Gustav Small Hall ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURE November 24-26 Mahler Start time: 12:00 PERMANENT EXHIBITION SECRET IN THEIR EYES Start time: 20:00 Ticket price: From 6 Lari RED SQUARE (Info Above) November 17 - May 1 Address: 88 Paliashvili Str. Ticket price: 10 Lari Start time: 19:30, 22:20 CINEMA GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM Telephone: 577 74 77 45 Ticket price: 11.50 – 12.50 Lari AND ALEXANDER KARTVELI MOVEMENT THEATRE ASSOCIATION PRESENT AN Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., THE HUNGER GAMES: November 25 – December 6 AMIRANI CINEMA EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO RED SQUARE gallery presents Mushthaid park Address: 36 Kostava St. MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 THE GREATEST MILITARY ELENE AKHVLEDIANI personal Telephone: 599 555 260 Telephone: 299 99 55 (Info Above) AIRCRAFT DESIGNER IN exhibition www.kinoafi sha.ge Start time: 12:00 HISTORY. Ticket price: 7.50 – 8.50 Lari Opening: 19:00 November 24 THURSDAY JAZZ November 24-26 November 20 – December 4 THE HUNGER GAMES: BURNT BAIA GALLERY Leaders: GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM Address: 10 Chardin Str Reso Kiknadze (sax) MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 (Info Above) Paper Innovation Telephone: 2 75 45 10 Nika Gabadze (guitar) Directed by Francis Lawrence Start time: 14:30, 17:15, 19:45, 22:15 The works are presented from Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Ticket price: 8.50 – 12.50 Lari Misha Japaridze (bass) different countries of Europe, Asia, Gio Kapanadze (drums) Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth Latin and North America. Exhibition November 21 – 30 Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi SPECTRE organized by the Amateras DATO ARCHIL SULAKAURI’S Start time: 21:00 Language: English (Info Above) Foundation and Embassy of the EXHIBITION Start time: 19:45 Start time: 13:00, 16:00, 19:30, 22:30 Republic of Bulgaria in Georgia. “SPACE. ENCAUSTIC” TBILISI BAROQUE Language: Russian Ticket price: 7.50 – 12.50 Lari FESTIVAL 2015 Start time: 12:15, 16:45, 19:45, 22:45 SHALVA AMIRANASHVILI THE NATIONAL GALLERY www.tbf.ge Ticket price: 7.50 – 12.50 Lari CAVEA IMAX GEORGIAN Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. POLISH BAROQUE MUSIC Address: East Point, 2 Tvalchrelidze Str. PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY www.museum.ge SPECTRE Pawel Kotla, Alina Ratkowska, Address: 7 Gudiashvili Str. Directed by Sam Mendes Anna Tsartsidze, Tinatin November 24-26 November 7 – December 6 Cast: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Telephone: 2 97 16 61 Mamulashvili. SECRET IN THEIR EYES AN EXHIBITION OF Léa Seydoux (Info Above) Program: Johann Jeremias du Grain November 19-24 SCENOGRAPHY BY THREE Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller Language: English “Herr nun laesest” GEORGIAN ARTISTS – OLEG Language: Russian Start time: 20:20 MIKHEIL KHORAVA’S PERSONAL Johann Daniel Pucklitz Start time: 16:30, 22:30 Ticket price: 10 – 11 Lari EXHIBITION KOCHAKIDZE, ALEXANDER “Freue dich Dantzig” Ticket price: 9.50 – 12.50 Lari PAINTING, CERAMICS SLOVINSKY, YURI CHIKVAIDZE. George Frideric Handel THE HUNGER GAMES: Concerto grosso op. 6 nr 12 BURNT MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 ZURAB TSERETELI MUSEUM TIFLIS BRANCH Gloria HWV (deest) Directed by John Wells (Info Above) OF MODERN ART Address: 4 K. Abkhazi Str. Georg Philipp Telemann Cast: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Language: English Address: 27 Rustaveli Ave. Telephone: 299 65 66 Polish Concerto in G Major TWV Daniel Brühl Start time: 20:00 Telephone: 2 14 84 11, 2 98 60 04 43:G7 Genre: Comedy, Drama Ticket price: 11 – 12 Lari www.momatbilisi.ge November 13-22 Quartet (Concerto Polonaise) in Language: Russian IRAKLI AVALISHVILI AND B-fl at Major, TWV 43:B3 Start time: 15:15, 17:30 SPECTRE November 26 NUGZAR NATENADZE Start time: 19:30 Ticket price: 8.50 – 10.50 Lari (Info Above) DUCHAMP IS DEAD EXHIBITION Venue: Rustaveli Theatre GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 24 - 26, 2015 BUSINESS 11 Dr. Brivati on Human Rights in Georgia: “Master the Process or it Will Master You” on six elements: discover the truth about to politicians.” BY PENELOPE CUMLER a period of collective violence or sys- Responding to a comment about exces- temic injustice, recognize and validate sive costs, he noted that the costs did victims’ suffering, provide compensation not have to be so prohibitive if the vic- ddressing a full room, Dr. for those affected both materially and tims were offered, for example, acknowl- Brian Brivati advised his symbolically, contribute to an inclusive edgement of the wrongs done to them audience to “Master the and future-oriented collective memory, without fi nancial compensation. Even if process or it will master prevent new acts of violence, and seek it is done with economic incentives, the you” as he presented justice in judgment or punishment or costs may well outweigh the positive Aresearch into public policy responses in both. These elements promote recon- outcomes in terms of building confi dence other countries towards past human ciliation and an increase in the values in property ownership and investment rights violations. Based on “Facing the of tolerance and justice. in Georgia which would attract further Past: Learning from Shared Experiences,” Here, Dr. Brivati emphasizes, we must investment. written by Jenny Munro, the report return to the question of what we want explored fi ve country contexts and how and what success looks like. He suggests “THE WEST MUST GIVE countries have transitioned from periods that the fi rst challenge would be to defi ne UP ITS LOVE AFFAIR of injustice to strengthen democratic a common narrative as an agreement by WITH SAAKASHVILI” processes and how this may apply to the everyone of what has gone wrong. To a question regarding the role of inter- situation in Georgia. The second challenge is to overcome national communities in the democratic Dr. Brivati was part of a team of UK ideas of revenge and negative emotions process, Dr. Brivati suggested that the experts, hosted by the Business and Eco- of anger and fear and build trust and West fi rst needed to get over its love nomic Center, that visited Tbilisi last forgiveness, thereby fostering tolerance affair with Saakashvili and become gen- week to discuss Georgia’s state policy and universal justice. uinely neutral, and that Russia’s role in towards past injustices. Georgian politics has been, “unhelpful”, Drawing heavily on his experience in WHERE ARE WE IN GEORGIA? a term which brought laughter from the Iraq, Dr. Brivati explained processes used THE CASE FOR DOING NOTHING audience. there to respond to massive abuses of Dr Brivati suggests that there is a very Emphasizing Georgia as a unique case, human rights. “Is anything in their pro- strong political argument for doing noth- Dr. Brivati and Ms. Munro reiterated the cess of national reconciliation, in this ing in Georgia. This, in his view, is a need for public participation and noted truth seeking, useful to Georgia?” he denial of collective trauma, the rights of the passion of the electorate as positive asked. victims and the fact that some institu- assets in moving forward. tions in Georgia failed. In successful Dr. Brian Brivati, part of a team of UK experts, hosted by the Business and Economic THE ARCHITECTURE OF democratic processes, consolidation Center, that visited Tbilisi to discuss Georgia’s state policy towards past injustices Dr. Brian Brivati is a British professor TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE occurs when groups opt in to participate of Human Rights and Life Writing at Dr. Brivati returned to the mastering of over the long term, believing that their they studied are not like Georgia, but polls indicating that the majority of peo- Kingston University and has worked the past by fi rst considering what is to rights are better protected if they are a are only to be used as examples to hope- ple would not vote for any of the politi- with the John Smith Trust since 2008. be achieved. “Decide from the beginning part of the system. With government fully move forward. In her comments cal parties. Additionally, he noted, the He is an Academic Director of Beyond what success should look like.” Lustra- changes, the challenge is then to get Ms. Munro emphasized there is only the fi gures for people in prison and alleged Borders Scotland and Academic Direc- tion, the process of cleansing or purify- groups to stay in the system, rather than Georgian way and that the participation excessive use of force by law enforce- tor of PGI Cyber Academy and has been ing something, Dr. Brivati suggests, could opting out. This is done by building trust of the public and politicians is necessary; ment offi cers, among other incidents, a frequent contributor to print and broad- be used to explore of the past of the in institutions and separating those who judgement is not derived from punish- indicated to him that there had been cast media in the UK and internationally judiciary system to determine if its actions have committed crimes from those who ment and justice may be outside of the signifi cant institutional failures in the for the past twenty fi ve years. were motivated by ideology or law. are not a part of the same movement or courts. judiciary and that cynicism and lack of The Business and Economic Centre Citing Karl Jaspers, Dr. Brivati outlined government. It is also important, he belief by the electorate in the independ- (BEC) is an educational resource for the various categories of guilt, some of added, that people are always invited “THIS IS TOO IMPORTANT TO ence of the judiciary justifi ed a more members of parliament and non-state which could be considered “collective into the process and never to exclude BE LEFT TO POLITICIANS.” systemic examination and reformation stakeholders. Through its regular pro- guilt.” In the case of post-war Germany, any part of the political group. Clarifying his understanding of institu- of the judiciary. The challenge here, he grams and research services BEC pro- Jaspers believed that Germany would be To get groups to opt in to the political tional failures in the judiciary in Georgia reiterated, is to take this inquiry out of vides resources to the Georgian parlia- renewed by Germans coming to terms process, he explained, we must not deny in the past twenty years that needed to the hands of present politics and politi- ment for strengthening legislative with their guilt by talking about it. Seiz- failures but by looking straight at them be addressed, Dr. Brivati cited opinion cians. “This is too important to be left institutions. ing on Jasper’s ideas of collective guilt, and by doing so the suggestion of impu- the Allies had allowed the process of nity, that is, the idea that anybody can de-nazifi cation in West Germany to end commit a crime without having to face quickly, allowing them to rehire former up to it, is removed. So if there appear bureaucrats who had been Nazis to to be cases of institutional failures in the occupy positions in the post-war gov- Georgian system over the last two dec- ernment. ades, he suggested, then there are strong arguments for examining them. OUR EVOLVING To do this, he explained, four things UNDERSTANDING OF GUILT must fi rst be in place. First, he empha- According to Dr. Brivati, the “drivers” sized repeatedly, the examination must behind our evolving understanding of be taken out of present politics. If this guilt began with the rise of victims in is done successfully faith in the judici- changing the terms of the debate. After ary and in the political process and insti- Hannah Arendt’s “Eichmann in Jerusa- tutions can be restored, thereby also lem” appeared as a critique of Jasper’s strengthening the likelihood of foreign position, intense interest in the experi- investments and economic improve- ence of the victims was generated, even- ments. Second, an “elite bargain” must tually leading to greater understanding, be made; those who have abused the following regime change, of the need to system must be isolated. Third, there assess political guilt and the actions of must be openness in the system and an public servants against the good they do institutional openness to change. Fourth, in the world. there must be an acknowledgment of Heavily infl uenced by truth and rec- guilt to transcend institutional failure onciliation commissions and the politics and implement transitional justice. From of apologies for previous crimes, well- those who have abused the system, there intentioned notions that public discus- must be an acknowledgement that the sions between victims and perpetrators system was broken and things went too could somehow transcend crimes and far and there was abuse. This may be people could move forward came together symbolic, suggests Dr. Brivati, but it is in the 2001 Durban World Conference necessary. against Racism (WCAR). Ms. Munro explained the comparative According to Dr. Brivati, this led to the research that informed their examina- Transitional Justice Movement, based tion while emphasizing that the cases

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