Issue no: 1086/148 • SEPTEMBER 25 - 27, 2018 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... FOCUS ON THE SWEET STUFF London's best loved baker opens a branch in . Welcome Lily Vanilli! PAGE 11 Georgian Parliament to Move from to Tbilisi NEWS PAGE 2 World Olympiad Opens in BUSINESS PAGE 3 's Growth Projections Strong, but Turkish Lira Crisis May Dampen Buoyant Forecasts ISET PAGE 4 The Rise of the US is a Car-Free Day in Tbilisi Lesson for China BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE

eptember 22 is World Car Free Day, where people who usually drive are encouraged to give up their cars for a day. The day was established by the British organization Environmental Transport Association in the mid-1990s, and the offi cial date BUSINESS PAGE 7 was set in 2000 as an initiative of the European Commission. SThis year, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze participated in the day’s fes- Bakhtadze Meets with tivities, including a community bike marathon. At the event, Kaladze spoke to participants, discussing the importance of living a healthy life- Image source: Tbilisi City Hall Amazon Web Service style and noting that City Hall is working to implement policies that popular with us, but today's action is an important step in that direction. increase and protect Tbilisi’s green space, expand and improve public So many young people came out today, and we were riding bicycles Management in DC transportation options, and encourage fewer people to drive private cars. together...When [City Hall develops] infrastructure projects, we look for “Many people move around Tbilisi by car. A healthy lifestyle is not very places to include bicycle infrastructure. The Kostava-Shartava streets BUSINESS PAGE 8 project is a clear example of this. A bike lane is completed, which will be connected to Pekini Avenue, creating one unifi ed route,” said Kaladze.

The Mayor also expressed hope that environmentalism and awareness Prepared for Georgia Today Business by of environmental issues will continue to grow in Tbilisi, and that more Markets Asof21ͲSepͲ2018 people will join Car Free Day next year. STOCKS Price w/w m/m BONDS Price w/w m/m He said, “We will do our best to walk more, and have more people on BankofGeorgia(BGEOLN) GBP18.79 +5,9% +10,4% GEOROG04/21 103.23(YTM5.39%) Ͳ0,1% +1,9% GeorgiaCapital(CGEOLN) GBP11.09 +8,7% +6,7% GEORG04/21 105.15(YTM4.71%) Ͳ0,3% Ͳ0,5% foot and on public transport, and we will have more green spaces in the GHG(GHGLN) GBP2.15 Ͳ8,7% Ͳ17,3% GRAIL07/22 106.10(YTM5.93%) +0,1% +1,2% city. We must slowly draw attention to the ‘killing’ cars that are outdated TBCBankGroup(TBCGLN) GBP16.42 +3,0% Ͳ0,5% GEBGG07/23 98.07(YTM6.47%) Ͳ0,2% Ͳ0,8% and damage the city environmentally, along with the health of each of us COMMODITIES Price w/w m/m CURRENCIES Price w/w m/m CrudeOil,Brent(US$/bbl) 78,80 +0,9% +8,5% GEL/USD 2,6175 +0,5% +1,5% and our children.” GoldSpot(US$/OZ) 1200,04 +0,4% +0,3% GEL/EUR 3,0735 +1,5% +2,9% The national organization Alliance for Safe Roads observed the day, GEL/GBP 3,4238 +0,6% +2,9% INDICES Price w/w m/m GEL/CHF 2,7302 +1,6% +4,3% along with the United Nations in Georgia – partners in establishing the FTSE100 7490,23 +2,5% Ͳ1,0% GEL/RUB 0,0394 +2,9% +2,9% “Clean Air” campaign, which works to bring awareness to the health FTSE250 20590,36 +1,1% Ͳ0,3% GEL/TRY 0,4161 Ͳ1,4% Ͳ2,0% DAX 12430,88 +2,5% +0,4% GEL/AZN 1,5432 +0,5% +1,1% effects of breathing polluted air. DOWJONES 26743,50 +2,3% +3,6% GEL/AMD 0,0054 Ͳ +1,9% NASDAQ 7986,96 Ͳ0,3% +1,6% GEL/UAH 0,0933 +0,8% +0,1% “The main message is that [we need] fewer cars in the city and more MSCIEMEE 159,13 +3,6% +4,8% EUR/USD 0,8511 Ͳ1,1% Ͳ1,5% people using public transport and bikes and walking often,” said Eka MSCIEM 1051,43 +2,2% +0,7% GBP/USD 0,7645 Ͳ0,1% Ͳ1,4% SP500 2929,67 +0,8% +2,3% CHF/USD 0,9587 Ͳ1,0% Ͳ2,7% Laliashvili, Chairman of the Board of the Alliance for Safe Roads. MSCIFM 2616,93 +1,9% Ͳ1,1% RUB/USD 66,4552 Ͳ2,5% Ͳ1,0% GTIndex(GEL) 1582,68 ͲͲTRY/USD 6,2907 +2,0% +3,5% Continued on page 3 GTIndex(USD) 1208,13 ͲͲAZN/USD 1,6992 Ͳ0,1% +0,5% GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS SEPTEMBER 25 - 27, 2018 Georgia Improves Position in Crime & Safety Index

Georgian Parliament to Move from Kutaisi to Tbilisi The data reads that the crime index of impossible to work in two buildings, in sion to relocate Parliament to Tbilisi. BY THEA MORRISON BY THEA MORRISON the country is 20.35, and safety index – two cities. This damages the performance She slams the ruling team for making 79.65 points. of the Parliament. Secondly, this is related amendments to the regulations and notes In addition, Tbilisi also improved its to high costs. Thirdly, it is very diffi cult that the existence of Parliament in Kutaisi esearch portal Numbeo, the index and moved from 19th to 16th rom 2019, parliament sessions to strengthen the Parliament and its is one of the main sources of income for world’s largest database of place this year. The crime index in are to take place in the old supervisory function when the govern- the local population. user-contributed data about Tbilisi is 19.81 and the safety index is parliament building in Tbilisi ment and the legislative body are in dif- "This means that Kutaisi will not be a cities and countries world- 80.19 points. instead of the western Georgia ferent cities,” Chugoshvili explained. parliamentary capital, so the Members wide, reports that Georgia “Numbeo provides current and timely city of Kutaisi. Tamar Chu- The Vice-Speaker added the building of Parliament, hundreds of employees improvedR its position in the crime and information on world living conditions goshvili,F First Vice-Speaker of Parlia- of parliament in Kutaisi might be handed of the parliamentary staff will not come safety ranking in 2018. including cost of living, housing indica- ment, says it is more convenient if law- over to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. to Kutaisi, which means that locals will In the ranking, Georgia took 5th place tors, health care, traffi c, security, crime makers are again working in the capital. Khatuna Gogorishvili, member of the not have additional jobs and income and among 125 countries, reports the Minis- and pollution,” the information released “We had several arguments in making parliamentary minority European Geor- it will not help the urban development try of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Georgia. by the MIA reads. this decision. One is that it is almost gia, criticizes the legislative body’s deci- [there],” the MP stressed. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 25 - 27, 2018 BUSINESS 3 World Chess Olympiad Opens in Batumi well as within the country,” said Rizhvadze, wish- ing success to the Olympiad participants. The Chess Olympiad is open to all National Fed- erations affi liated to FIDE, who can nominate one team for the open section and one for the women's section. Each team must consist of four players, one reserve and one captain. The captain may be, but is not limited to being, one of the players or the reserve. Additionally, each delegation can nominate one head of delegation and one delegate for the FIDE congress. In parallel with the teams of different countries, the Organizing Committee of the 2018 Chess Olym- piad invited the most motivated, erudite and enthu- siastic young people (18-30) to volunteer and work in the framework of the event. The Olympiad venue, Sport Palace, situated in the center of Batumi, was opened this year and the Olympiad is the fi rst event to be held there.

Image source: 1TV

Part of the Olympiad started on September 24 a high-level event. BY THEA MORRISON and representatives of 190 countries will fi ght for “Chess has always been very popular in our coun- championship in Batumi until October 6. try. We are proud of legendary champions Nona Aside from the Olympiad, FIDE and Continental Gaprindashvili and Maia Chiburdanidze, who won eorgia’s Black Sea coastal city Batumi presidential elections, the FIDE 89th Congress and the World Championship title fi ve times each, and is hosting the 43th World Chess Olym- other important chess events will take place in who is twice World Champion, piad, organized by the World Chess Batumi. having won six Chess Olympiads,” Margvelashvili Federation (FIDE). Chess players, captains, arbiters, accompanying stated. The opening ceremony took place persons, congress delegates and foreign journalists He expressed hope that, as always, Georgian chess Gon September 23 at the Black Sea Arena in Shek- have already arrived in Batumi for the Olympiad. players will succeed in the 43th Olympiad. vetili and was attended by famous Georgian sports- While delivering a speech at the opening, Presi- The Head of the AR Adjara government, Tornike men, honorary foreign guests and the President of dent Margvelashvili stated it is an honor for Geor- Rizhvadze, informed the guests that Batumi has Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili. gia and Batumi to host such an important sporting been named the Sport City of Europe. The opening ceremony saw performances and a event. "Batumi has been named the 2019 European Sport gala concert with famous Georgian singers, musi- The President noted that Georgia is well-known City by the European Capitals and Cities Associa- cians and dancers. for its hospitality, and ensured all that the organ- tion. The status is important for our city; one of The closing ceremony will be held at the Batumi izing committee of the Olympic Games in Georgia, the best ways to popularize a healthy lifestyle, the State Music Center on October 5. as well as the Georgian Chess Federation, will offer position of our city in the international arena, as Car-Free Day in Tbilisi Continued from page 1 Mamuka Mumladze, head of the Municipal Trans- tutionalized through a public referendum, and the of European Mobility Week. It included a bicycle port Department, Davit Kirkitadze, Mtatsminda municipal government closes the major streets to marathon from Vake Park to Republic Square, “We hope that in Tbilisi and other Georgian cit- District Governor, and Shalva Ogbaidze, a member traffi c all day. There are also large events in Port- organized by the East-West Management Institute ies, this trend will soon be established. Today's of the Tbilisi Sakrebulo (City Assembly), also par- land, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia. with the support of the Civil Society Development event brought together citizens, the Mayor of the ticipated in the event. Many countries around the In Jakarta, Indonesia, every Sunday is reserved and Citizens Involvement Project (ACCESS) and capital, EU and UN ambassadors – it confi rmed world observe Car-Free Day. The largest event is as a car-free day. USAID. It was co-organized by local non-govern- that we all support moving in this direction.” in Bogota, Colombia, where the day has been insti- In Tbilisi, the day was held within the framework mental organizations New Society and Ecology. GEORGIA TODAY 4 BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 25 - 27, 2018

Georgia's Growth Projections Strong, but Turkish Lira Crisis May Dampen Buoyant Forecasts economic conditions in the region. and petroleum gases, motor cars, copper etary policy several times during the The Georgian statistics offi ce, Geostat, ores and concentrates (the last two are whole of 2017 to avoid high infl ation has released its preliminary estimate of used mostly for re-export). Moreover, caused by the one-time increase of the GDP growth for the second quarter of world prices of crude oil increased by excise tax, higher crude oil and food 2018. Its estimated growth fi gure is 6.0%, 53.2% yearly, which negatively contrib- prices in the world market, and infl ation- which is only 0.1 percentage point higher uted to the growth forecast. As a result, ary expectations of the economic agents). than ISET PI’s forecast. As a result, our the trade defi cit deepened by 17.2%, A low and stable infl ation (the infl ation projected real GDP growth for the third compared to the same month in 2017, rate was 2.8% in July - very close to the quarter of 2018 remains unchanged at and reached 503.4 million USD. targeted 3%) gives policymakers the 7.2%. Both remittances and tourism showed opportunity to actively use monetary ISET PI’s forecast for fourth quarter signifi cant yearly increases in July of policy instruments to boost growth fi g- growth stands at 6.5%. This optimistic 2018. Money transfers rose by 19.3% in ures. However, the use of monetary forecast fi gure can be explained by mark- the seventh month of 2018, driven by policy tools to stimulate the domestic edly improved external and internal remittances from Israel (28%), Italy economy might still be quite limited in conditions. The economic situation in (35.4%), Greece (40.5%), France (72.2%), the second half of the year due to the the region remains favorable, leading to Azerbaijan (52.4%), and Turkey (8.7%). depreciation pressure on the Georgian optimistic forecast is consistent with the the high numbers in export (currency Remittances from the Russian Federa- lari (and pressure on the price levels) BY DAVIT KESHELAVA evidence coming from the National Bank crisis in Turkey and ruble depreciation tion experienced a slight yearly decline caused by the currency crisis in Turkey AND YASYA BABYCH of Georgia and international develop- is not refl ected in the model yet), tour- and had a 0.1 percentage point negative and the marked depreciation of the Rus- ment institutions. For example, the ism and remittances, low and stable contribution to the total growth of remit- sian ruble. National Bank of Georgia revised its infl ation, credit expansion, enhanced tances. Nevertheless, Russia remains the The credit expansion contributed to SET-PI has updated its forecast expectation for the real GDP growth monetary aggregates, and accelerated top country of origin for money infl ow, an increase in the amount of currency of Georgia’s real GDP growth rate from 4.8% to 5.5% in 2018. According to growth of national currency deposits. accounting for 29.8% of total remittances. in circulation. All of the monetary aggre- for the third and fourth quarters the Monetary Policy Report, among the The share of money infl ow from the gates, including the largest - Broad Money of 2018. Here are the highlights of reasons behind the upward revision of EXTERNAL FACTORS European Union amounted to 33.5% of (M3) - experienced signifi cant yearly this month’s release: the prediction are the improved domes- A great majority of the countries in the the total. growth (M3 aggregate rose by 15%). The I tic and external demands due to sig- wider region continue their strong growth The number of international visitors largest increase was observed for Mon- HIGHLIGHTS nifi cant foreign infl ows (mainly from path in June and July of 2018. According increased by 10.7% in July, compared to etary Aggregate M2, which went up by • Recently, Geostat released the pre- export, tourism, and remittances), to the rapid estimates of real GDP growth, the same month of the previous year, 19% relative to the same month in the liminary estimate of real GDP growth improved business sentiment, credit Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Russia advanced while the number of tourists increased previous year. Our model’s outcomes for the second quarter (April-June) of growth, and capital spending by the gov- confi rm the standard textbook result 2018, which now stands at 6.0%. This is ernment. that a marked increase of monetary only 0.1 percentage points above the • Moreover, the International Monetary aggregates positively contributes to real recent ISET-PI forecast. As a result, real Fund (IMF) has also raised its growth GDP growth in the short run. GDP growth for the fi rst seven months forecast from 4.8% to 5.5% in 2018. IMF Last, one of the most important factors of 2018 reached 5.5%. provided similar fi ndings to the National contributing to the real GDP forecast is • ISET-PI’s forecast of real GDP growth Bank of Georgia, identifying some other the accumulation of national currency for the third quarter (July-September) contributors of the real GDP growth: deposits in the commercial banks. The of 2018 stands at 7.2% - the same as last low and stable infl ation that allows the total deposits in commercial banks month’s prediction. The fi rst estimate Central Bank to carry out expansionary amounted to 21.8 billion lari by the end for the fourth quarter (October-Decem- monetary policy, and markedly reduced of July – 21.6% higher than in the same ber) growth forecast stands at 6.5%. dollarization of loans and deposits. How- period of the previous year. In particular, • Based on July’s data, we expect annual ever, this authoritative institution iden- the stock of national currency deposits growth in 2018 will reach 6.3%. This tifi ed threats coming from deteriorating grew substantially, by 42%, while the stock of foreign currency deposits increased by only 11%. As a result, deposit dollarization fell by 2.99 percentage points yearly and 0.1 percentage points monthly, and amounted to 61.1%. Rapid on average by 4.6%, 4.5%, and 2.2%, by 15% annually and reached 66.8% of accumulation of deposits, as well as respectively, in June-July 2018, compared total international visitors. According to reduced deposit dollarization, had an to the same month of the previous year. the model, both tourism and remittances appreciable positive contribution to our The Armenian economy continues to had a signifi cant positive contribution GDP growth projection. surprise economists with high growth to the GDP growth forecast. fi gures - currently 10.4% in annual terms. Only the Azerbaijani economy is still far INTERNAL FACTORS behind its peer countries, with an aver- The other factor that contrib- age annual growth rate of 0.8% in June- uted positively to the real GDP July. Improved economic conditions in growth forecast was the expan- the wider neighborhood stimulated the sion of credit to the national Georgian economy through trade, remit- economy. Loans to the domes- tances, and tourism channels. However, tic economy increased by 18.9% the Turkish currency crisis and the sig- in July compared to the same nifi cant depreciation of the Russian ruble, month of the previous year . both of which are potential external threats The credit portfolio grew to the Georgian economy, are not taken mainly due to the increase in into consideration in our model yet. loans issued in national cur- As was mentioned earlier, favorable rency, as well as the expansion economic conditions in Georgia’s part- of loans issued in foreign cur- ner countries contributed to real GDP rency. The largest annual growth was Our forecasting model is based on growth through trade, remittance, and observed in Transport and Communica- the Leading Economic Indicator (LEI) tourism. Notably, exports grew by 31% tions (59.4%), Hotels and Restaurants methodology developed by the New Economic School, Moscow, Russia. year-over-year in July of 2018, driven by (34.1%) and Transactions in Real Estates, We constructed a dynamic model of signifi cantly larger exports/re-exports Researches (26.8%). Rapidly growing the Georgian economy, which assumes of motor cars, cigarettes and cigars to credit positively contributes to the short- that all economic variables, including Azerbaijan, increased exports/re-exports term growth fi gures by stimulating pri- the GDP itself, are driven by a small of copper ores and concentrates to China, vate consumption. number of factors that can be extracted and accelerated export of fruits, grapes In addition to the rapid credit expan- from the data well before the GDP and natural wines to Russia. However, sion, the National Bank of Georgia reduced growth estimates are published. For the exports of ferroalloys declined by the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 0.25 each quarter, ISET-PI produces fi ve 31.5%, and exports to Turkey were reduced percentage point in July, which stimu- consecutive monthly forecasts (or signifi cantly. Furthermore, metal prices lated further borrowing and contributed “vintages”), which increase in preci- sion as time goes on. Our fi rst forecast (metals are the main exporting commod- to higher growth. This was the fi rst raise (1st vintage) is available about fi ve ity for Georgia) increased by 6% annu- since September of 2016, when the months before the end of the quarter ally, but went down by 8% in monthly National Bank of Georgia conducted an in question. The last forecast (5th terms. During the same period, imports expansionary monetary policy by reduc- vintage) is published in the fi rst month increased by 21.8%, driven by petroleum ing the policy rate (NBG restricted mon- of the next quarter.

GEORGIA TODAY 6 BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 25 - 27, 2018 Spotcoin CSO on the Potential of Blockchain & the Upcoming Hackathon One of the most valuable things block- EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW chain technology provides is the ability BY SHAWN WAYNE to write and program contracts in such a way that when certain conditions are met, it will automatically execute. It’s lockchain is the hottest topic pretty much open to whatever you want in technology these days, to put in the contract, and it creates a with the prospect of stream- way for you to be able to exchange value lining many facets of every- without the need for trust between peo- day life. The NEO Black Sea ple. This is only one of the three com- CommunityB is bringing together top ponents of the NEO blockchain, with developers in the region for a three-day the others being Digital Assets and hackathon to tackle issues affecting the Digital Identity. The blockchain itself Georgian people by improving govern- handles this via crypto logging and, ment services using Smart Contracts. without getting into the technicalities, The NEO Black Sea Community Hack- it’s basically a very secure database which athon kicks off on September 28 at 19:00. is controlled by cryptographic keys. Teams will continue programming on the 29th from 09:00 - 23:00. Final touches WHAT DOES THE FUTURE will be put in place on the 30th at 14:00, APPLICATION OF THIS SYSTEM with fi nal presentations at 16:00, and an ENTAIL? WILL IT EXPAND? award ceremony at 18:00. The event is I believe these Smart Contracts as a part being held at the Geolab in GAU, 8 Merab of the “Smart Economy” will affect all Alexidze Str., Tbilisi. Teams can register parts of global economy and govern- on the Hackathon’s website at https:// ments; in fact, this upcoming event has neoblacksea.community/#register companies from all over the world attend- Spotcoin is a startup fi ntech company ing and focusing on engaging with the using blockchain technology with the government. It can be described as a aim of making blockchain and digital collaboration event with the exploration currency accessible to everyone. GEOR- of blockchain, and how it can be used to GIA TODAY sat down with the sponsor make government services better. and organizer of the event, Spotcoin looking in the scope of blockchain tech- thing, so people should be cautious about form for centralized business, but block- Chief Strategy Offi cer Sean Mulcahey, DO YOU THINK THE GEORGIAN nology in order to improve multiple services which projects they invest in. chain creates the opportunity to still in order to shed some light on the block- GOVERNMENT IS A BIT MORE for economic prosperity. derive that value, just in a decentralized chain concepts and upcoming hackathon. OPEN TO THESE BLOCKCHAIN BACK TO THE EVENT THIS way. This is just the beginning. IDEAS THAN OTHERS? ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC WEEKEND: WHAT EXACTLY IS We believe the potential Georgia has A LOT OF DIFFERENT Absolutely. I know the Prime Minister is INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES GOING TO HAPPEN THERE? for this is huge. Blockchain technology BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATIONS very interested in implementing block- IN SOMETHING LIKE THIS? This event is not specifi cally Spotcoin- is a bit diffi cult to understand for the ARE APPEARING, AND ONE chain technology, especially for purposes Yes. Last year, there was this big hype hosted but rather by the NEO Black Sea average person; however, we help that OF THE MAIN FOCUSES such as improving education and applying over the initial coin offerings giving Community, and we’ll be proposing to discovery process with the government OF THE EVENT IS SMART it to the Revenue Service. Georgia is earn- opportunities to invest, but there are still developers how systems like Smart Con- and in the end, we see real companies CONTRACTS. TELL US MORE ing a reputation for being more forward- signifi cant risks and it’s still quite a new tracts can be used to improve govern- solving real problems related to tourism, ment systems. This is the basic theme: emergency response and overall economic introducing the value of blockchain to problems. Spotcoin as a company sees the government and explaining how to Georgia’s success in this as our success. implement it. ANYTHING YOU WANT TO WHERE IS THE FUTURE SAY TO PEOPLE WHO WANT GOING WITH THIS? WITH TO GET INTO BLOCKCHAIN INNOVATIONS LIKE SMART TECHNOLOGY? CONTRACTS COMING UP, IS Well, fi rst of all we are always open to THIS A PERMANENT WORLD- exploring partnership opportunities with CHANGING EVENT? other companies. Self-teaching is the In my view, this is bigger than the inter- best place to start for anyone looking to net itself in terms of its impact on the get into it. There’s a lot of content out global economy and governance. It allows there, and you won’t exactly fi nd some- a freer exchange of value and a creation one with years and years’ experience in of infrastructure that was not possible this because of the fact it’s so new. The before. Regarding the cryptocurrency other thing is to attend events that encap- hype, people were just looking for invest- sulate blockchain technology and build ment opportunities but the real value contacts in the industry. It’s seen as lies in the actual implementation of complicated, but it doesn’t have to be: blockchain technology as a whole. The with everything going on, you can self- internet provided the world with a plat- learn and build contacts easily. SUBSCRIBE!

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[email protected] +995 32 229 59 19   Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 25 - 27, 2018 BUSINESS 7 Agriculture Minister Visits Wine Cellars in Kakheti Region

Photo source: Wines of Georgia very short time. BY THEA MORRISON “Now he produces wine, exports it and plans to increase production and develop the wine tourism of our country,” Davitashvili added. evan Davitashvili, Minister of Environ- According to Chubinidze himself, he sent his fi rst ment Protection and Agriculture of batch of wine to the US several days ago, having Georgia, together with local government found customers there with the help of the National representatives, visited Kakheti wine Wine Agency after one of its many degustation producers who are buying the grape events. harvestL from local farmers. “This summer, our cellar hosted tourists interested According to the Minister, where in 2012 there in Georgian wine culture from about 15 countries. were about 50 different wine enterprises or cellars In the cellar we have 28 Qvevri of different volumes. in Georgia, today that number stands at 500. We buy grapes from viniculturists, but in the future, “As a result of the correct state policy pursued in I will defi nitely extend my vineyard and increase the viticulture and wine industry, the wine indus- production,” Chubinidze told the Minister. try has been signifi cantly strengthened in Georgia Davitashvili also visited the newly opened wine - exports of wine are up, resulting in increasing enterprise Askaneli, located in the village of Sana- wine and wine production,” he added. vardosho near Kvareli, which this year bought 3500 The Minister visited the Tornike Chubinidze tons of grapes from local farmers. Wine Cellar in Shilda village, in the Kvareli munic- The company carries out export of a wide variety ipality of the Kakheti region. of wine to 13 countries: Azerbaijan, Turkey, Arme- Young winemaker Tornike Chubinidze moved nia, Israel, France, Germany, Great Britain, Russia, from Tbilisi to Shilda in 2016. The same year, with Ukraine, China, Latvia, Poland and the United the support of the preferential agro-credit program States. of the State, he built a wine cellar. In 2017, Chubi- “Due to the healthy conjuncture existing in the nidze sent about 40,000 bottles of wine to export. wine industry, the grape harvest process is under- 'Chubini Cellar' exports its own wine to four coun- way without any problems in Georgia. Most of the tries: Japan, China, France and the United States. grapes have already been picked. So far, 130 tons The Minister stated during his visit to the cellar of grapes have been processed and the income of that Chubinidze had, through his own motivation the local farmers has reached GEL 190 million,” the and state support, become a success story in a Minister noted. The Rise of the US is a Lesson for China

Image source: REUTERS/Tony Gentile

nomic potential abroad. However, rather than com- BY EMIL AVDALIANI paring China to Germany, which was defeated in both world wars, it would be in some sense expe- dient to compare the modern China to its current he rise of new powers usually follows geopolitical competitor, the United States of late a massive global or economic shock 19th-early 20th century. engulfi ng a certain region or the world There are many similarities between the two. as a whole. China nowadays in some ways is facing a new world China's ascendance in the last sev- and new opportunities which had been closed to Teral decades in the economic and military realms her for centuries. Surrounded by an arc of almost brings to mind various theories that a defi nitive impregnable geographic barriers, China’s heartland change in the balance of power is or will be taking produced enough to sustain a self-suffi cient econ- place in the near future. omy. The 19th century amounted to a national In fact, China has often been compared to pre- catastrophe as European powers assailed China World War I Germany. The latter had an ambition for economic gains, while in the early 20th century, to attain a dominant position in eastern Europe, Japan’s hegemony undermined any Chinese attempts including large portions of the Russian Empire. to revive the state. The Germans were expanding their economic reach Thus, China has never been a global power and to the Middle East and, most importantly, it was does not clearly see what kind of world order it not long before they came to pose a serious chal- wants to build. Everything about modern Chinese lenge to Great Britain's naval dominance. foreign policy moves shows the country is still China, like Germany a century ago, also aspires developing its "world order ideas". to build a larger military navy and increase its eco- Continued on page 8 GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 25 - 27, 2018 Bakhtadze Meets with Amazon Web Service Management in DC Bakhtadze emphasized Georgia’s sig- Georgian manufacturers penetrate export BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE nifi cant potential to develop digital tech- markets. nologies, particularly in the regional “I believe our communication will context. He also raised the issue of how continue,” said Tsikolia, noting three key eorgian Prime Minister Georgia could effectively cooperate with advantages of Georgia’s position: a grow- Mamuka Bakhtadze has Amazon and integrate Amazon services ing, western-facing democracy, a geo- been on a working visit to into the local economic framework, and graphic location at the crossroads of east the United States. It began the Digital Silk Road. The Digital Silk and west on the New Silk Road, and on September 17 with a Road is a Chinese-led initiative with the continued progressive reforms to create Gmeeting with US National Security Advi- goal of “constructing cross-border opti- a business-friendly environment. sor John Bolton at the White House in cal cables and communications trunk Just a day before the second meeting Washington, DC. Throughout the trip, line networks, planning transcontinental of Tsikolia’s team with Amazon, the he has held several high-level meetings submarine optical cable projects, and planned measures. zon acting as a mediator. We discussed sprawling indoor-outdoor shopping with US government offi cials, met with improving spatial and satellite informa- Rumors of an Amazon distribution both directions and introduced Georgia’s center Lilo Mall, located on the eastern Georgian students studying at US uni- tion passageways to expand information facility in Georgia have swirled since advantages in this respect, because there edge of Tbilisi, announced a 250,000 versities, and will give a speech at the exchanges and cooperation,” as explained December 2016, when Giorgi Tsikolia, is no such center in our region…Amazon GEL project to digitize the mall’s prod- 73rd session of the UN General Assem- by the Council on Foreign Relations. then-temporary envoy of Georgia to the plans to enter both our region and Cen- ucts. Lilo’s administration boasted that bly on September 27. One component of the project is a plan USA, and Levan Beridze, an advisor at tral Asia. Naturally, we emphasized the they would create a Georgian version of On September 19, Bakhtadze met with to add 35 satellites to its national satel- the Georgian Embassy, paid a working advantages of Georgia and prospects to eBay or Amazon. The project was sched- Amazon Web Service (AWS) Management lite navigation system, extending cover- visit to Seattle, Washington state, for make our country a hub for Amazon uled to be launched by the end of 2017, in the US capital. According to the Prime age to the countries of the Belt and Road bilateral meetings with representatives business. They positively appraised our but it is not yet online. CEO Levan Gagua Minister’s offi ce, John Brennan, Head of Initiative by 2020, aiming to compete from Amazon and Microsoft to discuss proposals and we agreed to provide more announced last week that the project is Expansion and Capture at Amazon, briefed directly with GPS – a US project. potential cooperation with Georgia. detailed information at a second meet- fi nally in the testing phase, and he expects the Head of the Government of Georgia The Prime Minister’s Offi ce told the Tsikolia’s team submitted a proposal to ing,” Tsikolia said at the time. it to be functional by the end of 2018. on the company’s priorities and activities Amazon representatives that Georgia Amazon to establish a distribution hub That second meeting came in January Gagua told Commersant, “We will launch planned for service improvement. is keenly aware of the development of in Georgia. 2017. The two sides discussed the idea online sales before the end of the year. The key issues discussed during the the digital economy, and government Amazon “has [distribution centers] in that Amazon could open a logistics center We have some problems as tenants do meeting were the growing role of Georgia authorities welcome close cooperation many countries, cities and regions of the in Georgia with Amazon operating as a not yet have a particular desire to work in the digital technologies sector, regional and knowledge transfer from leading world. Those centers follow two busi- mediator to supply products from major via Internet, but I am sure that every- projects, and potential avenues for coop- international companies in the process ness models: 1) delivery of Amazon’s companies to certain markets. Tsikolia thing will change as soon as they see the eration between Georgia and Amazon. of successful implementation of the own products to consumers and 2) Ama- pointed out that such a center could help benefi ts of the new format.”

pen quickly: it takes decades of meticu- pean world order. The US also acted lous work. That could explain why from a safe geographic position: oceans The Rise of the US is a Lesson for China China's comparison with Germany of essentially precluded the then powers Continued from page 7 increase her military potential both at and Asia-Pacifi c. the early 20th century is a fl awed one. from reaching North America. sea and on land. Modern China also resembles the Kaisers' Germany was powerful, but its China's geographic position, on the other Like the US in the early 20th century, The US too, 100 years ago, cast her younger US as they both have a view human and economic potential could hand, is a continental one, surrounded China nowadays feels that it has to assume policies as peaceful and non-interven- that the world can benefi t from them not match that of the allied powers. from the east by the US-led Asian coun- a more powerful internationalist stance tionist in other countries’ internal affairs. economically and through the way they China, on the contrary, possesses a tries nestled on a chain of islands. as her economic appetite makes it inex- However, it was the young United States plan to (re-) create the world order. large population as well as enough eco- That said, historical comparisons show pedient to rely on the benevolence of which had a “manifest destiny” to expand How the US was catapulted from a nomic potential to try to challenge the that the rise of new powers is always other powers. At the same time, again its infl uence into North America and the domination over North America in the existing balance of power. followed by confl icts, and often one con- like the US before, China is also reluc- waters around the continent. early 20th century to global pre-eminence Though similarities exist, this does not fl ict alone does not suffi ce to alter the tant as it fears that a more “global China” Like modern China, the US a hundred after 1945 serves as a good explanatory lead to a clear-cut conclusion that, like balance of power. Carthage lost its power could ignite suspicions around the world years ago did not openly aspire, nor really case on the rise and fall of great powers. the US' rise to global pre-eminence, after two long wars with Rome, and of nascent Chinese dominance. plan, to acquire global dominance. The China could learn a lot from the Amer- China will do the same. Europe lost its grandeur after two world China today portrays her actions as a then-US statesmen only gradually started ican rise, a story of the gradual build-up The US began to dominate the oceans confl icts. Perhaps the same will go for policy which benefi ts not only her, but to see that the country needed to take a of military and economic power coupled and parts of Eurasia only after its major China’s rise too, as it has yet to be seen the entire world. At the same time, China more active geopolitical role by infl u- with attractive cultural features. geopolitical contenders in Europe fought that a dominant state willingly gives up sees that there is a certain necessity to encing political developments in Europe The rise of new powers does not hap- two deadly wars and destroyed the Euro- its position. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 25 - 27, 2018 BUSINESS 9 The New Word in Mobile Photography: HUAWEI P20 Pro Offers Innovative Approaches to Georgian Customers

27 mm vision, takes black-and-white images and ADVERTORIAL helps the device to adjust to the number of lights and brightness for catching more details. The industry's leading 8MP telephoto camera (VARIO- obile Photography is a new direc- SUMMILUX-H 1: 1.6-2.4/27-80ASPH) has a 1 / 4.4" tion in photography that is grow- sensor, f / 2.4 diaphragm and an 80 mm optical ing in popularity. The rising focal length with 3x optical zoom. demand encourages producers of technologically sophisticated THE ADVANTAGES OF THE Msmartphones to pamper consumers by upgrading HUAWEI 40MP CAMERA and bringing out the perfect models, which includes The HUAWEI P20 Pro has a 1 / 1.7-inch sensor with enhanced processors, increased installed memory, 40MP resolution, although the camera does not sophisticated cameras, better screen resolution, directly take a 40MP image. Instead, it uses "Pixel and greater resources. Besides the cost of devices, Binding" technology to achieve a 4-pixel merged such improved features are the main driving force 10-megapixel image. To add light, a monochrome for the competition in the world market. cam is used, which not only increases sharpness With each new smartphone, consumers want but also delivers more detail in the image. All these better photographic technology. Recognizing features of the HUAWEI P20 Pro increase the this, the HUAWEI P20 Pro is the fi rst smartphone dynamic range and ISO sensitivity that ultimately in the world to boast three cameras. With this results in a high resolution photo. innovation, the company has introduced consum- ers to a new generation of mobile camera tech- A GREAT SENSOR THAT SETS THE nology. STANDARD FOR ISO SENSITIVITY HUAWEI has already proved many times its worth The HUAWEI P20 Pro has 3x optical zoom, 5x as a decent and advanced brand of innovations. hybrid zoom and 10x digital zoom. Using 5x hybrid The world agrees that the HUAWEI P20 Pro is the zoom, the HUAWEI P20 Pro can capture amazing best choice for taking the highest quality photo- colors and details on a photo. graphs. It is the only smartphone to possess three The HUAWEI P20 Pro allows users to see and main cameras: a 40MP, 20MP and 8MP camera. capture the world in a new, more innovative man- HUAWEI helps users to take professional and high- ner and introduces a new standard in smartphone quality photos even in bad lighting. photography. This is the latest technology behind The HUAWEI P20 Pro was released earlier this the HUAWEI P20 Pro's three-dimensional camera year and comes with Leica's triple camera, which and is very popular among Georgian consumers. earned 109 points from DxOMark- the highest result HUAWEI products and services are available in ever recorded. Although many new smartphones more than 170 countries and are used by a third of come out each year, the HUAWEI P20 Pro remains the world's population. There are 16 research and the fi rst and is recognized globally as the best cam- development centers operating worldwide in the era smartphone on the market. USA, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India and China. HUAWEI Consumer BG is one of HUAWEI's three HOW DOES THE TRIPLE CAMERA WORK? business units, mainly focusing on smartphones, Each camera and lens possess its own functions personal computers, tablets and smart services. and features. The 40MP RGB camera with a 1 / 1.7" HUAWEI Global Network is based on 20 years’ sensor, 27mm vision area and f / 1.8 diaphragm is experience in the telecommunications business aimed at perceiving colors. The 20MP monochrome and serves to provide innovative technologies to camera with 1 / 2.78" sensor, f / 1.6 diaphragm and customers around the world. GEORGIA TODAY 10 BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 25 - 27, 2018 Sustainable Management of Machakhela National Park Benefi ts Local Communities ment of the Adjara Protected Areas and future development of the National Park BY THE GT TEAM local economic growth of the villages – a feasibility study, forest inventory and located in the support zone of the an assessment of potential revenue sources. Machakhela National Park. The UNDP UNDP and GEF assistance also ben- enewable energy, environ- and GEF initiative also laid the ground efi tted the villages located in a support mental tourism and bio- for potential cooperation between the zone of the National Park. Local house- farming were the focus of a Adjara Protected Areas and Jamili Bio- holds engaged in a renewable energy media tour to the Machakheli sphere Reserve in Turkey that together program that will benefi t up to 100 fam- Gorge on 20-21 September, form a chain of unique natural reserves ilies in 2019. Small farmers received organizedR by the United Nations Devel- established to protect the Colchis forests. technical assistance and consultations opment Program (UNDP) in cooperation With a total budget of $1.3 million, this in wine-making, beekeeping and other with the Agency of Protected Areas. initiative was implemented in 2014 – 2018 agricultural businesses. A livestock insur- Journalists from lead Georgian print in partnership with Georgia’s National ance programme and the instalment of and broadcasting media visited the Agency of Protected Areas, local author- electric fences helps the farmers to reduce National Park and nearby villages, learn- ities, businesses and communities. the livestock loss caused by predators. ing about the complex assistance pro- Some concrete results of the four-year Several families have been trained in vided by the UNDP and the Global work include a demarcation of the touristic management and received start- Environmental Fund (GEF). Machakhela National Park boundaries, up support to open family guesthouses. The media tour participants met rehabilitation of its administrative prem- The initiative in the Machakhela Munkhtuya Altangerel, Deputy Head Image source: Vladimir Valishvili/UNDP ises and visitor center, arrangement of National Park is part of the UNDP’s of the UNDP in Georgia, and Toma hiking tracks and preparation of print, wider assistance to Georgia which aims Dekanoidze, Deputy Head of the Agency National Park administration and resi- lara and Chikuneti. audio and video kits for tourists. In addi- to expand the country’s access to green of Protected Areas. They also inter- dents of the Machakheli Gorge villages A four-year initiative in the Machakheli tion, the UNDP and GEF carried out solutions and make environmental issues viewed representatives of the Machakhela – Chkhutuneti, Ajara Aghmarti, Tskhem- Gorge promoted sustainable manage- comprehensive research to support the an integral part of development. 8 Reasons Athletes Drink Beer...And Why It’s a Good Thing retention post-workout. easier. It also increased how often mem- ADVERTORIAL bers of the group smiled. Our social ALCOHOL CAN REDUCE networks are important, especially when PERCEIVED MUSCLE SORENESS it comes to working out. A few fi t friends here's an undeniable con- Beer really does make everything better, can save you from hitting snooze on a nection between getting a even that ache in your hamstrings. A cold morning or from giving up on those great sweat on and knock- 2014 study in the International Journal tough intervals. ing back beer. Research of Kinesiology and Sport Science found shows that not only are that athletes reported feeling less sore YOUR HEART APPRECIATES Tathletes more likely to imbibe, but the when they drank beer versus a placebo A DRINK harder we work, the more we drink. after a hard session. The key here is moderation. Drinking Carbs and calories aside, there are actu- in excess is linked to a higher risk of ally a lot of reasons for athletes to down IT CAN PREVENT heart disease, but according to the Amer- a post-sweat pint or two. From reducing KIDNEY STONES ican Heart Association, a single drink a muscle soreness, replacing lost fl uids, Over time, frequent dehydration can day could raise HDL (good) cholesterol and maybe even preventing kidney stones, lead to kidney stones. But beer could levels and could reduce blood-clot for- here are eight reasons you deserve, nay, help keep your kidneys in the clear. A mation, a risk factor for heart attack and need another beer. 2013 study published in the Clinical Jour- stroke. The AHA recommends one to nal of the American Society of Nephrol- two drinks daily for men and one a day BEER DOESN'T DEHYDRATE YOU ogy found that most sugary drinks, like for women. In moderation, of course. Science hasn't sodas and juices, upped a person's kidney quite given us the data we need to con- stone risk. But regular beer intake IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR GUT sider beer a recovery drink, but it won't decreased a person's risk by 41%, while Beer gets a bad rap for what it does to add to your post-sweat hydration woes. wine decreased it by only 31–33%. your belly. And sure, if you drink a lot A 2015 study in the Journal of the Inter- est sources of silicon. However, a paper infl ammation in study subjects. And a of it you're going to pack on a few pounds. national Society of Sports Nutrition BEER BUILDS STRONG BONES published in the journal Food and Sci- 2006 study in Planta Medica found that But it can also be good for your diges- found that when 16 male athletes con- A 2007 study published in Nutritional ence in Agriculture concluded that hops could work similarly to traditional tive system. Moderate alcohol consump- sumed either mineral water alone or Health and Aging found that dietary drinking about three bottles of any beer over-the-counter COX-2 inhibitors, a tion seems to combat the bacteria often beer plus mineral water after a sweaty silicon was crucial for bone and skel- would satisfy your daily requirement. type of non-steroidal anti-infl ammatory responsible for stomach ulcers, Helico- workout, there were no remarkable dif- etal tissue strength. Guess what one of drug. bacter pylori, as reported in a study from ferences between their levels of hydra- the best sources of silicon is? Beer. The IT'S ANTI-INFLAMMATORY The American Journal of Gastroenterol- tion. And a 2015 study in the International amount of silicon occurring in a pint Score another one for hop heads: Besides IT BOOSTS TEAM BONDING ogy. Furthermore, beer is a good source Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise varies signifi cantly from beer to beer, making beer taste amazing, a 2009 study A study published in Psychological Sci- of arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides, the Metabolism found that light beer with though IPAs are a good bet for their in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research ence found that moderate doses of alco- prebiotic foodstuffs that your good gut added sodium actually helped with fl uid pale malts and abundant hops: the rich- found that hops could reduce acute hol made bonding with a social group bacteria feast on. National Folklore Center Opens in Ozurgeti of western Georgia. It was opened to pro- BY MARIAM MERABISHVILI mote the development of cultural and educational activities, and the preservation and popularization of Georgian folklore. regional branch of the “We opened this western regional rep- National Center of Folklore resentation of the Georgian Folklore has been opened in Ozur- Center to serve all fi elds of folklore and geti, covering the western we will be working to intensify the direc- region and all three munic- tion of folklore in western Georgia,” he Aipalities of Guria. said. Director of the Georgian Folklore State During the opening ceremony, Geor- Center Giorgi Donadze, and Minister of gia’s best folklore bands, including Culture and Sports Mikheil Batiashvili, Shemoqmedi, Shvidkatsa, Basiani, local opened the rehabilitated center in Ozur- trio Shalva Chemo and choirs from the geti before an audience of government town itself, Mestia and Oni performed and business sector representatives, live for the audience. folklorists and media. “Georgian Folklore is unique worldwide Minister Batiashvili said he considers for its polyphonic sound and traditional the rehabilitated, modern folklore center chanting,” said Donadze. “Guria is even a unique means of development of the more special in this regard, as its chant- sector. ing is very specifi c in tonality. Guria is “Opening this unique folklore center also the heart of western Georgia and a be held in this Center from 2019. I would from local youth as well as providing an of Georgia of GEL 1.5 million. in Ozurgeti is the best opportunity for favorable geographical location for the also like to arrange scientifi c conferences interesting stop for tourists. “The building was in a dire state and folklore development in western Geor- Folklore Center. Ozurgeti will become here, inviting foreign specialists to share The Municipal Development Fund of needed rehabilitation,” noted Executive gia. It comes with a concert hall, exposi- western Georgia’s main communicative their knowledge and experience.” the Ministry of Regional and Infrastruc- Director of the Municipal Development tion rooms, and recording studios with center. We hope that exhibitions and Another mission of the center is to tural Development of Georgia was in Fund, Juansher Burchuladze. “We imple- all the essential equipment. It will be the concerts will be moved from Tbilisi to encourage new generations to become charge of the rehabilitation works on the mented a full renovation of both the perfect venue for international folklore Ozurgeti and thus the center will help interested in folklore, and to share the administrative building of the Ozurgeti interior and exterior walls, roofi ng, facade, festivals in the region,” he said. revive the western region of Georgia. In accumulated knowledge with them. The Folklore State Center of Georgia, with infrastructure and yard.” According to Donadze, the Folklore State addition, the main concerts of the Black center will be able to bring all the tradi- fi nancial assistance from the Ministry The whole building is now adapted for Center in Ozurgeti will serve the whole Sea Folklore International Festival will tions into practice and boost interest of Education, Science, Culture and Sports people with disabilities. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 25 - 27, 2018 BUSINESS 11 Lily Vanilli Sprinkling Some Sugar on Georgia

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES

ast Friday, guests were invited to Stamba Hotel to celebrate the opening of the Tbilisi branch of the famous and much-loved Lily Vanilli café. SurroundedL by the sweet fruity and chocolaty creations of founder Lily Jones and her team, and a sumptuous fl ower display by Emma Weaver from Palais Flowers, GEORGIA TODAY got the chance to meet London's Best-Loved Baker and fi nd out how she does it.

LILY, HOW DID YOU GET INTO YOUR CRAFT? WHAT INSPIRED YOU AND HOW DID YOU COME TO REACH THE LEVEL YOU ARE AT TODAY? I’m a self-taught baker, so I learned through years of experimenting, reading and practice and have owned my bakery in London since 2008. It was an uncon- ventional education, but I think if you’re really passionate about something, this can be a really good thing, as you develop a style that’s unique and your own. I’m still always learning and taking inspira- tion from everywhere - that’s one of the things I’ve loved about discovering Tbi- lisi and working here - adapting to local tastes and ingredients and ways of doing Image source: Canongate things, it's inspiring for me and helps took a modern approach to food and (BGCC) and met and became friends menu of the most delicious imaginable WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE CAKE? me grow as a baker. baking. The bakery grew very organi- with my current business partners. We dairy free treats for fast days when they I love my vanilla sponge the best - we cally and by word of mouth, so it has shared a vision for a modern bakery come around. make it in Tbilisi with custard and local YOU'VE BEEN NAMED always felt very natural. I only feel happy in Tbilisi. Right now, it feels like a very berries and it's delicious. LONDON'S BEST-LOVED about it and excited to still be able to do exciting time to be in Tbilisi, all my WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU BEEN I once made a cake that was exhibited BAKER, THOUGH YOU ONCE what I love. I’m also grateful that I’ve friends who work in food all around WORKING ON RECENTLY OTHER as a sculpture at the V&A Museum in SAID YOU HAD NO PLAN got to a point where I’m able to give time the world are starting to visit, and eve- THAN THE TBILISI CAFE? London, then cut up and eaten, that was TO HAVE A BUSINESS IN to projects like this one in Tbilisi. ryone loves the wine, the city and the I’ve been working on an afternoon tea probably the most exciting, with Elton BAKING. HOW DOES THE TITLE food. concept in China, and I released a book John’s cakes and the recent wedding cake MAKE YOU FEEL AND WHAT HOW DID YOU COME TO this year #BakeForSyria, part of an ini- I made for fashion label Shrimps coming RESPONSIBILITIES HAS IT PUT ESTABLISH A BRANCH IN TBILISI- HAVE YOU BEEN TO tiative that raises money for children close second. ON YOUR SHOULDERS? WHY HERE AND WHY NOW? GEORGIA BEFORE? WHAT displaced by the war in Syria by making I was one of the very fi rst of the new I was invited to visit by the British ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS? and sharing food. We’ve raised over Visit Lily Vanilli’s Tbilisi cafe at 20 Irakli wave of bakers who broke the mold and Georgian Chamber of Commerce I fi rst came to Georgia in April 2017, hav- £600,000 since 2017. I'm also working Abashidze Street. ing been invited by the BGCC, and vis- on a cake product range for the UK. ited Tbilisi and Kazbegi. I knew about Georgian wine and had heard that the OTHER THAN THE WORK food was really good, but nothing pre- YOU'VE PUBLISHED, DO YOU pared me for how much I would fall in ACTIVELY SEEK TO EDUCATE love with it. The restaurants, the build- OTHERS IN THE CRAFT OF ings and the beautiful countryside are BAKING AND CONFECTIONERY? all magnifi cent, but above all the grace, It has been one of the things I thought generosity and attitude of the people I about a lot when working on this project, have met made a huge impression. There’s I love teaching and working with new an incredible spirit in Georgia. people - discovering their strengths and learning from them too in the process. HAVE YOU TRIED ANY I would love to look at ways to teach on GEORGIAN SWEETS? a larger scale perhaps in the future, per- Yes! I love Georgian apple pie, Medoc haps even in Tbilisi. and sour cherry pie and we have ver- sions of them on our menu at the bakery. DO YOU TRAIN YOUNG I’ve had some good churchkhelas too! PEOPLE/UP-AND-COMING BAKERS IN YOUR YOU MENTIONED "ADAPTING LONDON BAKERY? TO TASTES." IN WHAT WAY Just those that work for me - lots of peo- HAVE YOU HAD TO ADAPT ple over the years, many of whom go on FOR THE GEORGIAN TASTE? directly to open their own bakeries. I Lots of custard! And adapting our reci- occasionally run classes too, although I pes to use local ingredients, sulguni, prefer to train with people for longer tarragon, lobiani. We also developed a periods.

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