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Issue no: 1062/136 • JULY 3 - 5, 2018 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... NGO: Number of Road FOCUS Accidents Increased by ON TOURISM 10% in Georgia NEWS PAGE 2 POTENTIAL Will Georgia Ever Get to Two projects, two regions PAGE 8,14,10 the World Cup? ISET PAGE 4 Architect Lord Hankey to Redesign 19th Century Tbilisi Property for the National Trust of Georgia

BUSINESS PAGE 6

Image source: Journal of Nomads Georgia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement Signed BUSINESS PAGE 7 Bakuriani Summer Season Opens Elton Mesmerizes Georgia

BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE

he summer season has offi cially opened in Bakuriani. The Bakuri- ani resort, located south of Borjomi in the center of the country and less than a three-hour drive from TTbilisi, is best known for its winter ski offerings, but is also developing itself as a summer resort. During the summer, the ski lifts will run daily from 11 am to 6 pm, giving visitors access to SOCIETY PAGE 15 mountain views and hiking trails. There is a tourist information center located in Bakuriani’s move theater where visitors can get personal- Prepared for Georgia Today Business by ized, detailed information on activities in the Markets Asof29ͲJunͲ2018 area, weather, and transportation schedules. STOCKS Price w/w m/m BONDS Price w/w m/m "To develop and promote mountain resorts it BankofGeorgia(BGEOLN) GBP18.85 Ͳ2,2% +1,1% GEOROG04/21 101.14(YTM6.30%) +0,3% Ͳ0,1% GeorgiaCapital(CGEOLN) GBP10.30 Ͳ9,0% Ͳ7,5% GEORG04/21 106.57(YTM4.33%) +0,1% +0,1% is necessary to make them attractive during all GHG(GHGLN) GBP2.52 Ͳ1,4% Ͳ13,4% GRAIL07/22 105.48(YTM6.19%) +0,4% +0,5% four seasons. For this reason, there is a bike park TBCBankGroup(TBCGLN) GBP17.46 +3,3% +8,7% GEBGG07/23 99.81(YTM6.04%) Ͳ0,1% Ͳ0,0% and a 29-kilometer-long bike trail, suitable for COMMODITIES Price w/w m/m CURRENCIES Price w/w m/m both professionals and amateurs,” said a repre- CrudeOil,Brent(US$/bbl) 79,44 +5,1% +5,4% GEL/USD 2,4485 Ͳ0,4% Ͳ1,3% Mountain Resorts Development Company GoldSpot(US$/OZ) 1252,60 Ͳ1,4% Ͳ3,6% GEL/EUR 2,8589 Ͳ0,3% +0,1% sentative of the Mountain Resorts Development GEL/GBP 3,2339 Ͳ0,8% Ͳ1,6% INDICES Price w/w m/m GEL/CHF 2,4636 Ͳ0,9% Ͳ1,6% Company. The company is a part of Georgia’s visitors. Other summer activities include hiking, Kokhta and Sakvelo can be climbed, and there FTSE100 7636,93 Ͳ0,6% +0,1% GEL/RUB 0,0390 +0,3% Ͳ1,0% Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Develop- mountain biking, riding ATVs, horseback riding, are hikes to Tabatskura Lake, the monastery com- FTSE250 20830,97 Ͳ0,9% +0,4% GEL/TRY 0,5336 +2,1% Ͳ2,2% DAX 12306,00 Ͳ2,2% Ͳ2,8% GEL/AZN 1,4390 Ͳ0,4% Ͳ1,3% ment and manages the country’s mountain and a kids’ park at Didveli. plex of Timotesubani (XI century), mineral springs DOWJONES 24271,41 Ͳ1,3% Ͳ0,4% GEL/AMD 0,0051 ͲͲ NASDAQ 7510,30 Ͳ2,4% +1,5% GEL/UAH 0,0930 Ͳ0,7% Ͳ2,1% resorts. From Bakuriani there are many potential day in Mitabari, and the Jvari hot springs. The Borjomi MSCIEMEE 156,69 +1,5% Ͳ1,0% EUR/USD 0,8558 Ͳ0,3% Ͳ1,2% The fi rst mountain sled (toboggan) track in trips which provide opportunities for the small Gorge is also well suited for paragliding, rafting, MSCIEM 1069,52 Ͳ1,7% Ͳ5,0% GBP/USD 0,7572 +0,5% +0,3% SP500 2718,37 Ͳ1,3% +1,1% CHF/USD 0,9906 +0,3% Ͳ0,1% the South Caucasus opened in 2016 on the Did- town’s off-season growth, and the development off-roading, hunting, and trout fi shing. MSCIFM 2649,82 Ͳ1,0% Ͳ3,7% RUB/USD 62,7779 Ͳ0,3% Ͳ0,2% veli slope and is a major draw for Bakuriani of tourism linkages in the region. The mountains GTIndex(GEL) 1582,68 ͲͲTRY/USD 4,5929 Ͳ1,8% +1,0% Continued on page 2 GTIndex(USD) 1208,13 ͲͲAZN/USD 1,7004 Ͳ +0,3% GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JULY 3 - 5, 2018 NGO: Number of Road Accidents Increased by Photo source: Georgiaabout.ge Gallup Report Ranks 10% in Georgia Georgia among Secure Countries worldwide say they have confi dence in BY THEA MORRISON their local police (69%) and feel safe walking alone at night where they live (68%). he recent report of an One in eight (13%) say they had prop- American research-based, erty stolen from them or another house- global performance-man- hold member in the past year, and 5% agement consulting com- say they were assaulted or mugged. pany Gallup reads that Gallup compiles the “positive” responses TGeorgia is in 17th place among 142 coun- to four questions into a Law and Order tries for security. Index score for each country. The higher Image source: ait.ac.at The 2018 Global Law and Order report the score, the higher the proportion of presents the results from Gallup’s latest the population that reports feeling safe. “The MIA claims a reform is under- not work at all. As for the remaining BY THEA MORRISON measurements of people’s answers to The index score for the world in 2017 way but when we have such alarming cameras that work, operators control questions based on more than 148,000 was 81 out of a possible 100. Eighty-six statistics in terms of road accidents, it and monitor only a small number of interviews with adults in 142 countries countries posted scores lower than this becomes clear the process must be them. and areas in 2017. average. The countries scoring the best on-Governmental Organ- accelerated,” she added. In order to fully control the streets, In the list, Georgia leads all its regional and the worst on the index remained ization (NGO) Georgian Laliashvili believes that road safety the MIA needs 3,000 smart cameras in neighbor states and is even ahead of unchanged from 2016. Scores worldwide Alliance for Safe Roads must be a top priority in the country, total. However, the SAO says only 100 Ireland, UK, US, Germany and France. ranged from a high of 97 in Singapore says that the number of adding the mortality rate is highest in cameras have been bought and installed. More than two in every three people to a low of 44 in Venezuela. road accidents in January- this regard. She also added that safe MIA Analysis and Strategy Depart- JuneN 2018 increased by 10% compared roads will be an additional stimulus ment Head Beka Liluashvili does not to the same period of last year. for tourism development in the coun- agree with the Georgian Alliance for The Chairperson of the NGO, Eka try. Safe Roads, saying the statistics of road Laliashvili says that the state must take “If road and transportation safety is accidents are better in 2018 compared Forbes Names Tbilisi's more steps to solve the problem. not ensured in the country, it will neg- to the previous years. “During the fi rst six months of the atively affect tourism development,” “The number of deaths, injuries or year, road accidents increased by 10% she underlined. road accidents has declined. We need and the number of injured increased by Several days ago, Georgia’s State Audit to realize that the acute problem we "Plekhanov" among 12% compared to 2017,” she told Imedi Offi ce (SAO) stated there are risks that have had for years cannot be solved in TV. the majority of street rule violations just a 6-month period,” he added. However, she underlined that the remain unpunished, adding the execu- Liluashvili explains that from June number of deceased has not increased tive mechanism of fi nes is also weak. 2017-June 2018, the number of road acci- Coolest Neighborhoods this year. A survey conducted in the audit pro- dents decreased by 6% and the number "We had an expectation that 2018 cess revealed that drivers frequently or of deaths and injuries by 8% and 8.5% would be better in terms of road acci- often violate traffi c rules but are rarely respectively. dent statistics, because many reforms fi ned. He added that as of June 21, 2018, GEL were implemented in 2017, including The document submitted to the Par- 14.5 million worth of fi nes was imposed the 100-point driving license reform, liament by the State Audit Offi ce reads by street cameras while 9 million GEL contactless patrolling and installation that a total of 13,018 traffi c accidents was transferred to the state budget this of smart street cameras,” the NGO Chair occurred in 2016-2017, which resulted way. said. in the deaths of 1,098 people and left "If we compare it to last year, the same Laliashvili explained that one of the 18,412 injured. In 13,018 traffi c accidents, amount of fi nes was imposed through- main problems is the execution of the in which 1,232 people were injured and out the whole of 2017, so the improve- adopted Road Safety Law. She said the 22 died, the guilt of particular persons ment is obvious,” he claimed. 100-point driving license system is more could not be established. The Georgian MIA and the Ministry or less effective but added the surveil- SAO added that the proper state agen- of Economy launched the mandatory lance cameras fail to detect the major- cies fail to effectively reveal the facts inspection of vehicles in Georgia on ity of violations. of speeding, because the number of January 1, 2018 and large engine vehicles “Because of this, Georgian drivers radars is insuffi cient and often cannot (+ 3.5 tons) and passenger vehicles (+8 don't expect to be punished for viola- be used due to technical malfunctions. seats) were inspected at the fi rst stage. tions, which promotes road accidents,” In mid-June, SAO also said that along The second round of inspection started she added. with the absence of suffi cient radar July 1 for vehicles belonging to state The representative of the Georgian Alli- speed guns, a large number of street agencies and legal entities. ance for Safe Roads says that the Ministry surveillance cameras do not work. Vehicle testing will be carried out of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Georgia did It underlined that 1,100 of the cameras step-by-step and inspection of all vehi- Photo: Forbes not install enough smart cameras. installed are technically faulty or do cles will be fi nished in about two years. ing factory, this multifunctional space now BY THEA MORRISON houses cafes, bars, studios, shops and a hostel. This area is a mixture of young creatives and tourists, and there’s live orbes has included “Plekh- music most evenings,” the article reads. Bakuriani Summer Season Opens anov”, one of the best places The list of the world’s best neighbor- of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, hoods was named as follows: Continued from page 1 coast summer charm – the resort will since the 2011-2012 season. Goderdzi is into the list of the world’s cool- 1.Barcelona: Sants also operate this summer. At all of the the most popular resort, with 34,5997 est neighborhoods. 2.Washington, D.C.: Navy Yard Other Georgian ski resorts also have Georgian resorts, ski lift tickets are visitors in 2017-2018 – a 25% increase on F“The former Soviet republic has become 3.Amsterdam: Amsterdam Noord big plans for summer tourism. Gudauri, offered at a discounted price for the the previous year. In comparison, Baku- among the trendiest places to visit, and 4.Cartagena: Getsemani another of the country’s top winter summer season. riani had a 15% increase in visitor traffi c the capital of Tbilisi is always the fi rst 5.Johannesburg: Maboneng resorts, opened its 2017 summer season The Mountain Resorts Development from the 2016-2017 season, reaching and last stop,” the article reads. 6.Tbilisi: Plekhanov on July 16. In Svaneti, the new Hatsvali Agency reported that in the 2017-2018 13,2704 in the 2017/2018 season. Looking 'Plekhanov' is the former name of the 7.Panama City: Casco Viejo and Tetnuldi resorts operate during the mountain ski season, there were 25% further at tourism development, Adjara New Tifl is area, renovated in 2016. 8.Saigon: District 5 summer. The Goderdzi resort in Adjara, more visitors to the mountain resorts in Group Hospitality plans to open a 100- “It recently became more fashionable 9.Athens: Keramikos which opened in 2015, was envisioned Gudauri, Bakuriani, Svaneti and Goderdzi room Rooms Hotel this summer in when the main avenue, Aghmashenebeli, 10.Seoul: Seongsu-dong as a step in helping make Adjara an than in the 2016-2017 season. In moun- Kokhta-Mitarbi, the mountain resort was renovated and especially when the 11.Chicago: Pilsen attractive destination in the winter in tain resorts, the number of local and near Bakuriani that opened during the Fabrika space opened. Once a Soviet sew- 12.Cape Town: Kalk Bay addition to its well known Black Sea international tourists has increased 491% 2015-2016 season.

GEORGIA TODAY 4 BUSINESS JULY 3 - 5, 2018 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. Will Georgia Ever Get to the World Cup?

is associated with 0.2 goals more than BY DAVIT KESHELAVA your rival in a head-to-head game. (In support of this claim, it is worth noting that Morocco, Nigeria and Senegal are his summer, Russia is again the only countries participating in the at the epicenter of the world, World Cup 2018 that have lower GDP but this time for hosting per capita than Georgia). “…….. Georgia the 21st FIFA World Cup Second, the authors included the size football tournament1 and of the population and the number of clearly has notT for the occupation of its neighboring football teams and players to capture countries’ territories. The majority of the effect of a population on a country’s potential. The the world’s population is gripped by success in football. The number of foot- football fever, and Georgians are no ball teams and players have a positive country is small (5 exception. You can see random people contribution to a country’s performance on the streets wearing the jersey of their in international matches. Moreover, hav- million people), favorite nation. Students attend classes ing twice as many players and twice as wearing jerseys or football T-shirts. Local many teams as your opponent is worth and horribly poor bars (or pubs) are transformed into fan about 0.2 and 0.1 goals more than your clubs - fl ying fl ags of different nations rivals. According to the offi cial informa- (even today, playing the FIFA World Cup 2018. On tion provided by the Georgian Football social and regular media in Georgia, Federation (GFF), Georgia has 522 teams average income people are also very active - posting the and 222,186 players,7 Iceland and Panama status of their favorite teams, trolling are the only countries participating in is below $4,000 large football nations (e.g. Germany was ever, the majority of Latin American ence, income, and population. The per- the World Cup that have fewer profes- one of the most trolled football teams countries with relatively low GDP per formance of a country is measured by sional players than Georgia. Moreover, after they lost at the group stage), pro- capita (less than $20,000) are among the the average goal difference between Iran is the only World Cup contender per year). If viding some very funny memes2 and best 16 teams of the competition. teams (e.g. if country plays only two with fewer registered football teams than predicting scores. Brazil is the country with the largest games and wins both of them against its Georgia. Georgians could Whenever the discussions are about population - 208 million4 people - in the rival by 1:0 and 3:1, the performance indi- While adding population as an explan- football, people stop complaining about World Cup of 2018, while the nation with cator will be the average of the two goal atory variable, the authors expected that just become as government or poverty, and start living the smallest population is Iceland, with differences; e.g., for 1 and 2 goals, 1.5). bigger means better and size contributes the beautiful game. Economists, like all only 334,252 people (three times less Therefore, a higher indicator value cor- to the football performance of the coun- rich as Croatia, other football fans, are also consumed than the population of Tbilisi – the cap- responds to a more successful perfor- try. Surprisingly, they found that the with the game. But, unlike regular peo- ital of Georgia). Nigeria has the young- mance. The database of the model cov- opposite was true – if countries are they too could ple, they also want to analyze the suc- est squad in the World Cup,5 while ered all of the offi cial matches from 1872 similar in every other way, including the cesses and failures of football nations Panama and Costa Rica have the oldest.6 through 2001 and included 22,130 games. number of football players, a country start beating through the prism of economic science. Switzerland, Iceland, Nigeria and Bel- Later, the Economist used a similar with a larger overall population (less The question I would like to answer is gium all have just one player who plays model (with slightly modifi ed determi- football players per person) generally England at what makes a country good at football club football in his own country, while nants) for 126 countries, covering every performs worse, as football is a lower by discovering the underlying factors Senegal and Sweden both have none. international game from 1990 through priority sport in such places. Therefore, Wembley.” – that determine a country’s football poten- England and Russia have the most play- 2018. According to this model, the main after controlling for the number of foot- tial. Moreover, I would like to predict ers from domestic leagues – 23 and 21, determinants of a country’s performance ball teams and football players, every Simon Kuper and whether Georgia has enough economic respectively. As one can see, there is no are as follows: 100 million extra people penalizes a potential to qualify for the World Cup clear recipe of socio-economic charac- First, the authors of the model included country by 0.1 goals per game. It is nota- Stefan Szymanski, with its existing resources. teristics that a country can follow to GDP per capita at purchasing power ble that Uruguay and Iceland are the To identify the determinants of a coun- achieve success on the international parity to capture the effect of wealth on only participants in the recent World Soccernomics, try’s football potential, we should start level. One can, however, make use of a country’s success in football. Despite Cup that have a smaller population to by analyzing statistical information about statistical models to answer a more fun- the fact that football has plenty of rags- Georgia. (2006, p.287) the teams that have already managed to damental question: what makes a coun- to-riches stories, people who grow up Third, the authors included the aver- qualify for the recent FIFA World Cup. try good at football in the fi rst place? in extreme poverty face greater obsta- age rate at which people searched foot- Korea the lowest (below 40%) among It turns out that the richest country in One such economic model has been cles. In Senegal, for instance, coaches ball on Google between 2004 and 2018, the participants of the current World the competition is Switzerland, with a built by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szy- have to deworm and feed their players relative to other team sports (such as Cup.8 The study showed that ten per- GDP per capita3 of $63,889 (six times manski in their book – “Soccernomics.” before trainings. Furthermore, poor rugby, sumo, basketball etc.), to capture centage points more Google interest in more than Georgian GDP per capita), The authors claim that the size of a countries have underdeveloped football the effect of relative interest in football football than your opponent was worth while the poorest nation is Senegal, with nation’s population, its national income, infrastructure and only few grass pitches, (popularity of this sport). Football got 0.1 goals. In Georgia, 67% of Google GDP per capita of only $2,566. Moreover, and the country’s experience in interna- which prevents youngsters from reveal- 90% of Africa’s attention, 20% in Amer- searches were for football, relative to African countries are the poorest nations tional soccer, hugely affects nations’ ing their talent and become professional ica, and only 10% in South Asia. Iran, other types of sports, which further indi- in the competition and it is notable that performance in any international matches. football players. According to the authors, Nigeria, Tunisia and Senegal have the cates that football dominates other sport none of them managed to progress beyond Indeed, the model assesses how well a holding all other factors constant, hav- highest percentages (above 90%), while activities in the country. the group stage of the tournament. How- country should perform, given experi- ing twice the wealth of your opponent Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan and South Continued on page 5

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Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY JULY 3 - 5, 2018 BUSINESS 5 Will Georgia Ever Get to the World Cup?

Continued from page 4 and underachieving countries, given data, while taking into consideration the their resources. When the predicted goal wealth, size and interest of the country, Georgians are keen on watching inter- difference of a team of medium strength Georgia should score 0.62 goals less than national football games, despite the fact exceeds the actual difference, then that the team of medium size. Sadly, the data that the Georgian national team has never country has underachieved its potential, suggests that Georgia already performs succeeded in qualifying for any of the as based on the given level of GDP per above its very low potential (Georgia core international tournaments. Accord- capita, population size, and interest in overachieves its potential). Therefore, ing to the offi cial statistics of FIFA, more football, and that country should have a based on the outcome of the economic than 24% of the Georgian population better average goal difference than it model, the failure of Georgia’s football watched at least 30 minutes of a football actually has. When the predicted goal team is not about the underemployment game during the World Cup of 2014 in difference is below the actual one, the of the country’s socio-economic resources Brazil, and the total number of hours country has overachieved its potential. for football, but lack of resources them- spent watching football exceeded 210. Uruguay, for instance, was among the selves (poverty, small population, less These numbers are a little bit lower than biggest overachievers, managing to have experience, and lack of sport interest do for Armenia (57% of population), Azer- nearly a goal per game better than not let youngsters reveal their talents). baijan (36% of population) and one of expected. Brazil, Argentina, Portugal and I want to conclude this blog with an the World Cup contenders, Iceland (49% Spain were close behind. West African optimistic quote from the book of Simon of population), but higher than for China, and Balkan countries are overachievers Kuper and Stefan Szymanski: “… Georgia Egypt, Cameroon and India.9 too, while China, India, Luxemburg, clearly has potential. The country is Georgian people very rarely attend Canada, Hungary and particularly Ger- small (5 million people), and horribly Umaglesi Liga10 matches. According to many, performed much worse than pre- poor (even today, average income is the Thomas Efs database,11 the average dicted. below $4,000 per year). If Georgians attendance for Umaglesi Liga games So, what about Georgia? Georgia scores could just become as rich as Croatia, amounted to only 1,016 people in the 0.31 goals less than a team of medium they too could start beating England at 2017 season.12 It is notable that Georgia’s strength; however, according to the actual Wembley.” Umaglesi Liga games have an average attendance rate similar to the seventh 1 This is the fi rst World Cup to be held in Eastern Europe, the eleventh time that it has tier league in England, and this number been held in Europe, and the fi rst time the tournament takes place on two continents is 19-20 times less than the average attend- – Europe and Asia. ance at the Dinamo Tbilisi football 2 “Meme is an image, video, piece of text, etc., typically humorous in nature, that is matches before the collapse of the Soviet copied and spread rapidly by Internet users, often with slight variations” – Oxford Union.13 Dictionary. 3 GDP per capita at PPP, 2016. Finally, to capture the national enthu- 4 2016 Data. siasm of a country, the authors included 5 26 years on average. in the model the number of Olympic 6 29.6 year on average. medals won per million people. One 7 Teams and players of any standard, estimated, 2016. Source: The Economist, https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2018/06/12/ 8 Saudi Arabia, Australia, Switzerland, Sweden, South Korea, Panama, England and additional medal gained per million peo- what-google-searches-and-gdp-can-tell-you-about-footballing-success ple was worth 0.2 goals, after controlling Japan were the countries among World Cup participants that have lower percentage Figure 1. Average Goal Differece against Median Team of Google interest than Georgia. for other variables. Georgia managed to 9 Source: Television Audience Report of 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, FIFA - https:// win 1.066 medals per million in the sum- the authors accounted for home advan- economic determinants explained about img.fi fa.com/image/upload/n3z25ncdjj9qdwja1tet.pdf mer games during the period 1992-2016. tage, which is worth 0.6 goals per game, 40% of the total variation in average goal 10 Umaglesi Liga is the fi rst trier championship for Georgia. It is notable that Australia (2.019) and and excluded all of the countries that differences. If we compare the average 11 Source: http://www.european-football-statistics.co.uk/attn.htm. Denmark (1.507) are the only participants have played in less than 150 international goal difference against a team of medium 12 FC Torpedo Kutaisi was the most popular team in the fi rst trier league with average of the recent World Cup that have a matches since 1990 (e.g. Bhutan and the strength, computed by actual data and attendance of 2 794 people. 13 Wars, political instability and extreme poverty in the early 90s were among the higher number of medals gained per Cayman Islands). predicted by the Economist’s model, we main reasons why people lost interest in football. million people than Georgia. Moreover, It is notable that the identifi ed socio- will be able to identify overachieving GEORGIA TODAY 6 BUSINESS JULY 3 - 5, 2018 Turkmenistan Needs to Cooperate with Azerbaijan & Turkey to Enter European Market

China gas pipeline, which supplies gas BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE from Turkmenistan to China, is operat- ing at almost full capacity in the current state, and Beijing will probably have to urkmenistan needs to coop- look for additional sources of gas. By erate with Azerbaijan and connecting Turkmenistan to China’s Turkey to enter the gas domestic grid, this pipeline makes it market in Europe, expert possible to transport gas some 7000 km on Central Asia, Bruce Pan- from Turkmenistan to Shanghai. Tnier, stated last week. “Branches A, B and C of the network On June 22, the Russian legal informa- of Central Asian pipelines are approach- tion portal published the full text of the ing full capacity, and there are plans for draft convention on the legal status of the construction of a D branch, which the Caspian Sea. According to Article 14 is lagging behind schedule by at least of the Convention, two states can lay four or fi ve years. Branch D will increase submarine pipelines with the approval the capacity by another 25-30 billion of countries owning the maritime sec- cubic meters,” the expert noted. tors that the pipelines pass through. Pannier recalled the Russian pipeline “It seems that the implementation of “The Power of Siberia,” which is expected the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline (TCP) to be completed by the end of 2019 and has become possible,” Pannier said. will eventually deliver to China another The expert noted that TANAP is con- 38 billion cubic meters of gas. In addi- nected by plans for laying the TCP, so tion, there is also a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan would have to cooperate Myanmar. with Azerbaijan and Turkey to ensure Pannier noted also that China is likely the supply of its gas to Europe. to pay more attention to the increasing also from the United States,” Pannier said. Sea, whose legal status has not yet been Earlier, Vice President of the European Turkmenistan has about 17 trillion cubic importance of liquifi ed natural gas (LNG). Negotiations on the Trans-Caspian gas determined, will be enough for Turk- Commission Maros Šefcovic said in an meters of gas, which is why, according “LNG import to China in 2018 grew by pipeline between the EU, Azerbaijan and menistan and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan interview with Reuters that the EU, aim- to Pannier, the country can supply it also about 50% compared to 2017. Currently, Turkmenistan began in September 2011. expressed its readiness to offer its terri- ing to reduce its dependence on energy to China via the TCP and other pipelines. China is building facilities for processing Offi cial Ashgabat believes that laying tory, transit opportunities and infrastruc- supplies from Russia, expects to receive It was reported that the Central Asia- LNG from Qatar, Australia, Malaysia and the pipe along the bottom of the Caspian ture for the implementation of this project. gas from Turkmenistan in 2019. Architect Lord Hankey to Redesign 19th Century Tbilisi Property for the National Trust of Georgia the 1960s that we in the UK, coordinated BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES by Lord Kenneth of the Labor Party, began to work to preserve English heritage, real- izing how important it is to maintain our ord Donald Hankey, former major buildings.” head of ICOMOS UK and We asked him if Tbilisi had met or dis- architect, veteran of numerous appointed his expectations and he told prestigious heritage projects us he was “not at all saddened” to see the around the world, was in Geor- architecture in Tbilisi. “I’ve seen historic giaL with structural engineer Kevin Hall- buildings all over the world in dreadful away last week, both volunteering their states and I’ve got so used to seeing it, it time to help the new National Trust of doesn’t faze me at all. But like here, either Georgia (NTG) restore its fi rst building. you get enough enthusiasm from the Located at 33 Solomon Brjenis Street in locals and investors to save a building, or the Avlabari district of Georgia’s capital, history is lost.” the unique mid-19th century house will Within our conversation, the idea came undergo extensive investigation and res- up to try and enthuse youth to get involved toration should the works be funded. Lord in the historical investigation of Tbilisi’s Hankey sees great potential and has said old buildings and for them to begin to as much in the report he is preparing for think in terms of reuse. Fabrika, a sewing potential sponsors with Mr Hallaway. factory converted into a multi-use space GEORGIA TODAY went to meet the for bars, cafes, art studios and work spaces, two English gentlemen at the property is the latest prime example of such a pro- to fi nd out more. ject. The “Tbilisi brick” house, dating back “I would be very happy to come and to the 1830s, is clearly in a very serious Kevin Hallaway and Lord Donald Hankey speak if such a program were set up,” state of disrepair. The façade is cracked, We asked what use he thought the build- ter to the street and bringing fi nancial unique, unusually unmolested 18th -19th Lord Hankey said. with evidence of subsidence at both front ing had had. “I’ve suggested it might have benefi t to the property owners. century property in the Metekhi cliffs corners and, inside the building, the fact been a military barracks. Other opinions Also important is to bring the property area of the city, adjoining Avlabari. The ABOUT THE NATIONAL that the rear extension of the property are that it was housing for the head of the up to current safety standards. “In order property is large enough to act as the TRUST OF GEORGIA is sinking and breaking away from the local Armenian church [now destroyed] to ensure fi re resistance to the vertical Trust’s headquarters on a permanent In October 2016 a group of Georgian main structure is apparent on entrance. or a residence.” circulation, our proposal is to remove the basis, as well as contain space for exhi- citizens and one Englishman, established Further, the décor shows an eclectic mix Lord Hankey insists the roof space and two existing staircases and build a new bitions and events. Like so many prop- a new National Trust style of organiza- of fl owered wallpaper in several layers staircase layout lends more to it having staircase on the central axis,” Lord Han- erties in Georgia this three-story build- tion in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. Under and paint and shoddy masonry fi x ups. been an observation platform. key says. ing is in a poor stage of repair, but it the title of the National Trust of Georgia No-one has lived here for decades. Yet “It has a more formal Russian back- One obstacle, or challenge, to any changes will slowly be restored and used as an it was set up in association with the Lord Hankey is optimistic and has a ground, I believe, and this is something planned for the rear of the property is a example for locals as to how building National Trust of Great Britain’s interna- design in mind. we need to puzzle out with the historians. Mulberry tree which is suspected to be repair can be done cheaply, effectively tional branch INTO and follows the suc- “The wooden fl oor is in excellent con- We must also evaluate the building’s fab- older than the building itself. and with historic sensitivity, on their cessful British model. dition- nothing a polish can’t sort once ric- much of which is very good. There’s “We can go up,” Lord Hankey states. own homes. There will be an exhibition Georgia possesses a large number of the foundations are fi xed,” he tells us. a lot of style hidden here- the Persian “But a bit of a haircut is needed and we inside the building illustrating how this historic sites worthy of saving and pro- “The whole of the front wall has subsided fi replaces, wooden fl oor…” must be careful not to damage the root is achieved.” moting, either as tourist venues, or work- due to water drainage. The rear is also We ask him about his plans for the future structure.” We had heard before meeting Lord able businesses that will pay for the subsiding and is what we term as ‘unfi t of the building. “If you don’t reuse such historically Hankey that this was his fi rst trip to Tbi- structure’s (or land’s) upkeep. However, for service.’ We have a plan from 1953 and “We aim to make a building of use- but important buildings, they fall to bits lisi but that his wife had been here before the country currently has no independ- can extrapolate a lot from that as to the what that use is, is up to the NTG to because nobody has any interest in keep- and taken home her enthusiasm for the ent national organization that enables original layout. It shows a lot of outbuild- decide. I merely look at theory and prac- ing them alive,” Lord Hankey points out. beauty of the place. We asked the Lord individuals to express their concern and ings in the garden [no longer present]. tise. Our objective is to leave a functional “Reuse is very important. Our job here what he thought now he was here. affection for the nation’s heritage. A The Russian occupation and Shevardnadze building- deciding which walls to keep is not to defi ne a specifi c use but to leave “Tbilisi always inspired me with its National Trust of Georgia will provide period then saw the property packed with and take out, for example, or which parts it available for multiple uses- domestic, fabulous history and wonderful geo- this alongside a practical means of help- different families with no money avail- to alter, in order to leave it as a valuable offi ce, or institutional. In this particular graphical setting. It can demonstrate how ing to preserve buildings and land. Its able to maintain it, leading to natural series of useable spaces.” building, the quality of the original join- much the modern generation is prepared knowledge base and experience will help damage from careless occupation in a One idea Lord Hankey has is to recon- ery and fi nishes demonstrates the need to destroy the past and how much great show private owners many methods to building that is actually very important struct and build up the cellar in the garden to upgrade and repair rather than leave enthusiasts like Peter Nasmyth [author, save their own properties, not as yet dem- and has clear Russian infl uence from St which runs along one of the adjacent it to destruction.” founder-member of the NTG] and ICO- onstrated by the state, plus offer a means Petersburg, as seen by the star and arches streets, which could perhaps be opened The NTG website says of the building: MOS, are willing to work to maintain the of expressing their pride for their nation on the front.” as a specialty book shop, adding charac- “In October 2017, the Trust took over a historical buildings of the city. It was from – by joining as Trust members. GEORGIA TODAY JULY 3 - 5, 2018 BUSINESS 7

Photo: GOVERNMENT INFORMATION The perfect pairing of Business and Lunch! SERVICES, HKSAR Ambassadori Club cordially invites you

Georgia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement Signed

expand Hong Kong's FTA network into the respec- BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE tive regions including Eurasia.” The agreement is Hong Kong’s fi rst with a country in the Caucasus region. Total trade between the two countries free trade agreement (FTA) between reached $ 50.7 million (GEL 124.5 mil) last year. Georgia and Hong Kong was signed Georgia is the city's 121st trading partner in terms last week, according to the Ministry of goods. The signing is a part of Hong Kong's of Economics and Sustainable Devel- long-term strategy to expand its global reach as it opment. moves towards being an international trading center. AThe Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustain- In the past 12 months, the city has secured three able Development of Georgia, Genadi Arveladze, sets of FTAs, including Georgia. and Secretary for Commerce and Economic Devel- The agreement was drafted based on an FTA opment Edward Yau Tang-Wah signed the docu- between Georgia and China, which was enacted ment together as part of the Belt and Road Summit from the fi rst of January, 2018. Hong Kong is, offi - in Hong Kong. cially, a Special Administrative Region of the Peo- The FTA was negotiated in 2016 and has several ple's Republic of China, with the express right to standard components, namely the elimination or make bilateral trade agreements with foreign coun- reduction of tariffs, the liberalization of non-tariff tries. barriers, fl exibility regarding rules of origin to The agreement aims to facilitate and promote facilitate bilateral trade, customs facilitation pro- trade between Georgia and Hong Kong. There are cedures, liberalization and promotion and protec- hopes that increased trade with Hong Kong will tion of investment; liberalization of trade in services, encourage Georgian entrepreneurs to participate and a dispute settlement mechanism for the FTA. in the high-end Hong Kong market. Arveladze A spokesperson from the government of Hong remarked that the FTA is advantageous for Geor- Lunch times: 12:00 $ 14:00 In order to book a table, please, contact us on: Dinner times: 18:00 $ 20:00 +995 32 243 9494 or +995 599 57 16 40 Kong said, “Georgia [is an] emerging market with gia, as Hong Kong is a key international transit and Delicious dishes, soft drinks and desert Visit us at: Ioane Sahvteli Street 17, potential for further growth,” and that the FTA “has fi nancial center. The agreement is scheduled to Cozy atmosphere, high-class service. Ambassadori hotel. Ground Floor. strategic value for Hong Kong” and “will help enter into force by the end of the current year. Prices 20 - 25 USD per person Italian-Georgian restaurant. Trade Union: 24 Georgian Workers Have Lost their Lives So Far in 2018 They should have brought a specialist instead,” the BY THEA MORRISON man stressed. Georgian Parliament adopted a law on Labor Safety, with the third and fi nal reading on March wo workers died last week at work- 7, but it has yet to take effect. places in Chiatura and Gudauri while In the new version of the labor safety law, sanc- performing their duties. The Georgian tions for the breach of safety norms have been Trade Union says according to statis- tightened, and fi nes were increased from 100 to tical data, 24 workers died in the 50,000 GEL. Tcountry and 18 more were severely injured and However, the requirements of the law will only taken to hospitals in 2018. cover 11 areas of severe, harmful and dangerous Deputy Chair of the Trade Union Tamaz Dola- jobs. Human rights defenders say the law is dis- beridze says the statistics are not complete, adding criminatory as it does not cover all jobs. some cases are not even known to the public. According to the new law, the sanctions on breach “The problem regarding labor safety needs to be of labor safety can be one of three types: Non- solved as the situation is worsening by the day,” he existent, substantial and critical. stated. The sanctions on all three types of violations will 32-year-old Khvicha Gvelesiani died in Darkvetli be based on how much annual turnover the enter- village, Chiatura municipality, while working in a prise has. sand quarry. He was trying to cut the cliff with a The law also reads that the monitoring service tractor when the sand mass fell on him. By the time representatives will not be able to enter the enter- the vehicle was dug out, he was already dead. He prise without the permission of a judge, unless had been working at the site for just two weeks. there was an accident or a planned inspection. The works at the sand quarry are being carried However, in case of repeated inspection, the out on the order of Darkevti 2008 LTD, which has supervision service will no longer need the Court’s assured that safety norms were observed at the permission. site. The non-governmental sector imposes respon- The second worker to lose his life last week was sibility for all dead workers on the state and demands Khvicha Tabatadze, 36, who died in Gudauri while immediate activation of the new Labor Safety Code. dismantling a metal crane. The pieces of the con- Deputy Chair of the NGO Georgian Young lawyers’ struction fell on the worker and he died immedi- Association, Nana Kurdovanidze says the recent ately. He was working on a project initiated by incidents show the state does not have an effective company ‘Peri,’ hired by the municipality within mechanism for controlling labor conditions. the frames of a development project. The project “The employees also do not provide minimum was fi nanced with GEL 29 million from the state standards of safety at workplaces,” she added. budget. NGO Human Rights and Monitoring Center – Tabatadze’s family claims that safety norms were EMC Social Programs Director, Lia Ghvinianidze not observed at the site. says that the “weak labor policy promotes such David Tabatadze, father of the deceased man, says cases in the country.” his son was not a professional but was asked to The Interior Ministry has launched investigations take apart the crane. into both recent cases with regards to breach of “They knew my son did not know how to do this. safety norms. GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS JULY 3 - 5, 2018 Tourism Development International, EBRD Close Successful MSME Development Program in Mukhrani Village

An agritourism MSME fi nancing program should be designed and developed, under which small grants would be provided to MSMEs in target rural areas Levan Zautashvili, who spoke about the as the most outstanding assets of Mukh- agritourism,” he noted. “We had 20 ben- fi nancing program, tourism and visitor BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES signifi cance of the project for the com- rani, so we set out with the locals to efi ciaries working on their own business facility development, and establishment munity and country and thanked the create a combination of history, culture, plans, then being split into three separate of an agritourism network, building on organizers and sponsors. “We are very good food and hospitality.” groups to work on demo projects which the cooperation already begun. n the framework of the EU4Busi- grateful for the inclusive program that The project began by identifying needs. laid the foundation for future community “A capacity-building program would ness initiative of the European enabled Mukhrani to contribute to the While the Chateau complex itself was a cooperation.” be good for senior offi cials at local gov- Union, in late 2017, the European ongoing works in the region to boost our key facility providing employment for Sopio Kubiashvili, Director of the local ernment and municipality level. Aware- Bank for Reconstruction and tourism potential,” he said. “The Mskheta- the local community, outside its walls, school, chicken-farm owner and future ness-building is essential, and a youth Development (EBRD) initiated a Mtianeti region has numerous attractions the village was at “Level 0” in terms of guesthouse manager, thanked the organ- program would be highly benefi cial to Ipilot program aiming at promoting micro, and Mukhrani has a big role to play. We facility development, conservation aware- izers and spoke enthusiastically of the the community. Capacity-building and small and medium enterprise develop- have infrastructural plans for Mukhrani ness and agritourism capacity. success of the program. technical support should also be given ment in agritourism in the historical and town center, the roll out of which takes “The overarching aim of project was “You gave us pride and hope and the to FREM, which, in our view, is ideally central Georgian settlement of Mukhrani. time, but we are determined and are to assist the development of MSMEs in ability to believe in ourselves- a funda- positioned to oversee implementation Tourism Development International actively working to produce a quality agritourism, to build the capacity of local mental change for us. Mukhrani is well- of the agritourism development plan but (TDI), based in Ireland and running product and services.” residents to create their own businesses, known for its wine, but I pledge that which will need assistance and support numerous international projects, con- “I’m truly excited to see this cross of with an emphasis on women and youth, agritourism will soon become equally to help it in that task.” ducted a comprehensive Agritourism tourism and agriculture, something the and to improve linkages between tour- as well known, with all of the community He also highlighted the need for assess- Capacity Building Program for local EBRD itself is enthusiastic about,” said ism and agriculture,” Mac Nulty told us. taking part,” she said. ment of existing channels for fi nancing businesses, residents and stakeholders Bruno Balvanera, EBRD Director for the “The needs of local business owners “What this program has done is pro- in Georgia. in order to improve backward linkages Caucasus, Moldova and Belarus. “Today were assessed, and capacity-building vide an essential private sector dynamic “An agritourism MSME fi nancing pro- between tourism and primary agricul- we see the results of the fi rst concrete courses designed for MSMEs with a to complement the public sector sup- gram should be designed and developed, ture in Mukhrani. agritourism project, not only in Georgia focus on agritourism, food safety and port,” he said, going on to discuss TDI’s under which small matching grants would 20 local residents participated in the but throughout the 38 countries the EBRD production, and the overall development recommendations for how the Georgian be provided to MSMEs in target rural program, working on a range of micro- works with. Georgia has a lot to offer of Mukhrani village. government and EBRI might elaborate areas.” enterprises that will greatly strengthen tourists. We know that Georgia is a coun- The training program consisted of 12 on the project to ensure its continued Both TDI and EBRD expect the agri- the tourism fabric of Mukhrani. These try where the opportunities for minori- modules. Business advisory services success. tourism capacity-building program, as include guesthouses, restaurants, winery ties have been limited and we want such gave support to each benefi ciary, ena- “An incubator program is top of our demonstrated in Mukhrani, to be extended tours, traditional crafts and rural activ- people- particularly the young and women bling them to come up with business list of recommendations,” Mac Nulty to other regions of Georgia and, indeed, ities. - to have the chance to take a grant and plans. Six demonstration projects were told attendees at the project closing to the 37 other EBRD portfolio countries. Last week a round-up workshop was develop their businesses. Tourism in then prepared, and these were on display event. “A two-year program is needed TDI recommended EBRD establish a held at Chateau Mukhrani with the aim Georgia is an area ripe for development. at the end of the closing event in the to support the community in generic research program into untapped agri- of highlighting Mukhrani’s potential as The EBRD aims to bring all of its 38 garden of the Chateau. A study tour was business activities; assisting benefi ciar- tourism potential in Georgia and fi nd a tourism destination, giving an insight partner countries self-sustainable ser- also organized to Kakheti region to dem- ies to liaise with funding agencies; to partners within the regions, prioritizing into Mukhrani agritourism MSME devel- vices, and to bring the villagers of Mukh- onstrate to benefi ciaries best-practices provide support for them in marketing regions ready to cooperate with them. opment plans and presenting recom- rani economic independence. I thank in agritourism from other areas of Geor- and branding in terms of creating a qual- It is then advised to implement an agri- mendations to provide ‘incubator’ sup- those of you who made this fi rst suc- gia and abroad. ity label for Mukhrani and to give con- tourism capacity-building program over port to agritourism MSMEs. cessful project possible and look forward “So, what were the results? Increased serva-care training and training in IT. a 10-year timeframe. At the event, the EBRD and Founda- to seeing the spread of such MSME awareness of Mukhrani tourism potential Specialist business support is needed “TDI’s 30 years’ experience has shown tion for the Economic Development of practice throughout the rest of the coun- throughout the local community and for architecture, design and operation that tradition can be combined with new Mukhrani (FREM) also presented Cer- try.” beyond and 18 new agritourism enter- of guesthouses, food health and safety, to the benefi t of communities who can tifi cation Awards to all participants who Mukhrani was singled out as a cultural prises in the pipeline, including eight craft product design, and wine tasting together use their history, culture and had successfully completed the Agri- heritage asset of Georgia, not least for guest houses, four wineries/wine tours, and tours.” tourism to benefi t the entire community,” tourism Program. its tradition of winemaking. Alongside two farm visits and related activities, He noted the vast amount of work still Mac Nulty concluded. “This is a fully The event was opened by Governor the Chateau Mukhrani vineyard, restau- two craftshops and two cafes,” Mac Nulty needed in the implementation of the tour- tested program ready for wider imple- rant and resort, the village boasts ruins said. “Community cooperation is an ism development plan for Mukhrani vil- mentation. We have faith in it and so do of a palace, several churches and a for- essential prerequisite for sustainable lage and suggested an agritourism MSME our benefi ciaries.” tress. In Mukhrani, there is a desperate need for capacity building in order to facilitate small and micro sector devel- opment. This was carried out in a prgram headed by TDI, via training workshops, Even though the excursions and visits from guest profes- sionals in various fi elds. numbers are up, “A huge growth in tourism has been contributing signifi cantly to GDP and tourism revenue is employment growth, said Peter Mac Nulty, TDI Managing Director. “But even low ... due to though the numbers are up, tourism revenue is lower than it is in many other skills defi ciencies, countries due to skills defi ciencies, a lack of understanding of dynamics and a lack of low investment in facilities. Visitors need things to do and places to see. In Mukh- understanding of rani, we have been working to unlock the tourism potential of the village. TDI dynamics and was appointed to develop a tourism plan; to set out a road map resulting in fi nan- low investment in cial benefi ts and social transformation. facilities This plan identifi ed heritage and food GEORGIA TODAY JULY 3 - 5, 2018 BUSINESS 9 Nord Stream-2 Can Be Built without European Investment Georgia's External Debt Amounts $17.5 Billion

nal debt amounted to $7.4 billion (17.9 BY THEA MORRISON billion GEL) or 47.3% of GDP. Of which, debt of the general government amounted to $5.4 billion (13.0 billion GEL) or 34.5% he gross external debt of of GDP. External liabilities of the National Georgia amounted to $17.5 Bank of Georgia amounted to $297.7 mil- fi nanced. This is important for Gazprom, dependence of Europe on Russian gas billion (42.2 billion GEL) lion (718.8 million GEL) or 1.9% of GDP. BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE and Russia today has a high liquidity would thereafter only increase. as of March 31, 2018 and Banking sector external debt amounted reserve in Euros,” the Deutsche Welle Previously, the US quietly suggested 111.5% of the last four quar- to $3.8 billion (9.2 billion GEL) or 24.3% German newspaper quotes him as say- that Denmark should not give permis- Tters' Gross Domestic Product (GDP), of GDP; Other sectors' external debt ompany Nord Stream 2, ing. sion to lay the gas pipe in its territorial notes the National Bank of Georgia stood at $5.4 billion (13.0 billion GEL) or which is building the Nord It had been reported that Germany waters, but now they are openly pres- (NBG). 34.3% of GDP; While $2.6 billion (6.3 Stream 2 gas pipeline, has allegedly received preliminary guaran- surizing Danish politicians. Recently, In the fi rst quarter of 2018, the gross billion GEL) or 16.6% of GDP was the assessed the consequences tees from the US that the sanctions would open US pressure on those Europeans external debt of Georgia increased by intercompany lending. The 90.9% of the of possible US sanctions, not be extended to gas pipelines with a who support the project has intensifi ed. $192.6 million. Of that, a $238.3 million gross external debt of Georgia was saidC its Financial Director, Paul Corco- Russian presence. Many experts argue with good reason increase took place due to exchange rate denominated in foreign currency. ran. The US, opposing the Russian-European that Washington, behind the political changes, and transactions also lead to The net external debt of Georgia He noted that it will possible to build project Nord Stream-2, earlier made slogans, conceals its economic interest, its increase by $21.0 million. Pricing and amounted to $10.6 billion (25.5 billion GEL the gas main without Western invest- quite a number of statements, however, with the US planning to “clear space” other changes lead to its decrease by or 67.4% of GDP) as of 31st March 2018. ments. the essence of which was that Europeans on the European energy market for its $57.0 and $9.7 million, respectively. Net public sector external debt was $4.4 “The project will undoubtedly be should abandon the project because the liquifi ed natural gas (LNG). The NBG says that public sector exter- billion (10.5 billion GEL or 27.8% of GDP). GEORGIA TODAY 10 BUSINESS JULY 3 - 5, 2018 Georgia is Italy 2.0 (Beta Version)

worry about the little scooters that zip many old buildings is still evident. than Georgia. Its GDP is approximately around cobblestoned corners in Italian And the top four...food, wine, views, $1.85 trillion, while Georgia’s GDP is just cities. and hospitality. $15.5 billion (World Bank, 2016). When • Mañana culture. Yes, mañana is a • Food. The table is always full, there you look at growth, however, Georgia’s Spanish word (meaning ‘tomorrow’), but are always new things to taste and expe- GDP growth rate is 4.8% compared to it also makes sense in Italy and Georgia! rience, and the traditional dishes are Italy’s 1.5% (World Bank, 2017). Per cap- While parts of Italy defi nitely have a incredible! Italian food is well known ita income is much lower in Georgia, fast-paced, espresso-fueled lifestyle, you the world over, while Georgian food has meaning that the cost of food, services, can fi nd throughout the country a relaxed only recently begun to get the attention and activities is signifi cantly lower than atmosphere of people who are more it deserves. Georgian cuisine, like Ital- in Italy and other European countries. concerned with enjoying life than work- ian, is diverse with regional variations, Your dollar goes much further in Geor- ing for the sake of working. In both and focuses on fresh, local ingredients. gia, and you can have some of the countries, working on a Western time- • Wine. Georgia is the cradle of wine, lifechanging experiences that might be table can sometimes be frustrating, it’s and wine plays a central role in tradi- out of your price range in Italy. easy to fall in love with the lifestyle when tional life as the most sacred drink for • Architecture. If you’re looking for Georgians suggest that a work meeting toasting at feasts, and as an important ancient ruins – both Italy and Georgia can be postponed in favor of showing product economically. Most rural house- can deliver, but the Roman Empire was their guests a taste of the famous Geor- holds grow grapes and make their own much more developed than ancient gian hospitality. Time is fl exible, so don’t wine for personal consumption. Even in Georgian settlements, and more of its expect precision in transportation sched- Tbilisi, you will see grape vines strung buildings remain. With a good tour guide, Photo: Journal of Nomads ules or event start times, but all the across courtyards and up trellises. Geor- though, Georgia’s ancient history can beauty and goodness of life is expected gian wine varieties have very unique also dazzle and amaze, such as the 6th moments of unspoiled paradise. to be enjoyed to the fullest – both Geor- fl avor profi les, so you have to try them century Jvari Monastery which contains BLOG BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE My favorite Georgian story goes like gians and Italians know how to throw a yourself! Additionally, a new study was the base of a 4th century cross thought this: After God created the universe, he party! recently published showing that Geor- to have been erected by Georgia’s ‘enlight- began to distribute parcels of land to the • Language. Both Italian and Georgian gians’ drinking habits are more similar ener’ Saint Nino, or the early Medieval icture Italy. Maybe you’ve different peoples of the world. Each are spoken fast and loud with plenty of to that of Italy than other parts of East- towers of Svaneti, an analogue of which been there, maybe you’ve just would come forward and claim their hand gestures! For those not familiar ern Europe. is found nowhere else in the world. On seen enough romantic movies land, but when God called out for the with it, Georgian speakers can sound • Stunning scenery. It’s easy to fi nd the whole, Italy has preserved more of set in Tuscany or Venice to Georgians, no one stepped forward. So, like they are constantly arguing. articles with titles like “27 Photos That its architectural heritage – perhaps the feel like you’ve been there, he gave away all the land. Suddenly, the • A fashion hot spot. Milan has a long Prove Italy is Heaven on Earth” but, while comparison will encourage Georgian eitherP way I think you can picture it. It’s Georgians arrived – drunk, laughing, history as the world’s fashion capital, Georgia remains less discovered by the preservation efforts in Old Tbilisi and rolling green hills covered in grape vines, stumbling, “My Lord,” their representa- but Tbilisi is quickly making a name for travel writers, there are plenty of trave- various important sites nationwide that crazy Vespa drivers zipping through tive said, “forgive us for being late. We itself as one of the most interesting des- lers gushing about their experiences, need signifi cant TLC. cobblestone streets, fashionable young were feasting and became so engaged tinations for global fashion, and as the and on everyone’s list is the natural • Festivals. Italy and Georgia both have men smoking on street corners, plates in toasting to Your glory that we lost home of trendsetters and risk takers. beauty. Georgia is just 23% the size of festivals, traditions, and celebrations, piled high with homecooked food, cups track of time.” God was moved by the Probably Georgia’s most famous fashion Italy by land area, yet has an abundance but Italian cultural festivals are more overfl owing with wine from the vineyard Georgians’ honoring Him, so, he gave export is Demna Gvasalia, creative direc- of breathtaking vistas – snow-capped organized. Perhaps due to their attrac- down the country lane. Now, if you’ve them the only piece of land left- the land tor of Balenciaga and head designer of Alpine mountains, gushing rivers, pris- tion for tourists, it is easy to fi nd infor- actually spent time in Italy, you probably he had kept for himself. Today, this slice Vetements, but he does not stand alone, tine mountain lakes, the Black Sea Coast, mation about festivals in Italy online and also know the other side of things – of Heaven is called Georgia. as Georgian designers are being worn and the man-made wonders – ancient surrounding most festivals there is a sort throngs of tourists pushing past each Will Georgia go the way of Italy and by celebrities all over the world, such as cave cities, dramatic towers in the moun- of framework to facilitate tourist par- other to take a selfi e in front of a monu- descend into a fake, over-processed, Avtandil, worn by Lady Gaga and Mary tains, remains of fortresses, and the his- ticipation and enjoyment. In Georgia, ment or painting without actually really tourist-catering facsimile of itself? Per- J. Blige, Situationist, worn by Bella Hadid, toric old cities of Tbilisi and Sighnaghi. on the other hand, most traditional fes- looking at it, piazzas full of overpriced, haps. Only time will tell. But I wouldn’t and George Keburia, worn by Rihanna • Surprises. Being invited to meals with tivals are really still local and regional generic, frozen ‘Italian’ food, simplifi ed wait to fi nd out... and Kortney Kardashian. strangers, a spontaneous plan to go on affairs, making it harder for outsiders to and sweetened to meet the expectations The Similarities: • Beautiful churches. Italy is a majority a hike or a road trip, hidden adventures participate in the festivities. Georgia is of foreign taste buds, cities and land- • Livestock in the road. In the country- Catholic country and Georgia is a major- around every corner – these experiences home, though, to several internationally scapes that have been photographed and side, a traffi c jam means a shepherd and ity Orthodox Christian country, and in are increasingly diffi cult to fi nd in Italy, recognized music festivals including the replicated and emulated so many times his sheep crossing from one pasture to both religion plays a major role in the but Georgia is still a treasure trove of Black Sea Jazz Festival and Gem Fest! that their beauty, while still undeniably another, or a herd of cows unbothered lives of most people. One of Georgia’s surprises! Georgian hospitality is a major • Tourism Development. The tourism there, feels tired, varnished, expected. by the passing cars. most striking features is the tapestry of point of pride, and you’d be hard pressed industry is much more developed in So, what to do? Italy has so much to • Grandma culture. Both countries have ancient churches that cover the country to miss it if you spend any time at all Italy, which has its pros and cons. In delight the senses! How can we experi- a strong family base (more on that below), – tucked away in Tbilisi’s side streets or with locals. Georgia, less established areas can have ence that while avoiding the disappoint- and with that comes the grandma cul- a beacon in a sea of pastureland or rug- The Differences: few transportation links or options for ment and discomfort of a country reor- ture. Grandmothers are respected and ged mountains. Georgia adopted Chris- It depends, of course, on what you want accommodation, so your choices can be iented towards tourists? We need an Italy feared, and will get aggressive about tianity in the 4th century, and there are out of your visit, and it is so incredibly a bit more limited. There is also not as 2.0, and I’ve found it – the tiny Caucasian their affection, stuffi ng you with food, sites dating back to the fi fth century! In hard to compare and rank whole coun- much information (especially in English) country of Georgia. inquiring about your marital status, and both Catholic and Orthodox churches, tries, but for numerous reasons I think online or in print about the country and Italy is seen sometimes as the apex of giving you unrelenting hugs and kisses. you will fi nd elaborate frescoes, depic- Georgia is a better place to visit for most the best ways to explore it. On the up tourist counties, and its many people’s Young people – be ready to give up your tions of saints, candles, incense, and plenty people than Italy! What you love about side, you won’t be trapped in throngs of fantasy travel destination. You should seat on public transportation if a grand- of gold and dramatic embroidery. Plus Italy, you can probably fi nd in large meas- mindless tourists piling off buses, pay- know, however, that Georgia has much mother gets on board! In Georgia, one one for Georgia – in the country’s south- ure in Georgia, and what bugs you about ing more attention to their guide books in common with Italy, and, in my opin- of the prime places for a grandma sight- eastern Kvemo Kartli region and the Italy is largely absent in Georgia. That than the actual place they are visiting. ion, it has much improved upon Italy’s ing are roadside stands where they are western, coastal Adjara region, you will being said – caveat emptor – there are You also have the chance for a much faults and its strengths. Georgia has faults likely to be selling homemade churchkhela, also fi nd beautiful and historic mosques still a few glitches Georgia is working out. more local experience, staying in guest of its own, it’s like the beta version – honey, and jams! built by and for Georgia’s Muslim popu- If Italy is the model for a great travel des- houses and eating at restaurants that there are still a few kinks to work out, • Family culture. The family is the most lation! In both countries, churches are tination, Georgia is an improvement on don’t see many tourists. If you are ever the occasional glitch, but overall a step critical unit of society in both Italy and not the only ancient architecture. While it, a 2.0, but maybe in beta version... looking for information on visiting Geor- up from Italy 1.0. Georgia. Most men can be classifi ed as corners may be crumbling, the beauty of • Money. Italy is a much richer country gia, make www.where.ge your fi rst stop! Full disclosure: I’m not an Italy expert. “mama’s boys,” young people typically I’ve only been once, on a nine-day trip live with their families until marriage, that, while I now remember rather fondly, and everything revolves around the home. I hated at the time. I called Italy an “open If you hang out with a Georgian person sewer of tourist fi lth,” closing a blog post for long enough, expect multiple phone written a week after the trip with “my calls from parents and aunts and uncles recommendation is to put off traveling just checking in. The warmth and love to Italy. Italy is spoiled. Its glory days as from the family atmosphere can feel a a travel destination are long gone and little stifl ing at times, but in the end, you waiting can't make it any worse than it know you can always count on family to is.” I’m sure I will get responses to this be there for you. piece arguing that I just don’t know Italy • Homemade alcohol. Although Geor- well enough, I didn’t do it right, that I’m gia is the birthplace of wine, Italians have unfairly besmirching Italy’s name with taken the tradition and run with it. Most my inexperience – and that is completely Georgian households outside the capital correct, but thankfully, this isn’t really make their own wine, just as there are an article about Italy, it’s about Georgia. thousands of family vineyards through- Most people have never even heard of out the Italian countryside. The home Georgia, fewer still can get a clear enough brewing doesn’t end with wine, though! picture of it in their mind’s eye to build In Italy, limoncello is the garage liquor a fantasy around. So, I will use not Italy of choice, in Georgia you’ll fi nd the clear per say, but the public imagination of grape liquor chacha in glass carboys and Italy, as a start point to help you under- old water bottles in cellars throughout stand the country of Georgia a little bet- the country. ter, and maybe even get inspired to plan • Crazy drivers. Italian drivers are your next trip there! known to be aggressive, irreverent, and Georgia has variably been called the quick to hit the horn. Georgian drivers alternative to the Alps, the cradle of wine, aren’t much different, with little concern and the Eden of the Caucasus. It is a for lane lines and right of way. A funny stunningly diverse country gushing hos- joke in Georgian is that, when crossing pitality and warmth, with family and the street, you should carefully look to friendship at the center of the culture. the left, to the right, up and down! In It is a diamond in the rough fl ecked with Georgia, however, you don’t have to Photo: Giorgi Nikolava

GEORGIA TODAY 12 BUSINESS JULY 3 - 5, 2018 Mtatsminda Mountain Being Restored After August 2017 Fire

by the Business Information Agency project to rehabilitating the Borjomi for- BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE (BIA) and Treepex Startup in order to est, working with Agadgine.ge and Tissue restore the areas in Borjomi damaged Paper. "We hope that the restoration will by fi re during the August 2008 War which be done more effectively through our joint he Tbilisi-based real estate have been unable to rejuvenate indepen- efforts," PASHA Bank representatives said. company m2 met last Thurs- dently. Kukava says that 80% of the trees In December 2016, PASHA Bank planted day with the head of Tbilisi planted in the framework of the campaign 2017 Georgian Pine Trees in the Daba City Hall’s environmental were burned in the week’s fi re. municipality near Borjomi and later funded protection department, Gigi “The planting season ended on May the planting of an additional 500 trees as TGigashvili, to announce that it has com- 20 and we were planning to continue part of the Agadgine campaign. Most of pleted the fi rst phase of its planned res- planting in September,” she told us. those trees were destroyed by the fi re. toration of the fi re-damaged area of “32,300 trees had been planted [some This year, the Bank donated 2018 trees to Mtatsminda Mountain. 3,000 trees per hectare], but following the Agadgine campaign. m2 Real Estate is fi nancing a project the fi re, unfortunately, only approximately Speaking about CSR with The Finan- to give the mountain back its greenery. 2,000 are left.” cial in March, head of PR for m2, David Representatives from the Mtatsminda Agadgine.ge plans to replant the trees Gorgiladze said, “Corporate Social Park administration and local university as soon as a study of the area is done, Responsibility, or, to be more precise, students gathered to plant bushes and “considering the recommendations from Corporate Sustainability, is one of the put in terraces and footpaths on the the Ministry of Environment Protection postulates of our company’s philosophy. 26,000 sq. meters of hillside that burned and other institutions,” Kukava told us. It goes directly in line with our com- in the August 2017 fi re. The National “We’ll keep to all the responsibilities pany’s motto: creating a comfortable, Seedling Farm planted 3,000 saplings of partner)” for their project “Restoration control the blaze. There were no casual- taken on with our campaign and of course safe environment for people. We take eight different species and installed a of Mtatsminda Forest.” ties reported due to the fi re. In Septem- we’ll be planting trees to replace those CSR seriously and focus on more long- modern irrigation system. Experts from m2 has committed to covering the costs ber 2017, there was another fi re on Mtats- 30,000 that were lost in the Borjomi fi re.” term, sustainable projects, which will the nearby National Botanical Garden of maintaining the trees planted for the minda Mountain that also burned TBC Bank Group, Anaklia Develop- have lasting, resonating benefi ts.” are overseeing the restoration process. next three years. The project partners approximately two hectares. Later that ment Consortium, Anaklia City, Coca Specifi cally, on the Mtatsminda resto- The restoration team is striving to initi- with non-governmental organizations August a massive, multi-day forest fi re Cola Georgia, and Lisi Development ration project, Gorgiladze said, “Experts ate the reforestation of Mtatsminda with in a public school campaign to prevent destroyed more than 10 hectares in the united with a pledge to restore the Bor- and environmental care organizations a focus on creating a biologically diverse fi res, teach fi re safety, and reduce disas- Borjomi Gorge and was battled with jomi forest. “In these diffi cult times, were unprecedentedly involved in this and resilient ecosystem. ters such as the 2017 fi re. assistance from fi re brigades from Arme- we’re joining our efforts, taking the project. Every step is overseen by spe- In February of this year, m2 Real Estate A fi re broke out near the territory of nia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Turkey. responsibility to fully restore 10 hectares cialists with relevant knowledge... At the won Georgia’s premier corporate social the Bombora Mtatsminda theme park in Corporate social responsibility is of the forest,” said Mamuka Khazaradze, same time, we tried to add an educational responsibility (CSR) prize, awarded by Georgia's capital city of Tbilisi at 10 pm becoming increasingly popular in Geor- Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board component to this project, in collabora- the CSR club and Global Compact Net- on August 8, 2017 and spread down gia, and corporations also took respon- of TBC Bank Group. “I would like to tion with our environmental protection work Georgia, in the category of “Suc- towards the upper Vera cemetery, dam- sibility for forest restoration after the appeal to all businessmen to join us in NGO partners. The educational aspect cessful Partnership for Sustainable aging a large swath of mature pine forest. Borjomi fi re. GEORGIA TODAY spoke this initiative. Together, I’m sure we can implies raising awareness about fi re pre- Development (project jointly imple- The nearby residential areas were evac- to Salome Kukava from Agadgine.ge, a restore the unique nature of Borjomi”. vention, risk aversion and adequate mented by business and noncommercial uated while 70 fi refi ghters fought to social campaign initiated in April 2017 PASHA Bank dedicated its 2017 CSR response to disaster.” Pantheon Roma – an Italian Perfume Brand, Founded in Rome natural and mystical. Blue was an expres- ness, freedom and mysticism. sion of divine color during the renais- Dolce Passione – refi ned purity and sance period. The perfume is unique, elegancy, with a warm and turbulent incorporating Raphael’s earthly chaos mood expressing a pleasing spontane- and richness, while the bottle is deco- ous feeling. It was a perfume of 2016 rated with a 16th century Italian painting, created for men and women. and the entire collection line is dedicated L’Arome Boutique – a niche perfume to the famous painter, Raphael. The per- boutique chain, including niche fra- fume expresses the smell and color of grances created by the best perfumes. the sky. Leone Fadelli presented the niche brand The aroma is connected to peaceful- Phantheon Roma.

between them didn’t end well. After BY ANNA ZHVANIA spending a night together, the painter passed away. He was the only painter given the honor to be buried in the Roman he brand is inspired by an Pantheon. Margherita, who was madly Italian renaissance story in love with Raphael, committed to her about acknowledged, uni- endless love and spent the rest of her versal artist Raphael Sanzio. life in a nunnery. On instructions from the This story inspired the brand Pantheon, TPope of Rome, the painter started paint- arousing memories, feelings and the ing the Vatican Palace. During that period, sharing of endless love. Raphael was engaged to Queen Medici’s Cosi Blue – an expression of mysticism daughter Maria, but fell in love with the and freedom of the renaissance period. daughter of a baker. The forbidden love The vertical view between earth and sky, GEORGIA TODAY JULY 3 - 5, 2018 BUSINESS 13

Georgia Sees 6.1% Economic Growth Since January

Development Bank both expect 4.5% growth. The BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE International Monetary Fund also forecasts robust growth – 4.5% for 2018, and 4.8% for 2019. For complete statistics, see the GeoStat website. he National Statistics Offi ce of Geor- Commenting on the latest economic reports, gia (GeoStat) has released data from Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze said the eco- the fi rst fi ve months of 2018. Most nomic growth is a sign that the government’s eco- notably, real GDP growth is at 6.1% nomic policy is effective. “I would like to note that year-on-year. For the month of May, the quality of economic growth is improved. First T2018, GeoStat estimates a real GDP growth rate of of all, we should touch the export growth that was 7.5% year-on-year. Growth was mainly due to the increased by 50% compared to the previous year, transportation, manufacturing, trade, fi nancial this is a signifi cant contributor to this economic intermediation, and hotel and restaurant sectors. growth,” Bakhtadze said before today’s Cabinet Georgia’s government has predicted 2018 eco- meeting. He also touted the reforms his new gov- nomic growth will average 4.5%. The World Bank ernment has announced, saying they have created estimates 4.2% growth, while the European Bank a healthy economic environment where growth for Reconstruction and Development and the Asian rates will continue to increase. 1 GEL Land to Build Parking Lots in Tbilisi

Photo: Transparency.ge releases more pollution into the air. BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE In April, 2017, City Hall under former Mayor Davit Narmania planned to create ten multi-level park- ing areas. Narmania said that the parking areas bilisi City Hall has announced plans would be built in all the overcrowded districts of to sell land for parking lots for just Tbilisi, including Station Square, Marjanishvili GEL 1. City Hall has already selected Avenue, Pushkin Square, Dinamo Arena and Tbilisi 183 locations around the city, which City Hall. Nine were planned underground, and they will offer for the symbolic price one above ground in order to preserve architecture Tof 1 Georgian Lari to build a parking lot on the site. and green spaces. These plans did not come to Andria Basilaia, Head of Economic Development fruition under Narmania. Kaladze’s government Department of Tbilisi City Hall, met with business- released a call for proposals to develop the concept, men on June 28 to announce the call for tenders. The but no companies responded to the call, perhaps deadline for tender submissions expires on July 15. due to the technical diffi culty of constructing mul- Tbilisi suffers from a notorious lack of parking, tistory underground parking facilities. leading to cars parked on sidewalks, and blocking In March, Kaladze ended Tbilisi’s contract with entrances and wheelchair ramps. The lack of park- the parking regulatory company C.T. Park, which ing combined with high car ownership rate also had exclusive rights to manage parking in the cap- leads to extra time driving searching for parking, ital. Parking management services were subse- which costs the city economic productivity and quently taken on by Tbilisi Transport Company. GEORGIA TODAY 14 BUSINESS JULY 3 - 5, 2018 Spar Opens New Supermarket in Kutaisi

pizza, sandwiches and shawarma, along BY SHAWN WAYNE with a wide selection of traditional Geor- gian dishes and salads. The retailer said that a highlight of the par Georgia has opened its store is the bakery section, offering biggest supermarket in the freshly made Georgian cakes and breads. country to date, in the city of In 2017, Spar Georgia’s fi rst full year of Kutaisi. trading saw the business post solid The new supermarket is growth, through the opening of 19 stores. Slocated approximately 200 kilometers With this latest store opening in Kutaisi, west of the capital, Tbilisi. A conversion the Spar partner now has a total of 43 of an existing store, the supermarket was Spar supermarkets. Spar also has plans re-branded to Spar and redesigned inside in place to move into sub-licensing to and out, according to the retailer. enable independent retailers to benefi t Spar Georgia has maintained its focus from the brand. on offering a good selection of fresh Overall, Spar International has recently produce and traditional Georgian bakery pushed expansion in Eastern and South- products, the retailer said. ern Europe. Alongside budding markets This new supermarket offers more than in Greece and Italy, Spar International 10,000 SKUs, including Spar own-brand opened its fi rst store in Malta this year, products from various Spar partners. and has plans to introduce its brand to There is also an in-store café that sells Cyprus. Presentation on Regional Activity Guria Group (RAGG) held in Nodar Dumbadze’s Foundation

BY ANNA ZHVANIA

n June 29, a presentation of the annual summary report and development vision of the Regional Activity Guria Group (RAGG)O was held in the Nodar Dum- badze Foundation. The group comprises professionals with different specialties who are engaged within their own per- sonal responsibility for the sustainable development of the Guria region and who, through various initiatives, enhance tourist attraction to the region. The pres- entation also included the main fi ndings of tourism potential research of the Guria region, carried out by Eichstätt - Ingol- stadt Catholic University Master stu- dents, professors and tourism experts. “My understanding of Guria’s regional development, fi rst of all, implies the ful- fi llment of the Gurieli ‘son-in-law’ role,” is active in this direction, initiated a fi rst ervation of natural and cultural heritage process of transformation.” already in progress within the project said Knut Gerber, Founder of RAGG, step of initiatives to incentivize tourists for future generations, which we believe Within the scope of the presentation, framework and have raised interest in Business Consultant, Georgian citizen. and raise awareness of the culture, her- to be a worthy task, then we have to take supporters of the initiative, Anzor Erqo- tourism development from an invest- “Even 20 years ago, I saw that Guria, itage and traditions of the local commu- this initiative together with the commu- maishvili, Keti Dumbadze, Director of ment group. with its authentic hospitality, welcomes nity. As a result, I can say that we can nity, administration and businesses to Nodar Dumbadze Foundation and the “The initiative started by RAGG is vital guests and is open to foreign nationali- already observe tangible results.” actively involve all sides. Every member founders Gaga Gogichaishvili, Soso to the well-being of the community,” said ties. As a tourism expert, I can say that “Guria is not known as a rich region. of RAGG’s team and its numerous sup- Erqomaishvili and Knut Gerber, discussed Mikheil Chkuaseli. “In the two years the Guria’s unique selling points (USP) Research on tourism potential shows that porters believe that it is a personal respon- the importance of similar civil unions group has existed, the involvement and exactly meet tourist expectations: sin- it is not developed enough in any direc- sibility, a message to Gurians living in in terms of regional development, the interest of the population has grown. cere hospitality, authentic nature and tion. Guria, at this stage, does not utilize Georgia and abroad, to join us and take existing stage of Guria’s development, The research carried out by the invest- rich heritage. The research identifi es its natural potential at its maximum capac- responsibility to maintain the heritage the present challenges and potential and ment group is crucial, well demonstrat- that Guria should sustain its develop- ity,” said Gaga Gogichaishvili, Co-Founder and traditions which makes Guria and reasons why members support and are ing the problems that Guria faces, chal- ment, maintain its identity and believe of RAGG. “If we want the region’s sus- our country, Georgia, unique. We believe part of the group. lenges that we are ready to develop in its regional economic potential. RAGG tainable development, meaning the pres- now is the time to act and support the Meetings with Guria’s community are solutions to overcome.” Tbilisi Market Project may register and participate. BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE “It is highly important to encourage people who work in this fi eld to sell items regularly from this location. As you know, he Department of Economic there are many tourists in the city and Development at Tbilisi City this opportunity is vital for them,” said Hall has announced a new Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze when project called Tbilisi Mar- speaking about the project. ket. Every Saturday for the The Head of the Economic Develop- Tmonth of July, Tbilisi will host an exhi- ment Department at Tbilisi City Hall, bition of handmade crafts by Georgian Andria Basilaia, says he is planning a artists and small businesses. The prod- similar event for the fall. ucts will include textiles, enamel, felt, “I call on everyone to visit Rike Park ceramics, glass, wood, and leather goods. from every Saturday evening to buy items City Hall hopes that Tbilisi market will of local entrepreneurs in order to pro- become an “interesting and verifi ed trade mote their production,” said Basilaia. space for local guests and tourists as The exhibition was held in sync with well, where micro and small entrepre- “Cultural night tours in Georgia,” a pro- neurs registered in Tbilisi may take part.” ject within the framework of Check in The aim of the project is to promote Georgia, organized by the Georgia National local creativity and business develop- Tourism Administration. “Cultural night ment in the arts. The market will be held tours in Georgia” invited guests and tour- at Rike Park from 5 pm – 11 pm. The fi rst ists to attend a concert by the State Aca- market day was Saturday, June 30, and demic Group of the Georgian National the event was met with success by ven- Ballet ‘Sukhishvilebi’ and musical ensem- dors and visitors alike. Any entrepreneur ble ‘Theatrical Quartet.’ GEORGIA TODAY JULY 3 - 5, 2018 SOCIETY 15 Where.ge Team Opens Meama Restaurant

Kazbegi, Lopota Spa and Resort, Chron- guests with when they arrive to Geor- ograph and he host restaurant, Meama. gia,” Oliver Regner, Managing Director Prizes ranged from discounts on travel, of DWV (the German Business Asso- overnight stays, dinners for two and ciation) noted. special gifts. Attendees got to enjoy the dulcit tones GEORGIA TODAY spoke to Gary of the Rustavi 2 "Only Georgian" mega Dunkley, Owners' Representative at the project singing contest winner, Sopho Government of Ras al Khaimah, and Batilashvili on the roof terrace of Meama. Andreas Heidingsfelder, General man- The terrace overlooks the most stunning ager at Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi part of the city, with the Holy Trinity Palace, to get their take on Where.ge. Cathedral and the President's Palace lit “It really hits what is required by the up in the distance and the cable car and visiting tourists and really gives an insight Mother of Georgia overhead. Unbeatable into Georgia, its culture and everything,” for a night out! Dunkley told us. “If I was a tourist com- The restaurant, a combination of Euro- ing to Georgia, it would be the best pean standards and that exotic European- magazine to teach me where to go!” Asian-unique Georgian mix, is now all “The fact the magazine comes out every set to delight guests with their dishes two months is perfect,” Heidingsfelder- prepared with love and a respect for the said. “Whenever I have visitors, I hand historical signifi cance of the setting. And them some editions of the magazine and Where.ge is set to keep you informed of they can fi nd out where they want to go where to Go, Stay, Eat, Drink and Buy and what they want to see.” year-round. Grab YOUR magazine now “Where.ge is a central item for us to or head to where.ge and choose Where gift our business delegations and VIP You Want to Go Next...

"I would like to thank our partners, make the publication so unique. I also BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES readers, guest columnists for spending want to express my gratitude to the time with us at a wonderful restaurant Georgian National Tourism Administra- Meama," said George Sharashidze, tion and Mr. George Chogovadze for the o launch the summer issue WHERE.ge publisher. "Thanks to Meama, continuous support from the very fi rst of Where.ge, the team and we all had the privilege to taste a unique issue, and I can promise that we will around 100 specially invited food selection – one of the best Georgian keep doing our best to provide tourists guests took to the beautiful fusions in town! I am really happy that with the most useful information – be it new Old Tbilisi restaurant two years since launching, WHERE.ge 8 million or even more!" Tof Meama, just up the hill from Meidan has become an established brand acknowl- After the welcoming speeches and time Square and set on three cozy but spaciously edged for the most comprehensive, trust- to eat and mingle, guests were treated designed fl oors in a converted house. ful and updated travel tips for tourists, to an exclusive raffl e with generous prizes High quality Chelty wine was served of course thanks to our editorial team! provided by sponsors Regus, Voyage alongside everyone's favorite, Teliani I would like to thank our invited column- tours Georgia, Hotel Porta Caucasus Valley, and a delicious Georgian buffet ists who share their personal travel rec- Kazbegi, Bluebird Travel, Sachkhere was prepared by Chef Levan Kobiashvili. ommendations to Where.ge readers and Gardens Hotel Complex, Erekle II Hotel Elton Mesmerizes Georgia latest album Wonderful Crazy Night, stroll or two and cheer his public repeat- REVIEW BY INGA MUMLADZE with some older, well-known hits strewn edly (not that we needed any encourage- around. Here is a bulleting of sorts, with ment, mind you). a few takeaways from the fi rst day, both • Bad? Nothing. Disregard the earlier o, Elton John – where do I start? good and bad: bads as well. There can be nothing bad Probably by addressing him • Good: Everything was well-organized, about an Elton John concert. as Sir Elton instead of just his down to the police and security being The fi rst half of the concert consisted (admittedly unusual, you have alert and at the same time non-intrusive. of more mellow tracks, ideal for those to agree with Rowan Atkinson Well done on that part. who were there to sit and enjoy it, while Shere) name? Alternatively, we could just • Bad? The concert was just two hours the second part was more dance-y and call him the living legend that he is – and perhaps a ten minutes long. Sure, I energetic, with the guitarist taking a bit although that would also cheapen the get it, the man is 71 and unlikely to gal- of the limelight. Credit where its due, man’s achievements- there are a few liv- lop around the stage and pull an all- the lighting works were superb – no ing legends out there, some have even nighter, but I would have done just fi ne fl ashy special effects, but they added performed in Georgia, but there’s one with an additional hour. some nifty touches to the overall atmos- and only Sir Elton John. And when it was • Good: An enthusiastic, if cultured phere. The fi nal applause was a roaring announced that this wonderful man, audience. Lots of old timers, the original one, with the musician “forced” to play after postponing his planned concert hypsters, my parents’ generation. All additional songs several times, submit- back in 2017, would this time really give clearly enjoying the show. ting to popular demand. it a go, there was little choice but to pack • Bad? Acoustic system. The quality Update from the second day: Every- things, thank the gods (and the market- itself was fi ne and you could tell the thing got even better – better sound, ing teams) for things like press accredi- equipment and sound system were top Elton being even more energetic and the tation and head to Adjara. Oh, and lest notch, but whoever the sound engineer concert lasting longer than the previous I forget – the concert was organized by was had little idea how to tune it down, one. I don’t know whether they feed him Eastern Promotion in the scope of the or just little regard for other people’s Khinkali or Khachapuri but Elton (he’s government’s Check in Georgia program, Photo by Mirian Meladze ears, or both. This was one of those con- been here for two days already, we can adding yet another feather to their pro- fl ew to Tbilisi on a personal jet hours black (of course with some sprinkles certs where not being in the fi rst rows call him simply Elton now) seemed to verbial hat. Apparently, it was also Sir before the concert, before heading to and starry bits and whatnot, but still – actually helped. have grown in(to) Georgia. Elton’s fi rst and only European show this Adjara, specifi cally to the Black Sea Arena this was by far the most somber outfi t I • Good: harking back to my earlier Fun fact: A drum stick was thrown, a year, before a massive gig in the States in Shekvetili that has become a familiar have seen him perform in), Sir Elton complaint on the concert being a bit too Georgian girl caught it. What’s fun about that’s supposed to kick off in September stage for world famous stars performing appeared, accommodated himself at the short, this time I would like to applaud that? That it’s the same girl who caught 2018. in Georgia. To his credit, if he was suf- enormous black piano and started doing the said 71 year old gentleman for roll- a drum stick at the Scorpions concert Not one known to be understated, the fering jetlag, he made no show of it what he does best – quality music. The ing back the years, being a spritely chap last year. I sense a pattern here. Or I am 71-year-old British musician nonchalantly whatsoever. At around 9pm, clad all in repertoire consisted of songs from his and not forgetting to stand up, have a probably just jealous. Probably the later.

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