The Christmas & New Year's Eve Festivities Awaiting You in Tbilisi

Issue no: 1216/213 • DEC. 31 - JAN. 9, 2019/2020 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

Weekly Entrepreneurial News @entrepreneur.ge NEWS PAGE 2 Agri Review December 2019 – The Sector at a Glance ISET PAGE 4 20 Tips to Succeed in 2020! FOCUS BUSINESS PAGE 5 Four Large-scale ON NEW International Exhibitions to be Held in Frankfurt YEAR CHEER BUSINESS PAGE 6 The now-famous Georgian doctor has been freed PAGE 3 Georgia: 5 Months of Sanctions Sees 100,000 Russians Less, But 215,000 The Christmas & New Year's Eve More Other Tourists BUSINESS PAGE 7 Festivities Awaiting You in Tbilisi Major Geopolitical Trends for 2020 BY ANA DUMBADZE BUSINESS PAGE 8

ew Year in Georgia is one of the most important celebra- Economy Ministry: Electricity tions and everyone waits impatiently for it. For the local population, just as it is in the rest of the world, New Year is a symbol of new hope, wishes, and goals. People in Import to Decrease, Export Georgia celebrate the New Year by sitting down to a feast to Increase in 2020 Nwith their family or attending a special event. Every part of the country celebrates the new beginning in their own BUSINESS PAGE 9 Why I Strike for the Climate BUSINESS PAGE 10 Photo Courtesy: Tbilisi City Hall Magnolia Awards 2019 traditional way. In Tbilisi, Georgia's beautiful capital, various festive events are scheduled by City Hall, which this year promises a more magical and unforgettable New Year than ever before. A two-week program of concerts, theater shows, fi lm screenings and workshops for young visitors is on at two locations in the Georgian capital to bring festive spirit to all. Launched on December 25 with the unveiling of the city's central Christ- mas tree in the 'Christmas Town,' the offi cial City Hall program involves dozens of participants, from musical artists and theater troupes to craft- speople and food vendors. Continued on page 2 BUSINESS PAGE 11 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 9, 2019/2020 The Christmas & New Year's Eve Festivities Awaiting You in Tbilisi @entrepreneur.ge Gamarjoba! I’m the Editor-in-Chief of the Georgian edition of Entrepreneur magazine and I’m here to share the top weekly Continued from page 1 On January 5 and 10, the Little Prince 20:45 -21:45 - Goofy Land Entrepreneurial news with you: will fl y over Tbilisi. Air shows will start The events are being hosted in the newly at 8 PM. During the day, many activities 6 January renovated historical Orbeliani Square as will take place for children: concerts, fairy- 20:00-21:00 - The Quintessence – Christ- Marimo was founded by Mariam well as the now-customary spot of the First tale character performances and Christmas mas concert Chagelishvili, driven by a from- Republic Square, where Christmas Town Tree decorations crafting workshops. 21:00-23:00 - Lasha Margiani (Hatsvali) childhood love of creating. It has been set up with decorations and a For the New Year, Tbilisi Christmas specializes in organizing events, fairground to run from 25 December to 13 Market will unite the projects 'Taste in the 7 January including weddings, with beautiful, January. Head to the First Republic Square Streets of Tbilisi' and 'Tbilisian Market'. 20:00-21:00 - Georgian singing stars and outstanding décor and design and is fast-growing in popularity. Marimo has at 11 PM on December 31 for a gala concert Every night, in the First Republic Square, bands a number of plans for the future, giving where the people's favorite TV show Dead Georgian singing stars, musical bands, 21:00-23:00 - DJ Nika Kvachadze brides moments of unforgettable Ringers will be shown open air. and DJs will give performances for you. excitement and the freedom and On the evening of New Year's Day, the 8 January variety of choice. world-renowned musical project Max 29 December 20:00-21:00 - Luka Dgebuadze trio the Sax will perform before the audience 20:00-21:00 - Georgian singing stars 21:00-23:00 - Ia Tomashi and Saba Abra- Kaleisi is a Georgian brand of silver jewelry, at 9 PM in the same square. 21:00-23:00 - DJ Nika Japaridze (Nika J) midze creating high-quality accessories for ladies The fi nal event of the New Year will and gentlemen. The brand entered the market be on January 13, at 8 PM, to celebrate 30 December 9 January in 2018, the founders being childhood friends the Orthodox "Old" New Year with top 20:00-21:00 - Georgian singing stars 20:00-21:00 - Davit Evgenidze and the band Tata Kapanadze and Mariam Khukhunaishvili. Georgian singers Stephane, Nino Kata- 21:00-23:00 - DJ Shotiko Tsverava (Sumo) 21:00-23:00 - DJ Beka Lortkipanidze (Baqi Offering unique production in style, madze, Lela Tsurtsumia, Nato Metonidze Lordkipanidze) packaging, price and character, it is already and Sopho Nizharadze. 31 December popular among jewelry lovers. Tata and 23:00 - New Year Gala concert / musical 10 January Mariam plan to offer their clients a comfortable web-order service from 2020. PROGRAM show Dead Ringers 20:00-20:45 - The Little Prince show The upcoming website will enable customers Orbeliani Square (25 December - 13 20:45-21:45 - Rezo and the Children to take a look at the brand’s old and new January) 1 January collections and choose items of their liking. In Orbeliani Square, you will be greeted 21:00-22:00 - MAX THE SAX 11 January with the magically illuminated Atoneli 22:00-00:00 - DJ Nika Janelidze (Skalitzer) 20:00-21:00 - Newton band Street, with a Chichilaki forest and lit-up 21:00-23:00 - DJ Erekle Tabukashvili GukArt is a Georgian brand oriented on personal health and planet, Santa Claus' house and an ice rink. 2 January (Tobacco Twin) comfort. The company produces During the day, many entertaining pro- 20:00-21:00 - Davit Iluridze band handmade everyday-items with grams will be offered for children, as 21:00-23:00 - DJ Misho Gochitashvili 12 January natural materials, such as clay. will food vendors, a public karaoke spot 20:00-21:00 - Georgian Folk concert Founder Guranda Kemoklidze and musical performances by DJs. 3 January 21:00-22:00 - Blues Factory Levan Javakh- says: “I like to give customers 20:00-21:00 - New One band ishvili items of necessity in a beautiful, First Republic Square (25 December 21:00-23:00 - DJ Sandro Jorbenadze (DJ 22:00-00:00 - DJ Toke Nikolaishvili (Toke) new form.” At present, GukArt - 13 January) SendNudes) is only selling hand-painted air Santa Claus and his elves welcome you 13 January humectants but in future, in the magical town where diverse per- 4 January 20:00-21:00 - Georgian singing stars and GukArt plans to offer a greater variety of products of other formances are ready to entertain you. 19:40-20:00 - Saba Sapareli (Street Musician) bands material, such as wool. Meet juggling clowns and magicians, a 20:00-21:00 - Nodariko Khutsishvili band 21:00-23:00 - DJ Oto Parulava chemistry show, various workshops for 21:00-23:00 - DJ Kote Japaridze Follow the Entrepreneur Georgia Instagram page to get the latest updates from children, a wind orchestra and drummers, "You are going to have a New Year full of Georgian Entrepreneurs. For doing business with Georgian Entrepreneurs, write us on fairy-tale readings, children's movies and 5 January history. Happy New Year!" reads the website [email protected] more. (12 PM - 8 PM) 20:00-20:45 - The Little Prince show of Tbilisi City Hall. GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 9, 2019/2020 BUSINESS 3 Dr. Gaprindashvili Freed “My friends, tomorrow’s freedom car BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE honking protest has been replaced by great happiness: on December 29, at 7 PM there will be a big box waiting for octor Gaprindashvili was you in the National Library. You will be illegally detained on able to place there the ‘thank you letters’ November 9 in the region addressed to the man who honored us. of Akhalgori. On December We’ll be delivering them on New Year’s 20, the Court of the ‘Lenin- Eve. You can repeat the gesture in every Dgori region’ charged the Georgian doctor city! Doctor Vazha is free!” with illegally crossing the so-called bor- International society was also quick to der and sentenced him to one year and respond to the release of the heroic doc- nine months in prison. To everyone’s tor. surprise, the doctor was then released OSCE Secretary General Thomas on December 28. Greminger welcomed the fact on his Sputnik-Ossetia reported that Dr. Twitter page with the words: “Welcome Gaprindashvili was pardoned by the de- the release of Dr. Gaprindashvili. Further facto President of occupied South Osse- detentions should be avoided and free- tia, Anatoly Bibilov. dom of movement guaranteed for all The information about the doctor’s people, at all times.” release was fi rst reported by the State “I welcome and applaud the news of Security Service. As the news spread the release of Georgian doctor Vazha throughout Georgian society, Irakli #Gaprindashvili,” the Minister of Foreign Antadze, Deputy Director of the Ana- try of Georgia.” emphasizing that she appreciated eve- future has become stronger!” President Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Edgars lytical Department of the State Security Doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili held his ryone’s contribution to the doctor’s of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili wrote Rinkevics, wrote on his offi cial Twitter Service, further assured the public that fi rst press briefi ng in Tbilisi on Decem- release. on her social media page. page. Dr. Gaprindashvili’s health was in good ber 28, together with his wife Tamila “I would like to thank our state and The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Geor- The US Embassy to Georgia also pub- condition. Around noon on a sunny Sat- Lapanashvili. state agencies, security service, Ministry gia, Davit Zalkaliani, highlighted the work lished a statement on the release of the urday, the famous Doctor was already He began by once again thanking eve- for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, of diplomacy and the international com- illegally-detained Georgian doctor. in Shida Kartli Police Department. ryone for their support, noting that “all Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our interna- munity in his public announcement. “We welcome the news that Dr. Vazha His family members were waiting out- Georgia contributed” to his release. tional partners, our friends abroad, our "I would like to once again thank the Gaprindashvili has been released by the side, shocked and overwhelmed by the He said that the reason for his deten- civil society, all of you. Also, our notable international community, our partner de facto authorities in South Ossetia. We good news: Doctor Gaprindashvili would tion and sentencing in occupied Tskh- singers, scientists, writers, etc. Many countries, and international organiza- join all Georgians and the international be celebrating the New Year at home. invali was not crossing the line of occu- people were involved in the process of tions, who have shown unprecedented community in welcoming him home to The members of the reunited happy pation but rather his insistence on the Vazha’s release within the borders of attention and strength to get the illegally spend the holidays with his family. We family shared their excitement and grat- fact that he had not left the Georgian Georgia or abroad,” she stressed, adding detained physician released. again call on the de facto authorities to itude with the public. Vazha Gaprindash- territory. that the Gaprindashvili family will dis- “We hope that through such tireless open crossing points along the admin- vili himself found it hard to put his emo- “From the fi rst day of my detention, I cuss further details with media in the efforts, diplomacy and support of the istrative boundary line and to allow tions into words: kept telling the Russian border guards future. international community, we will peace- freedom of movement for the local “This is totally unexpected. I never as well as representatives of Tskhinvali Doctor Gaprindashvili’s release brought fully solve the humanitarian problems population and humanitarian access. thought I’d be released today. Just yes- bodies that I had not left the territory of as much joy as his detention had brought facing the confl ict-affected population," The United States maintains its unwa- terday I was told that on the 31st [of Georgia and that I was currently on Rus- Georgian and international society sor- said Zalkaliani said. vering commitment to Georgia’s sover- December] an appeal hearing would be sian occupied Georgian land,” he told row and regret. Everyone from the Geor- Not a politician or a diplomat but an eignty and territorial integrity,“ read the taking place, about which, to be honest, journalists. gian President to the Minister of Foreign important fi gure in Georgian Society, US Embassy’s post. I had my doubts,” he said the day of his Gaprindashvili also thanked the Osse- Affairs of the Republic of Latvia publicly Giorgi Kekelidze, the Director of the Doctor Gaprindashvili spent 49 days release. “I want to thank everyone wor- tian people, noting that when refused to responded to the freeing of the Georgian National Library and the coordinator of in prison in Tskhinvali. The occupational ried about me, be it the government, the take meals prepared by the Tskhinvali doctor. the recently-established team created to forces charged him for ‘illegally crossing parliament, the police or whoever. Spe- prison administration, he was sent food “We have received great news for the communicate to the public on Dr. Gaprin- the “border,”’ ignoring the fact that he cial thanks to my beautiful wife and bril- by locals. “I would like thank the Osse- eve of the New Year and we are very dashvili’s case, shared his positive emo- was merely helping a patient in need. It liant children, my dear friends and eve- tian population and to apologise to those excited! Congratulations to everyone on tions the doctor’s release, writing on his is a relief he will be home to celebrate ryone who stood by me, thank you very who were inconvenienced because of Vazha Gaprindashvili’s release, con- Facebook page that the ‘car honking the New Year with his family. It’s a relief much. From what I can see, we should me,” he noted. gratulations to his family and friends protest’ that was planned for December not to have to write ‘abducted’ before be this united always, serving our coun- His wife also talked to journalists, and all of Georgia! The hope for the 29, has changed form. his name anymore. UNDP Georgia Participates in the 60 Seconds Challenge

BY BEKA ALEXISHVILI

ouisa Vinton, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Pro- gram (UNDP) in Georgia, participated in the 60 Seconds Challenge,L seing her list all the UNDP accomplishments of 2019. Though Mrs. Vinton mentioned at the commencement of the video that 60 seconds is a very short timeframe to list annual achieve- Occupied Tskhinvali ments, she still managed to include the most important ones yet. “We launched a 74-million-dollar program to prevent fl oods and other climate- driven disasters all across Georgia. Closes Crossing I got to meet Beglar the hippopotamus – who is our mascot in that effort. We worked with the Public Service Hall and other public facilities to ensure Point for New Year full access for persons with disabilities. We worked with the Parliament to ensure that it has the proper rules of order to exercise its new oversight functions. We supported reforms to ensure that Holidays Georgia has an impartial and professional We proved that Georgian women are new mountain strategy that will assist until 6 AM January 3, for, as it says, “secu- BY ANA DUMBADZE civil service. already standout leaders in science, tech- 300,000 high mountain dwellers. rity reasons.” We worked with civil society organiza- nology and engineering. We trained 1400 And we went to those mountains in Tskhinvali closed two other crossing tions to improve the welfare of thousands people in new vocations so that they Ambrolauri, where we organized an points earlier in September, citing "esca- of people living in confl ict-affected areas. have opportunities outside agriculture. enormous Sustainable Development he de-facto government of lation of tension at certain sections of We published a landmark human rights We helped the government defi ne its Goals festival to show how determined the occupied Tskhinvali the border with Georgia" as the reason. report that summarizes Georgia’s achieve- new seven-year strategy for agriculture we are that no one is left behind in Geor- region (South Ossetia) Georgian and foreign offi cials have ments but also its challenges to date. and rural development. gia’s development.” Louisa Vinton decided to close the Kar- been calling on the de facto Tskhinvali We stood up for human rights and We improved the fi nancing for twelve reported in her video address. zmani crossing point con- authorities to reopen all of the crossing defended the rights of the LGBTIQ com- national parks and other protected areas. What would you have to say for your Tnecting the occupied region with the points as soon as possible to avoid a munity. We helped the government develop a 2019 '60 Seconds Challenge'? rest of Georgia from 8 PM December 30 humanitarian crisis on the ground. GEORGIA TODAY 4 BUSINESS DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 9, 2019/2020

Agri Review December 2019 – The Sector at a Glance Figure 1. Budget allocations for MEPA and its subsidiary agencies (+30.2%), vegetables (+16.2%), milk, cheese, in 2019, while agricultural imports declined and eggs (+15.4%) and ﬁ sh (+14.5%) by 9.3%, from 1,221 mln. USD in 2018 to 1,107 mln. USD in 2019. The decrease in IN THE SPOTLIGHT: agricultural imports can be partially FRUIT AND GRAPES attributed to the depreciation of the Geor- During September-November 2019, the gian lari against the currencies of the price of fruit and grapes was particularly major trading partners, as well as the USD noticeable. In November 2019, the year- and EUR. The Georgian Lari depreciated over-year prices for this category increased against the Turkish lira by 4%, Russian by 30.2% compared to November 2018. ruble – 17%, US dollar – 11% and EUR – Such a sharp increase in fruit prices 8%. While a weak national currency usu- may be the result of a shortage in supply. ally positively affects exports, agricultural The depreciation of the Georgian lari exports did not increase during this period. improved the competitiveness of domestic fruit in foreign markets, therefore, both POLICY WATCH the quantity and value of exported fruit The Government of Georgia approved and grapes (in USD) increased on an the Rural and Agricultural Development annual basis. From September-November Strategy 2021-2027 2019, the quantity of exported fruit and The Rural and Agricultural Develop- grapes increased by 32%, while the cor- ment Strategy 2021-2027 was based on responding increase in value was 89% the analysis of existing strategies, in Source: Ministry of Finance. The share of the budget for agriculture has been calculated by the authors (MoF, 2019). (Figure 2) consideration of the results of programs/

n December 10, the parlia- tural Cooperative Development Agency Figure 3. Quantity and value of imported fruit ment of Georgia approved (ACDA) is now also under ARDA’s the state budget for 2020. umbrella. The budget includes allo- MEPA will allocate approximately 2.4 cations of around 14.4 bil- mln. GEL for establishing a new agency Olion GEL, out of which, the Ministry of focusing on land issues. Specifi cally, the Environmental Protection and Agriculture national agency for sustainable land man- (MEPA) will receive 353 mln. GEL (2.4% agement and land use monitoring, with of the total budget allocation). MEPA will 70 employees, will be in charge of devel- direct approximately 293 mln. GEL (2.0% oping an agricultural land policy, collect- of the total budget allocation) towards ing data on agricultural land use, and agricultural development and 60 mln. establishing a unifi ed database for the GEL (0.4%) will be spent on environmen- land balance in Georgia. tal protection. Compared to 2019, the budget for agri- DOMESTIC PRICES cultural development will increase by On a monthly basis, the country’s price around 4%. More state funds will be allo- levels increased during September- cated to the Scientifi c-Research Center November 2019. The Consumer Price (SRCA), the Agriculture and Rural Devel- Index (CPI) in November 2019 was 0.9% opment Agency (ARDA) and Georgian higher than in October 2019. While in Amelioration, while the budget will slightly October 2019, the corresponding price decrease for the National Food Agency increase was 0.8% from September 2019. (NFA), the Agriculture Development During this period, the biggest month- Program (MEPA administration), and the over-month change in CPI was observed National Wine Agency. in September (1.7%). November 2019. In November 2019, the On the other hand, trade statistics reveal reforms implemented, as well as EU Although the redistribution of funds During the same period, prices for food CPI rose by 7.0% compared to November that the import value of fruit and grapes experiences. The strategy includes the has changed slightly, as in previous years, and non-alcoholic beverages, measured 2018 and marked its highest level within increased by 7% in the September-Novem- priorities of the Government of Geor- the biggest share of MEPA’s funds will by the Food Price Index (FPI), also exhib- the indicated period. ber 2019 period, whereas the correspond- gia, as well as sectoral or multisectoral further support ARDA (143 mln. GEL), ited an upward trend. In November 2019, In November 2019, the year-over-year ing change in the value of imported fruit, directions and approaches targeted at Georgian Amelioration (76 mln. GEL), food prices increased by 1.2% compared prices of food and non-alcoholic bever- expressed in USD, decreased by 27%. agricultural and rural development. (A and the NFA (41 mln. GEL). ARDA will to October 2019, while the corresponding ages increased dramatically, by 13.4%; (Figure 3). brief analysis of this strategy can be continue fi nancing about ten programs, month-over-month price change in Octo- contributing 4.02 percentage points to As to international prices, in September- viewed in our previous Agri Review including a preferential agro credit pro- ber was 1.6% and 3.3% in September 2019. the change in the total CPI. The main November 2019, international prices were publication: ject with the highest budget of 74 mln. From an annual perspective, the CPI drivers were price fl uctuations in the fol- higher than last year: in November 2019, http://iset-pi.ge/images/AGRIndex/ GEL. It should be noted that the Agricul- continued to increase from September- lowing sub-groups: fruit and grapes the Food Price Index, measured by the Agri_Review/Agri_Review_Octo- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), ber_2019_ENG_Full.pdf) Figure 2. Quantity and value of exported fruit increased drastically by 9.5%, compared For more information follow the link: to the corresponding month of last year. https://mepa.gov.ge/En/News/ The main drivers were the price increases Details/11792 for vegetable oil (20.2%), meat (17.2%), USAID supports Georgia in certifi ca- and dairy (9.5%). tion of seedlings Such a sharp hike in the price of vegeta- Under the agricultural support program, ble oil was mainly due to slowdowns in the United States Agency for International the major producing countries that led Development (USAID) will assist the to a shortage in supply. As for meat, the Ministry of Environmental Protection prices increased due to tight export avail- and Agriculture in improving the certi- abilities against a persistent strong import fi cation procedures for seedlings. At the demand, especially from China. workshop, the representatives of the relevant agencies of the Ministry of Envi- TRADE HIGHLIGHTS ronmental Protection and Agriculture Year-over-year, total Georgian exports discussed the steps taken by the Georgian increased between January-November, Government to certify seedlings and by 11.7% (from 3,027 mln. USD in 2018 to improve legislation. The USAID program 3,381 mln. USD in 2019). While total exports which aims at supporting the harmoniza- increased, agricultural exports decreased tion of the legislative base and the retrain- by 7.5% for the same period. Considering ing of specialists, also includes fi nancial imports, both total imports and agricul- support for nurseries. tural imports decreased on a yearly basis. Total imports decreased by 2.3%, from For more information follow the link: https:// 8,316 mln. USD in 2018 to 8,123 mln. USD mepa.gov.ge/En/News/Details/11798 GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 9, 2019/2020 BUSINESS 5 20 Tips to Succeed in 2020!

action towards clear and realistic goals; many others have before you. But don’t come to you just as it comes to other BY GEORGE SHARASHIDZE, EDITOR- the year of turning your past dreams be afraid of failure: keep moving forward. “lucky ones”! IN-CHIEF, ENTREPRENEUR GEORGIA into the exciting goals of tomorrow, I recall many motivational quotes on achievable through daily and consistent failure, but for inspiration in 2020, turn 13. THINK AND ACT action! to this Japanese wisdom: "Fall seven LIKE A CHAMPION! ew Year's Eve seems to times, get up eight"! Don't be satisfi ed with your current be the best time to rethink 3. DON'T SHARE YOUR DREAMS achievements and work constantly to Fall seven times, the past and to plan for WITH "SMALL" PEOPLE! 8. GET BETTER! improve on your results, just like sports the future. But instead of Share them only with those who are You can't do anything better than this legends do. In 2020, see your career as waiting for Santa to bring honestly excited about your idea, who in 2020. Get better with yourself, your a sport: continuously strive for better, get up eight! Nyou a better life, I encourage you to rely support and encourage you. Remember family and friends, colleagues and part- for higher, for greater. Push yourself for on yourself and to work hard non-stop Mark Twain's words: “Keep away from ners. Remember, it’s not important who new records - in sports, in business, in to achieve your goals. Equip yourself people who try to belittle your ambi- you are, it’s important who you are going life! fear of failure stop you on your path to with my ‘20 Tips to Succeed in 2020!’ tions. Small people always do that, but to become in future. Find that inner success! All of them are compiled from my per- the really great make you feel that you, power in yourself and take steps to change 14. FOLLOW THE sonal experience of nearly two decades too, can become great.” In 2020, make your world for the better! WIN-WIN FORMULA! 18. PERSISTENCE AND STRONG doing business and solving problems, friendships with only the “really great” In 2020, seek mutually benefi cial rela- CHARACTER WILL HELP strengthened with quotes from world- ones! 9. DISCIPLINE IS KEY! tionships where everyone is a winner YOU SUCCEED IN 2020! class fi gures: from Emperor Marcus In 2020, master the art of discipline. Get and no-one loses out. Don’t see an enemy Believe in your power to overcome any Aurelius and Winston Churchill, to 4. BELIEVE IN YOUR up early and get more done. Listen to in anyone. Your goal is not to defeat oth- challenge. Remember Churchill's suc- Napoleon Hill and Admiral William OWN POWER! the Roman philosopher Marcus Aurelius: ers: the only person you need to conquer cess formula: “Success is the ability to McRaven. Enjoy! And I will be more than Don't think you can't! Let 2020 be the "At dawn, when you have trouble getting in life is yourself! go from failure to failure without losing happy to receive your feedback at year of unlocking your unique skills. out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to your enthusiasm!” [email protected]. Work hard towards achieving your goals. work - as a human being’”! 15. SEE OPPORTUNITIES Get ready for daring steps. In 2020, shout IN PROBLEMS! 19. THE KEY TO SUCCESS 1. SPEND MORE TIME loudly - “I'm an entrepreneur! I can 10. “IF YOU CANNOT DO In 2020, act like a real entrepreneur: IS TO HAVE PASSION! ON YOURSELF! change the world for the better!” GREAT THINGS, DO SMALL believe that the key to solving problems Feel the power coming from focusing Remember, you will be able to care for THINGS IN A GREAT WAY” is always in your hands. Don't wait for on what excites you the most. In 2020, your loved ones better only if you your- 5. BE RESPONSIBLE FOR Napoleon Hill once said these words others to show the initiative. Be brave fully dedicate yourself to your favorite self are happy and healthy. Let 2020 be EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE! and this wisdom could become your enough to tackle the issues around you. job. Everything you do in business or the year for your healing and revival! In 2020, don’t waste time blaming oth- New Year Resolution in 2020. Don’t Be creative, motivated and goal oriented life you should do with deep love and ers. Remember, you, the sole creator of waste your time waiting for the ‘big towards resolving those problems. Make belief! Keep your promises and bring 2. TURN YOUR DREAMS your greatness, are responsible for every things’ but instead work daily on small 2020 the year of turning problems into your ideas to fruition to benefi t the INTO GOALS! aspect of your life! tasks, start with anything you have access new business opportunities! masses! Let 2020 be the year of unstoppable to. Start! Here and now! 6. DON'T GET ANGRY 16. LEARN FROM MISTAKES! 20. DON’T DELAY! WITH PEOPLE! 11. MAKE YOUR BED Remember Henry Ford: “The only real For 2020, I can't advise you anything Not even with those who treat you EVERY MORNING! mistake is the one from which we learn more relevant than this: Don’t delay! unjustly, those who cheat you, those who Start your day with a task completed, as nothing.” Let 2020 be the year of learn- Once again, take to heart the words of fail to keep their promises and those Admiral William McRaven did. Remem- ing from mistakes and constantly refi n- that philosopher-emperor of the Roman who insult you. You will meet such peo- ber his advice: “If you want to change ing future action plans based on trial- Empire, Marcus Aurelius: “Remember ple in 2020, too. Remember, the only the world, start off by making your bed”! and-error experiences! how long you’ve been putting this off, Your goal is not to right reaction is to focus on your own how many extensions the gods have development. Then you will realize that 12. DON’T RELY ON LUCK! 17. OVERCOME THE given you which you didn’t use. At some defeat others: the instead of harming you, these people Don’t waste your time waiting to get FAILURE COMPLEX! point, you have to recognize what world actually help you become better. Learn lucky. In 2020, work harder than ever to Don't give up on new, innovative ideas. it is that you belong to; what power only person you to appreciate their unfair moves against achieve your goals; be diligent and ded- Get out of your comfort zone and embrace rules it and from what source you spring; you! icated to your job. Remember the words new challenges. Remember that failure that there is a limit to the time assigned need to conquer of golf legend Arnold Palmer: “The more is an integral part of success. If you give to you, and if you don’t use it to free 7. DON’T GIVE UP! I practice, the luckier I get.” You, too, up on failure, how are you going to yourself, it will be gone and will never in life is yourself! In 2020, quite likely, you will fail just like should practice more and success will become successful? In 2020, don’t let the return.” GEORGIA TODAY 6 BUSINESS DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 9, 2019/2020 Four Large-scale International Exhibitions to be Held in Frankfurt rom 24-28 January 2020, Messe Frankfurt is hosting four of the largest international exhibitions in Frankfurt: Floradecora 2020, Paperworld 2020, Christmasworld 2020 and Creativeworld 2020, within whichF spectators will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the 2020 - 2021 Christmas, creative, decorative and fl oristic trends. Exhibitions will allow the spectators to attend various workshops and shows.

CHRISTMASWORLD - LEADING INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR FOR SEASONAL AND FESTIVE DECORATIONS Christmasworld is the world’s biggest trend and order platform for the international seasonal and festive decoration sector – and therefore the per- fect B2B trade fair for a great start to the new business season. Christmasworld in Frankfurt am Main brings together manufacturers and retailers, as well as major commercial buyers from all over the world. The leading international trade fair for seasonal and festive decorations focuses on the busiest and most emotional time of the year. Simultaneously, it reveals the potential offered by seasonal decorations as supplementary driving forces for sales.

CREATIVEWORLD - INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR FOR HOBBY, ARTS AND CRAFTS SUPPLIES Creativeworld is the world’s biggest and most important trade fair for the DIY sector. Key play- ers and newcomers to the sector will meet in Halls 4.1 and 4.2 of Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre to present their innovations in the fi elds of hob- bies, arts and crafts, graphic artists’ and artists’ order fair for the sector. On the other hand, it offers other fair offers as much inspiration and so many ments are becoming signifi cantly more important requisites, handiwork, textile design and decorative trade visitors a wide-ranging selection of fascinat- fresh ideas. in the retail trade as a complement to seasonal and handicrafts. ing workshops and product demonstrations. Par- festive decoration. The product group Floradecora With its unrivalled blend of business, trends and ticularly important is the role of Creativeworld as PAPERWORLD - INTERNATIONAL picks up on this trend in the hall 8.0. workshops, Creativeworld exerts a magnetic power a trend forge where national and international TRADE FAIR FOR STATIONERY, OFFICE There is a major trend these days for fresh, con- of attraction every year. On the one hand, it is the manufacturers present their latest innovations. No SUPPLIES AND WRITING INSTRUMENTS venience items. Above all, what people want are All the trends and industry innovations come easy-care and long-lasting products, which give together in one place at Paperworld. For major them pleasure; they are keen to bring more fresh brand manufacturers or international newcomers, greenery into their homes or to give it as a gift to Paperworld, with its unique product diversity, is others. The easier things are to deal with, the bet- the most important industry meeting point and ter. And that is what the suppliers at the product source of inspiration for the wholesale and retail group Floradecora specialize in. trade as well as for corporate buyers. In hall 8.0, you will fi nd fresh fl owers and orna- At Paperworld, everything related to stationery, mental plant. The range of products at Floradecora offi ce supplies and writing instruments is divided includes: into the two areas Offi ce and Stationery: Offi ce Cut fl owers covers commercial offi ce supplies, whereas Sta- Potted and ornamental plants tionery concerns paper and stationery products Garden plants for private use. Floral arrangements with and without seasonal What awaits you at Paperworld decorations Complete market overview with the world's larg- Ready-made fl oral and plant arrangements est range of products in Offi ce and Stationery Hollowware and fl orists’ requisites Latest industry trends with a preview of the com- Retail-trade concepts/software solutions ing season Don't miss the chance to attend four exhibitions Valuable impulses in exclusive specialist presen- at a time that represent important platforms for tations and trendsetting special exhibitions current trends and innovations. Inspiring exchanges with manufacturers, industry experts and specialists from all over the world For more information, please contact: Creative ideas for extending your range of prod- Zaira Soloeva, Senior Project Manager at German Busi- ucts with the Creativeworld and Christmasworld ness Association (DWV): +99532 220 57 67 FLORADECORA – FRESH FLOWERS [email protected] AND DECORATIVE PLANTS Photo source: Messe Frankfurt Fresh fl owers, plants and ready-made fl ower arrange- (www.messefrankfurt.com)

christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 9, 2019/2020 BUSINESS 7 Georgia: 5 Months of Sanctions Sees 100,000 Russians Less, But 215,000 More Other Tourists

BY TEA MARIAMIDZE

t has been 5 months and 22 days since July 8, 2019, when Russia suspended direct flights with Georgia. According to the statistics from the Georgian National ITourism Administration (GNTA), a record number of international visitors, 3,961,438, visited the country during this period (July-November), which is 215,306 or 5.7% visitors more compared to the same period of the previous year. Due to the air traffi c restrictions imposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin after large-scale anti-Russian rallies in Georgia in June, the number of Russian visitors to Georgia decreased by 99,483 compared to the previous year. However, the decrease in Russian tourists was balanced by an increased tourist fl ow from other countries. The growth was particularly pronounced from Ukraine, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. The top 10 countries, whose citizens visited Georgia the most this year, is as follows: 1. Azerbaijan: 781,311 visitors, an increase of 10% compared to the previous year 2. Russia: 714,668 visitors, down 12% 3. Armenia: 699,840 visitors, up 8% Image source: culturetrip.com 4. Turkey: 576,180 visitors, up 12% Germany, Belarus, China, and the USA. stay for less than one year. revenue, up 0.45% compared to the same and the spread of other formal or infor- 5. Georgia (non-resident): 223,561 visi- In January-November 2019, visits of In the fi rst 11 months of 2019, of the period of 2018. mal trade sanctions, raised expectations tors, up 4% international travelers coming to Geor- international visits, tourist-type visits During the embargo period, the third of an exchange rate devaluation. 6. Israel: 114,478 visitors, up 29% gia reached a historic high of 8,690,352, accounted for 4,768,432, which is a 6.3% quarter of 2019, Georgia received $1.126 “We estimate that the country received 7. Ukraine: 114,466 visitors, up 20% which is 7.2% more compared to the increase. billion in tourism revenue, which is $83.8 $300 million less in tourism revenue due 8. Iran: 71,501 visitors, down by 46% same period of 2018, the GNTA says. Only last month, visits of international million less than in 2018. to airline transactions. This was followed from the previous year; The agency added that in the fi rst 11 travelers coming to Georgia reached Mid-December, the President of the by the political tensions that contributed 9. Kazakhstan: 62,103 visitors, up 72% months of 2019, of the total number of 670,122 which is an increase of 12% com- National Bank of Georgia Koba Gven- to the further devaluation of the national 10. Saudi Arabia: 56,156 visitors, a 40% visits by international travelers, 7,191,042 pared to the same period of last year. etadze stated that the decision of the currency,” he added. increase compared to the previous year. visits (6.6% increase) were carried out The National Bank of Georgia reports Russian President to ban direct fl ights During 2019, Georgia received $3 bil- What’s more, the number of tourists by international visitors designated as that in the period January-August 2019, to Georgia in June 2019 cost the Georgian lion revenue from international tourism, coming to Georgia increased from Poland, people who are over the age of 15 and Georgia received $2.58 billion in tourism economy $300 million and that this move, according to the GNTA.

4 nights 2 Pax 720$ GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 9, 2019/2020 Major Geopolitical Trends for 2020 gia’s foreign policy will be China. There OP-ED BY EMIL AVDALIANI will be efforts by Tbilisi and Beijing in 2020 to build deeper economic relations perhaps through investments and trade. he year 2020 will be differ- All trends show that China will continue ent from 2019 in many ways. seeing Georgia, with its Black Sea ports To be more precise, larger of Batumi and Poti, as one of the links economic, military and in its massive ‘Belt and Road initiative’ political developments (BRI). However, it will still be far off for Tmight seem unalterable, but there are China becoming a security partner in various small scale processes in 2020 the South Caucasus region. which would signal the start of long-term Georgia will have important parlia- changes. mentary elections. Whatever results We will start with Georgia. As in the there will be, it is unlikely that the coun- past, the country will continue fi nding try’s foreign policy will change. However, itself between its EU aspirations and a the elections will have deep-rooted infl u- geopolitically hostile Russia. A reinvig- ence on the internal development of the orated EU with powerful institutes, state. renewed enlargement agenda, etc. will On a global level, Russia will continue strengthen Tbilisi’s outlook. The EU is facing pressure from the US and the EU. likely to provide larger fi nancial support It is unlikely that the sanctions imposed to Tbilisi for carrying out sectorial on Russia by the US will be lifted. reforms. Though there will be calls to have bet- In 2020, the EU is also likely to con- ter relations with Moscow, real chances tinue pressuring Russia by keeping the to improve US-Russia relations will existing economic sanctions. At the same remain minimal. Too many differences Image source: businessgraduatesassociation.com time, there will be increased efforts by have been piled up across Eurasia in overturned as Moscow, on the contrary changes taking place across the globe sia, Turkey and Iran is not void of disa- Brussels and Moscow to improve bilat- Syria, Ukraine, Africa, Europe, etc. that will enhance its military position in east- which started in 2016. Thus the US’ global greements, but in 2020 it could limit the eral relations, but it will be diffi cult to will complicate Moscow-Washington ern Ukraine and Georgia’s Abkhazia and posture will continue to evolve and it projection of US power across the Mid- pull off. relations. Tskhinvali regions. will primarily touch upon security situ- dle East. Moreover, as they experience NATO could be another tool to infl u- In fact, there are indications that the A large compromise on Ukraine is also ation in Eurasia. increased US pressure, cooperation ence Moscow’s behavior in the region. US will increase its military and eco- unlikely to be reached as Moscow is In the Middle East, the US will remain between Tehran, Moscow and Ankara The alliance troops will increase their nomic pressure on Russia by helping unwilling to abandon its control over preoccupied with Russian military and will be further solidifi ed. rotation along Russian borders, while in Ukraine and Georgia. The US govern- the border section in eastern Ukraine. diplomatic successes. As Moscow reached Overall, this year will be yet another Georgia NATO will increase its work ment has already evolved in its position The US will have crucial presidential high levels of cooperation with Turkey one with high-level competition among with the country’s military forces. That on the provision of lethal arms to Kyiv elections, which will be important to and Iran in 2018-2019, the trend is likely major powers, while smaller countries said, NATO membership for Georgia and Tbilisi. That said, it is true that watch as Trump has good chances to to continue in 2020 as the three coun- with breakaway confl icts will feel fi rst- will still remain a far-off perspective. through minor provision of lethal weap- win the second term. In case this hap- tries’ geopolitical imperatives coalesce hand the ongoing military and diplomatic Yet another important factor in Geor- ons, the military balance is far from being pens, we might see a deeper structural with one another. This triangle of Rus- competition between Russia and the US. GIZ Legal Program: Report on the Effectiveness of State-Owned Enterprises the research summed up the work done tation of parliamentary supervision and Program. Both the Ministry of Economy inquiry provided the recommendations BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE in the fi eld, and its suggestions for future is carried out by the active participation and Sustainable Development of Georgia of the inquiry group and stakeholders improvement. of various community groups on relevant and the Ministry of Finance of Georgia as well as the opinions of the invited Representatives of the World Bank, the important issues,” the GIZ Legal Program were involved in the process. experts. The recommendations focused n December 25, the GIZ Institute for Development of Freedom reports. Within the frames of the inquiry, numer- on three key issues: Establishment of the Legal Program in Georgia of Information (IDFI), the State Audit The committee inquiry on the effec- ous workshops took place with partici- Coordination Council / Working Group; hosted the presentation of Offi ce, and private individuals, expressed tiveness of state enterprise management pants from the different ministries, pub- Development of the state Policy Docu- a thematic research report their opinions on the topic during the was carried out on the initiative of the lic law entities, in addition to various ment; Implementation of internationally on the effectiveness of presentation. Parliamentary Committee on Sector large state-owned enterprises and the recognized corporate governance stand- state-ownedO enterprises. Presented by “The committee inquiry is considered Economy and Economic Policy of Geor- Partnership Fund. ards. the inquiry committee of GIZ Georgia, one of the new tools for the implemen- gia, with the support of the GIZ Legal The fi nal report of the committee The thematic inquiry group is to ensure appropriate monitoring of the implementation of the recommendations by the Government of Georgia. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Inter- nationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has been working in Georgia since 1992. GIZ's country offi ce in Tbilisi primarily manages regional programs that are being implemented in Georgia and the two neighboring countries Armenia and Azerbaijan. By the end of the year 2018, 93 national and 24 international employees and nine integrated specialists of GIZ were working in the country. On behalf of the German Federal Min- istry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ works in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan in the following priority areas: Sustainable economic development; Democracy, civil society, and public administration; Envi- ronmental policy, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. By partnering up with the three neighboring countries, GIZ additionally improves the regional reality, allowing the states to learn from one another. In this way it further contributes to crisis prevention between Armenia and Azer- baijan. GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 9, 2019/2020 BUSINESS 9 Economy Ministry: Electricity Import to Decrease, Export to Increase in 2020

Image source: confrontations.org and investments of up to $800 million. BY TEA MARIAMIDZE “It is a very complex project and I would like to point out that most importantly, public discussions are taking place in a very active and calm environ- n 2020, the Ministry of Economy and Sus- ment. I am glad that we have gradually been able tainable Development of Georgia expects to reverse the trend and make some serious pro- to import 1 billion 253.9 million kWh of elec- gress,” she said. tricity, which is 18.8% less than the current Turnava also noted that the Khadori 3 in Pankisi, year’s forecast. Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti, is a different case IThe above is stated in the 2020 forecast balance and the construction of the project will not be sheet recently approved by the ministry. resumed until there is a higher level of consensus Exports of electricity, according to the same from the local population. document, will reach 577.8 million kWh in 2020, The Minister underlined that with respect to all which is 137% more than the forecast for the cur- projects, more attention is being paid to the social rent year. requirements of the population, environmental The Ministry hopes for such a balance because impact assessment, as well as investor responsibil- it expects a growth in the power generated by the ity. Hydro Power Plants (HPPs) in Georgia. According “2018-2019 was a year of accumulating this expe- to the forecast, the volume of electricity generated rience. I would say that progress in this sector is by the HPPs in 2020 will increase by about 11.2%. the result of energy reforms,” she stated. Minister of Economy and Sustainable Develop- To note, Electricity System Commercial Operator ment Natia Turnava stated that in 2019, six new (ESCO) data reads that in January-November of hydroelectric power plants with a total installed this year, total imports of electricity amounted to capacity of 58 MW were completed and put into 1 billion 416 million kWh, which is 10.5% more than operation, with a total investment of up to $80 mil- the same period last year: 1 billion 281.1 million lion. kWh. “As of next year, it is planned to put into opera- During the last 11 months, the largest volume of tion 14 new HPPs and one thermal power plant electricity, 512 million kWh, came from Russia, with a total installed capacity of up to 500 MW. exceeding imports by 151% in the same period last Most importantly, historical projects will be launched: year. Georgia also purchased 203.8 million kWh of the Shuakhevi HPP will be completed and put into electricity from Azerbaijan this year. operation. Also, construction of the Namakhvani As of 2019, there are 93 power plants in Georgia HPP will start and Nenskra HPP will move to the with the total installed capacity of 4207.17 MW. Of ﬁ nal construction stage too,” the Minister said, 93 power plants, 87 are hydro power plants with a noting that in 2020, it is planned to start the con- total installed capacity of 3260.07 MW, ﬁ ve are struction of a total of 13 new facilities, including thermal power plant (927.40 MW capacity) and eight HPPs. The Namakhvani HPP is the largest one wind power plant with an installed capacity project in the country, with a capacity of 460 MW of 20.70 MW. Georgia to Receive 92.7% of Gas from Azerbaijan, 6.6% from Russia in 2020

According to forecasts, deliveries from Russia BY ANA DUMBADZE will amount to 169.9 million cubic meters of gas (6.6% of the required volume), while the projected volume of local production will be 17.9 million cubic eorgian Minister of Economy and meters (0.7%). Sustainable Development Natia Tur- In consumption, the 2020 forecast for "social gas" nava approved the 2020 gas balance. amounts to 1.6 billion cubic meters, of which one According to the document, the pro- billion cubic meters will be for the population, and jected volume of gas supplies to 600 million cubic meters for thermal power plants. GGeorgia will amount to 2.57 billion cubic meters The consumption forecast for the commercial next year. sector is 911 million cubic meters, and gas losses Georgia will receive 2.39 billion cubic meters, 92.7% are expected to be 35 million cubic meters. of the country's required gas, from Azerbaijan, includ- Compared with the gas balance for 2019, a reduc- ing 1.51 billion cubic meters from SOCAR and 873.8 tion in gas supply and consumption is projected million cubic meters from the Shah Deniz fi eld. for Georgia in 2020. GEORGIA TODAY 10 BUSINESS DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 9, 2019/2020 Why I Strike for the Climate politics, etc. The abovementioned polit- has a big question mark over it. ical direction was more evident than There is one more crucial aspect that ever when Bendukidze served as the has to be taken into account. The climate Minister of Economy – “everything is crisis won’t affect everyone equally: it for sale except conscience,” he used to has a class system and political-geo- say. He aimed to close down his ministry graphical layers. We, the “developing” [the Ministry of Economy] and cancel countries which are placed on the periph- all the economic regulations imposed eral parts of the world and which are by the government. poor- economically and politically Not to ramble on much longer, you dependent on the “better-off” countries, might ask here, how all these things con- will be the ones to fi rst feel the tragedies nect- neo-liberalism, Chile, Thatcher, of climate change when it reaches its the United National Movement, and the peak. Not the “developed” countries, climate crisis… However, the climate where the environmental movement is crisis has a very specifi c guilty party and at its highest. that is the abovementioned political- Correspondingly, we, the Young Greens economic system: capitalism. Capitalism and other left-winger greens, believe sees everything as a matter of 'buy-sell' that the West, also known as the global and condemns the government having north, has to take the responsibility for a say in the economy and civilians pro- suspending the climate change. The lat- tecting the environment as “an offense ter is impossible unless the order of the to the right to freedom.” We owe the world changes, the fortune is redistrib- current order of the world to this ideol- uted, the economy is decentralized and ogy and here is the ‘current order:’Western so, the hegemony of global north ends. corporations stand above the institution The idea is supported by Wolfgang Sachs of the state, the former having more in his writings of sustainable develop- power and consequently, numerous ment. countries have become their colonies. This is why it’s crucial to fi ght for cli- The same ideology is responsible for mate justice even in the South where we imposing regulations or the removal of do not have the authority to stop it. But government control of the environment, we do have the power to demand that which, of course, causes lots of ecolog- our government consider the collective ical problems. To follow up with the interest of its civilians and resist local example of Georgia, these neoliberal and or international corporations that stand antidemocratic variations demanded against that will. As Sachs put it, build- Left: Greta Thunberg sits outside the Swedish parliament building in order to raises awareness for climate change on August 28, tons of sacrifi ce – devastating the coun- ing a good global neighborhood demands 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. Right: People protest during a Climate Strike march in San Francisco, California, September 20, try’s potential to develop environment interior reforms which have cosmopo- 2019. MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images and REUTERS/Kate Munsch and resources sustainably. The complete litical interests at heart. deregulation of environmental protec- Unfortunately, the exact opposite of pollution plays the main role in climate political theory about economic prac- tion has taken place. Ecological expertise the above is taking place in Georgia. In BLOG BY GIORGI PTSKIALADZE, change. At the same time, we see “green tices which tells us that human well-being of mining operations, a fi eld endanger- our country, we are witnessing how the MEMBER OF THE GEORGIAN lifestyle” becoming more of a trend, a can be accomplished by individual entre- ing the environment, has been completely government has been the main supporter YOUNG GREENS lifestyle includes limiting the use of preneurial freedom within the institu- left aside. Finally, in 2011 the natural of corporations, turning its back on its plastic, becoming vegan, etc. These tional frames that strengthen the free resources-related functions of the Min- community for decades now. Our gov- trends, of course, are very good and the market and free trading system to ensure istry of Environment and Natural ernment follows the economic policy t’s been over a year now that more of us that choose that lifestyle, the strong rights for private property. The Resources Protection of Georgia were written out by the world fi nance insti- 16-year-old Greta Thunberg took better, but there lies a big problem. It is state’s role is to create necessary insti- passed to the Ministry of Energy and the tutes, which makes the people of Geor- time off school to demonstrate brought to us in such a way as to make tutionary frames for these practices and different functions of protecting the gia poorer and destroys nature. outside the Swedish parliament, us think that we can individually fi x the to protect them.” environment were disseminated to dif- In global terms, Georgia does not pol- holding up a sign calling for damage we have caused this planet. It’s The leader of the Conservative Party ferent parts of government agencies. lute the environment but locally, the Istronger climate action. Her sitting alone a problem because simply put, it’s just from 1975 to 1990, Margaret Thatcher, Environmental protection as a fi eld has country has numerous socio-ecological for a few weeks fi nally resulted in inspir- a lie. It is especially untrue in the case became the Prime Minister of the United been completely lost; a fact then topped problems. The current liberal ‘attracting ing youth to follow her example and then of “developing countries,” like Georgia Kingdom in 1979. The republican Ronald off with numerous inadequate decisions. investors’ politics invites transnational together organize a school climate strike and the global South, because in these Reagan was elected in 1981. Ever since So, when speaking about environmental companies to use Georgia’s territories movement under the name ‘Fridays for “resident individuals of poor countries that period, neoliberalism has started to problems in Georgia and around the for manufacture, allowing them to build the Future.’ Their message is easy to have little to no control over climate slowly transform into a hegemonic ide- globe, we have to keep in mind that environmentally polluting factories here. understand: “What is there to study for change.” ology. Dominated by the USA, global behind those problems is one very spe- Undoubtedly, the latter will have fatal if mine and the world’s existence are in Getting back to the corporations, in fi nancial institutes, the World Bank and cifi c reason, and that is the political- consequences locally and regionally. danger?” The slogan is used by thousands 1972 at the UN General Assembly, the International Exchange Fund, turned economic structure. The fi ght does not begin on an empty of students who strike every Friday, socialist President of Chile, Salvador neoliberalism into a global political- To sum up quickly and get back to the page, because it has been going on for a [since August 2018 when Greta started Allende, said during his famous speech: economic system. They started imple- environmental strike, it has to be said while regarding the Svaneti, Pankisi and the movement]. March 15 marked the “We are faced by a confrontation between menting this newly founded system in that too many eco-activists make a big other hydroelectric stations. We need fi rst date of a global strike, which was the large transnational corporations and the so-called developing countries, nam- mistake when they only talk about ecol- to expand, connect these little resist- joined by over 2 million young people. the states. The corporations are interfer- ing deregulation, privatization and mar- ogy, Co2, and other merely technical/ ances of ours, strengthen them and carry 20-27 September is when the world, ing in the fundamental political, economic ket liberalization as the only right eco- scientifi c issues. This results in ‘depo- on. The real fi ght is for the betterment led by youth, came together as one again, and military decisions of the states. The nomic practice. liticization’ of climate change and that of social well-being, protecting people’s also seeing the International Labor corporations are global organizations This is exactly the system that grew is fundamentally wrong, as the root of common interests against further enrich- Organization on board with the strikes. that do not depend on any state and strong roots in independent Georgia. the problem is political and unless we ment of the economic elite. This fi ght is The demand again was not complicated: whose activities are not controlled by, During the last 30 years neoliberalism change it, there will be no real progress. local as much as it is global, that is why it is time for action! nor are they accountable to, any parlia- has become the ruling political-economic We are not under the illusion that a only coming together as one and solidar- This is where I fi nish talking about ment or any other institution represent- ideology. This is especially true when “better climate” can exist in the current ity can take us to a new world with a Greta and the Western movement for ative of the collective interest. In short, talking about Georgia from 2003 to pre- political-economic system. This is new order. climate change, because, yes, at fi rst the global political structure is being sent, as it was the year when the United because the existing economic models I strike, because the climate crisis and glance, this movement is Western. It undermined. The dealers don't have a National Movement started governing are deeply dependent on human and domination of the economic elite have found its roots in one of the most devel- country. The place they may be does not the country. Saakashvili’s government natural resource exploitation, and this no borders; because it is time to build a oped countries, Sweden, and the major- constitute any kind of link; the only thing followed the steps and directions of transnational and capitalist system elim- world fi t for all and not for individuals. ity of the youth who strike are from they are interested in is where they can becoming a neoliberal state: deregula- inates the possibility for a “better cli- And last but not least, I strike because Europe. But still, despite all this, plenty make a profi t.” A year after he made that tion, privatization, a strong police system, mate”. Unless the order changes, the we have no other option: We need to of young people from the global South speech, President Allende, who was fetishizing private property, anti-social existence of planet Earth and humanity fi nish capitalism before it fi nishes us. and Georgia have become a part of the elected rather democratically, was turned movement. Why? out by a military coup. Socialist Allende First of all, of course, the simplest answer was replaced by fascist military dictator is that the climate crisis knows and has Augusto Pinochet. The former is associ- no borders. Borders are no barricades for ated with many thousands of incidents transnational corporations: they can cross of human torture, imprisonment, and any border easily and start up their busi- murder. What’s more, during his rule, ness anywhere, whatever the continent. campaigns for privatization, deregula- This ‘business’ means putting the coun- tion, and neo-liberalism took place. try’s full resources (human as much as Allende’s nationalized industries and natural) to work- exploitation. I’d also those belonging to the state, banks and like to note, that it is exactly these trans- other resources were sold. The above- national corporations who are the main mentioned was not the fi rst and certainly ones at fault for the climate crisis: they not the last to serve as a sacrifi ce for overproduce and propagate consumer- transnational corporations’ interests. ism so they can sell more and more. We I have already mentioned neoliberal- can sum up their work using a well-known ism. This is the term that you will hear quote: “water companies produce plastic plenty of times from us, the young greens, bottles, not water.” and from the left-wingers of Georgia, Within them, 100 oil-extracting com- and not only when describing political panies deserve the ‘special mentions’ or economic systems. To sum it up really category. These companies are respon- quickly, I’ll take a few words from David sible for over 71% of gas pollution. This Harvey: “Neoliberalism, above all, is a Georgian citizens protest climate change outside Tbilisi City Hall in September 2019 GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 9, 2019/2020 BUSINESS 11 Magnolia Awards 2019

BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE

he year 2019 is coming to an end, meaning that the achievements of the year must be celebrated. For the occasion, Batumi hosted Tthe Magnolia Awards 2019. The awards ceremony that took place on December 27 revealed the best service providers in the fi eld of tourism in the region of Adjara. Hilton Batumi was named the Best Brand Hotel of the Sec- tor and for Tourists, while the Best Non- Brand Hotel Award went to Admirali. “Tonight we have won the ‘Best Brand Hotel Magnolia Award 2019’ given by the Department of Tourism and Resorts of Adjara,” Hilton Batumi posted on social media. “This one’s for the amaz- ing work our team members do day by day! Thank you to all our guests, friends and partners who voted for us.” The Best Hostel of 2019 in the region of Adjara was Back2me, and Retro was awarded the title of Best Restaurant. The Magnolia Awards had the nomination of the Most Visited Location in the Region which went to Batumi Boulevard. In sum, the Awarding ceremony of Magnolia Awards revealed winners in 13 nominations. The full list of nominations and their winners is as follows: Best Georgian Non-Brand Hostel: Admirali Best Brand Hotel: Hilton Batumi Best Hostel: Back2me Best Restaurant: Retro The Most Visited Location: Batumi Boulevard Winery and Manari playing a special role in the improve- has achieved. stands out, being an Oscar in the fi eld The Most Visited Attraction: Dolphi- The Most Interesting Event: Village ment and popularization of Adjara tour- “Our department creates the policies of tourism.” narium Tourism Festival Gandagana 2019 ism. The certifi cates went to 39 compa- of tourism, but without your participa- The awards event, hosted by the Dra- Best Family Hotel in the Village: Zebo The Adjara Tourism Department has nies, organizations, locations, and tion, it would be impossible to make matic Theater of Batumi, was attended Best Tourism Agency: Adjara Tour been running the Magnolia awards cer- campaigns, among them the Georgian the industry work, thank you,” said the by the representatives of both the private Best Guide: Salome Gorgiladze emony since 2015 with the aim to encour- Chess Federation and the Spend Your Chairperson of the Adjara Tourism and public sectors. Most Often Visited Museum: Gonio age the sector and to improve service Summer in Georgia Campaign. Department, Tinatin Zoidze. “This year All in all, 2019 was a successful year Fortress-Museum provision in the region of Adjara. The Magnolia 2019 ceremony began was exceptional for Adjara, and among for Georgian tourism. During the 11 Most Visited Touristic Route: Batumi The Adjara Tourism Department also with a summary of the year, the projects the many awards the region received months of the year, 8,690.352 interna- City Tour awarded certifi cates to representatives that the Department had carried out in 2019, the prestigious International tional tourists visited the country, up Best Wine Cellar: Vazha Davitadze’s of the private and public sectors for their throughout the year and the progress it Travel Awards for the city of Batumi 7.2% on last year’s statistics. Tskneti Government Residence NBG: Gross External On Sale for GEL 55.7 Million Debt of Georgia in 2019 Amounted to $17.8 Billion BY ANA DUMBADZE of the gross domestic product (GDP), BY BEKA ALEXISHVILI while external liabilities of the National Bank of Georgia amounted to $404.6 ithin the framework million, the same bank states. of the project '100 n 2019, the gross external debt of External debt of the banking sector Investment Offers for Georgia amounted to $17.8 billion, amounted to $4.2 billion, which is 24.4% Business,' the declared the National Bank of of GDP. National Agency of Georgia, in the third quarter reduc- At the start of the fourth economic WState Property Management of the Min- ing by $433.6 million. quarter, intercompany lending came to istry of Economy and Sustainable Devel- IExternal debt of the public sector $3.3 billion which amounted to 18.8% of opment of Georgia has auctioned the amounted to $7.4 billion, which is 42.6% gross domestic product. Tskneti Government Residence buildings. existing buildings. The investment that nesses for privatization. The Tskneti Government Residence the buyer should make in the project is Among other important objects, the (13 buildings) is located over 89,978 sq.m. at least GEL 20 million. Implementation Tskneti Government Residence is also land, the initial value of which was esti- of the project should create new jobs included in the government's privatiza- mated by the Levan Samkharauli National and at the same time promote the eco- tion list. Forensics Bureau at 55,711,500 GEL. nomic development of the neighboring The 100 investment offers also include Under the investment terms, the buyer area. objects in Sighnaghi, with an estimated will be obliged to build a hotel and/or On November 29, the Ministry of value of 281,763 GEL (13,000 sq m); in residential complex on the whole or Economy and the National Agency of Bakhmaro, with an estimated value of part of the land within 36 months of State Property presented the list of 100 2,537.400 GEL (12 588 sq.m.), and in Tbi- signing the contract. The buyer will be state-owned buildings the government lisi at Gotua Street 14, with an estimated free to dismantle or reconstruct the is offering local and international busi- value of 6,595.721 GEL (6 796 sq.m.).

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