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The 3rd Tourism and Hospitality Conference within Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards

by Business EventsBusiness RankBusiness Supportevent mediaInvestment OpportunitiesLatest PostsNews

On June 4th the 3rd Tourism and Hospitality Conference within Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards was held at the Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi. 

The Conference was opened by Co-Founder/Managing Partner of the Project, Maryna Chayka. She welcomed guests and promised very interesting competition year for Nominees of the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2018. The first Vice Prime Minister/Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Dimitry Kumsishvili, CEO of Partnership Fund Davit Saganelidze, head of Georgian National Tourism Administration George Chogovadze also addressed the guests with the welcome speeches. They spoke about the importance of tourism for the development of our country, in general, as well as for Tbilisi, as one of the major tourist destination in the country, and emphasized the role of each company in contributing to this field.

During panel discussions, the representatives of government and private sector discussed the challenges and opportunities in tourism and hospitality industry, top market suppliers and field experts made presentations on international standards and safety for hospitality industry, and on the importance of digital marketing in tourism. Even more, the organizers of the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards introduced to the guests new Jury Board, new categories and a lot of other interesting news about the Project. The participants of the Conference had an opportunity to arrange B2B meetings with each other to communicate and to establish useful business connections

More than 350 representatives of respective industry, government officials, international and local experts and media were attending the 3rd Tourism and Hospitality Conference.

The Tourism and Hospitality Conference within Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards Project is an annual business event held in Georgia since 2016 and is unique business platform, where different companies and organizations have an opportunity to exchange information, communicate and catch up with the latest trends and challenges in the spheres of tourism and hospitality, and in Georgian business industry in general.

Project supported by: the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Tbilisi City Hall and Partnership Fund, Co-organizers: Georgian National Tourism Administration and Bank of Georgia. Project’s Independent Auditor – “BDO in Georgia”, General Sponsor – Alliance Group. BUSINESS GEORGIA is a media partner since the establishment of the project.

For more detailed information about the Project, please visit website www.awards-tourism.com

 

 

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Tech Startup STYX Wins Seedstars Tbilisi 2018

by Business EventsBusiness RankBusiness SupportInvestment OpportunitiesLatest PostsNewsTechnological environment

STYX a tech company from Georgia won Seedstars startup competition on May 29. Ten best startups from Tbilisi were invited to pitch in front of an investment panel and compete to be crowned the most promising seed-stage startup of Seedstars Tbilisi 2018 in Tech Park.

STYX is a tech-enabled logistic company that instantly connects shippers with carriers via mobile app and SAAS platform. “We found the way that help carriers grow their businesses on their own terms. Shippers do not get inflated prices and can track their freight 24/7”. Using STYX website and app is free for everyone, company only charges carriers when they earn money.

STYX does not participate in pricing. The startup will join the global Seedstars Family and take part in the regional and global Seedstars Summits that include our tried and tested bootcamp and investor forum. It’s a catalytic platform for high growth emerging market startups.

 

Mydoc.chat and gamasin.ge took third and second places respectively.

 

BUSINESS GEORGIA is a media partner of Seedstars startup competition.

 

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Seedstars Tbilisi 2018 to be held on May 29 in Tech Park

by Business EventsBusiness NetworkBusiness RankBusiness Supportevent mediaLatest PostsNewsTechnological environment

BUSINESS GEORGIA as a media partner of the Seedstars 2018, is ready to support all startups in Georgia by spreading information for developing local business activities.

 

Alliance Group Holding Extends 3-year Contract with Seedstars and on May 29 the 10 best startups from Tbilisi will be invited to pitch in front of an investment panel and compete to be crowned the most promising seed-stage startup of Seedstars Tbilisi 2018 in Tech Park.

The winning startup will join the global Seedstars Family and take part in the regional and global Seedstars Summits that include our tried and tested bootcamp and investor forum. It’s a catalytic platform for high growth emerging market startups.

In addition to seeing the top startups pitch, you can look forward to an event filled with disruptive tech, inspirational discussions, networking sessions and one flight ticket for the winner to come to Switzerland to compete for over $1mn in investment.

“Today’s innovative ideas lead to revolutionary development of different sectors of the companies. The countries that have such innovative companies created and the adequate environment of development, are significantly more competitive. This is the main advantage of developed countries. Georgia should be actively involved in these processes, to draw and quickly adopt other countries well-tested and approved practice.” – Says Aieti Kukava, Executive Director of “Alliance Group Holding”.

To apply for the competition the startups need to be fluent in English and meet the following criteria:

  1. Be less than 2 years old
  2. Have raised less than USD 500 000 of funding to date
  3. Have an MVP and have regional & global scalability potential

If you are relevant startup, join us and register:

To apply: https://seedsta.rs/tbilisi18_apply

Invitation code: ssw-tbilisi-2018-af

Registration deadline: May 24  at 00:00.

Event Agenda

Last Year Participants

 

For more information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Seedstarstbilisi/?hc_ref=ARRM7aPWQBNCKYfJxY7RyUnjxwKTwLYnwGRnjeaT75ao5BbzTd2Kd-kxQXgQDKnWgRw&fref=nf

 

 

 

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Nassim Taleb will deliver 2-day lecture on Antifragility in Tbilisi

by Business EventsBusiness InsightBusiness NetworkBusiness Schoolevent mediaLatest PostsUncategorized

On March 30 and April 1, Nassim Taleb will run a 2-day Antifragility workshop for 100 top managers from the largest companies in Georgia and the CIS countries. The globally recognized author will talk about how to measure antifragility and cultivate it in yourself and your company. The event will be opened by the Minister of Finance of Georgia, Mr. Mamuka Bakhtadze.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb is the author of best-selling books Antifragile and The Black Swan. In addition, the participants will hear the excerpts from a new, yet to be published book Skin in the Game, the Logic of Risk Taking. For 10 years now, he’s been studying unexpected and predicted events in the global economy. Taleb started as a risk analyst at New York stock exchanges and ran his own hedge fund.

Antifragility is the ability to benefit from failures, become stronger when facing difficulties, and move forward even under high uncertainty. The term was coined by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his best-selling book The Black Swan.

We’ve selected the most inspiring quotes from Antifragile:

ON ADVICE – “Never ask anyone for their opinion, forecast, or recommendation. Just ask them what they have—or don’t have—in their portfolio.”

ON WEALTH – “The record shows that, for society, the richer we become, the harder it gets to live within our means. Abundance is harder for us to handle than scarcity.”

ON LOSERS – “Further, my characterization of a loser is someone who, after making a mistake, doesn’t introspect, doesn’t exploit it, feels embarrassed and defensive rather than enriched with a new piece of information, and tries to explain why he made the mistake rather than moving on. These types often consider themselves the “victims” of some large plot, a bad boss, or bad weather.”

ON TRIAL AND ERROR – “Further, the random element in trial and error is not quite random, if it is carried out rationally, using error as a source of information. If every trial provides you with information about what does not work, you start zooming in on a solution—so every attempt becomes more valuable, more like an expense than an error. And of course you make discoveries along the way.”

Due to the interactive format of the workshop and limited number of participants, everyone will be able to comment or ask the speaker any questions about his talk.

The event will take place at the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, one of Georgia’s best hotels located in the heart of the sunny Tbilisi.

BUSINESS GEORGIA is supporting this event as a media partner.

The organizers are offering to our readers a special 7% off via code “businessgeorgia”

Read more and register here

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The Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and China has commenced

by Business EventsBusiness MarketLatest PostsNewsTrade Opportunities

The Free Trade Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the People’s Republic of China came into force and is implemented on January 1, 2018. Georgia-China FTA  is the first FTA China has signed with Eurasian countries as well as the first Free Trade Agreement China has initiated and achieved since the Belt and Road Initiative was put forward.

In terms of the trade in goods, Georgia will impose zero tariffs on 96.5% of China’s products immediately, covering 99.6% of the total imports from China; China will impose zero tariff on 93.9% of Georgia’s products, covering 93.8% of China’s total imports from Georgia, of which 90.9% (taking up 42.7% of imports) will have zero tariffs immediately and the remaining 3% (taking up 51.1% of imports) will gradually have zero tariff within 5 years.

Georgian wine, mineral waters, honey, tea, fruit, vegetables and agricultural products will be exported to Chinese market of 1.4 billion consumers, with zero tariffs, without extra customs fees and without any transition period. In terms of trade in services, both sides will further open their markets to each other on the basis of their WTO commitments.

In addition Based on the FTA Agreement, tariffs on Georgian sparkling wine and still wine (less than 21 containers) will drop from the current 14% to zero, starting from the first day of next year. For still wine (over 21 containers), tariff will be cut from 20% to zero as well.

The reduction will surely boost Georgia’s wine exports to China, which has already become its third most important wine export market after Russia and Ukraine. For the 2017 year, China imported about 7,585,407 bottles of wine.

Georgia-China FTA will further improve the liberalization and facilitation of bilateral trade, and will build a more open, transparent and stable trading environment for enterprises, providing more quality and cheap products and services for people from both countries. By taking the opportunity of the effect taking of the agreement, China and Georgia will comprehensively improve both sides’ practical cooperation level, thus firmly promoting the Belt and Road construction and meet common prosperity.

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The Third Official Ceremony of the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards

by Business EventsLatest PostsNews

On December 6th, 2017 the Third Official Ceremony of the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards was held at the Rustaveli Theatre, where traditionally 21 BEST companies among the different nominations were named.

BUSINESS GEORGIA, as a Media Partner of the Awards ceremony, is pleased to share the information about the winners:

  1. THE BEST BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION AWARD – Boutique Hotel Kabadoni
  2. THE BEST STANDARD ACCOMMODATION AWARD – Iveria Inn
  3. THE BEST DELUXE ACCOMMODATION AWARD – Radisson Blu Iveria Tbilisi
  4. THE BEST WELLNESS & SPA RESORT AWARD – Rixos Borjomi
  5. THE BEST MOUNTAIN ACCOMMODATION AWARD – Quadrumi
  6. THE BEST SEA ACCOMMODATION AWARD – Sheraton Batumi
  7. THE BEST LOW BUDGET ACCOMMODATION AWARD – Pushkini 10
  8. THE BEST MICE TOURISM AWARD – Georgia Events
  9. THE BEST WINE TOURISM AWARD – Chateau Mukhrani
  10. THE BEST ADVENTURE TOURISM AWARD – Zeta Camping
  11. THE BEST GEORGIAN TRADITIONAL RESTAURANT AWARD – Tsiskvili Group
  12. THE BEST TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER AWARD – Giorgi Liparteliani
  13. CONCEPT CAFÉ/RESTAURANT AWARD – Sirajkhana
  14. THE BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF TOURISM DESTINATION AWARD – ge
  15. THE BEST SPECIALIZED TOURISM SERVICES AWARD – Accessible Tourism Center PARSA
  16. THE BEST HOTEL OF INTERNATIONAL CHAIN IN GEORGIA AWARD – Member of Acor Group Mercuri Tbilisi Old Town Hotel
  17. THE FASTEST GROWING COMPANY OF THE YEAR IN THE SME SEGMENT AWARD – Best Western Kutaisi
  18. THE BEST WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AWARD – Founder of Accessible Tourism Center PARSA Tamar Makharashvili
  19. THE BEST FESTIVAL OR EVENT AWARD – Tbilisi Open Air
  20. THE BEST FESTIVAL OR EVENT AWARD – was also awarded to Kolga Tbilisi Festival for unique concept, this festival managed to mark Georgia on the Photo exhibitions’ map.

The Official Award Ceremony hosted more than 700 guests: first Vice Prime Minister/Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia – Dimitry Kumsishvili; Tbilisi Mayor – Kakha Kaladze; Head of Georgian National Tourism Administration – Giorgi Chogovadze; all nominees and project partners; government sector, private business, international and local media.

Award Ceremony was opened by Tbilisi Mayor Kakha kaladze, he noted that Georgia has high potential for raising awareness in tourist destinations and the role of the each company involved in this field is important for tourism development.

Welcomed guests first Vice Prime Minister of Georgia Dimitry Kumsishvili, he spoke about the importance of tourism industry for Georgia’s economy, latest achievements of the field and significance of the project. First Vice Prime Minister awarded – Saba Kiknadze, founder of Caucasus Travel for Contribution to Tourism Development.

Co-Founder of the Award project Maryna Chayka also welcomed and thanked guests, partners and nominees for participation in the Award Project and noted projects contribution in Georgian tourism industry and its’ global aims.

Members of the professional Jury Board also welcomed the guests of the Ceremony and shared experience received as a part of the Project.  Member of Jury Board Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed guests by video, he noted the importance of the tourism Industry for country’s development, thanked Award project organizers and emphasized the importance of the project to the companies employed in this field.

320 different companies representing tourism and hospitality market from all over Georgia including hotels, travel agencies, festivals and events, restaurants, cafes, wineries, travel photographers were honorably holding the status of Nominee of Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2017. Each nominee was assessed in accordance with internationally recognized methodology by the Professional Jury Board, consisted of experts of international and local travel, culture and hospitality markets, who were separated according to categories depending on the kind of their main professional activity. As the guarantee of fairness and transparency of the Awards Project Independent Auditor “BDO Georgia” monitored all the processes, calculated the results and based on the points awarded to each Nominee determined the finalists and the winners in each nomination.

For the third year already Georgian National Tourism Administration on behalf of Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia is Co-organizer of the Award Project. Tbilisi City Hall is Official Supporter; Official Partner of the Award Project – Bank of Georgia. General Sponsor – Alliance Group. Sponsors: Altido; Tbilisi Business Hub; Julius Meinl; Vesta; Ardi; Keune; Sarajishvili; The Department of Tourism and Resorts of Ajara; Dinehall; Vistoria Security; Iteq; Orient Logic; Elements Group; YanAir; UPS; Domson’s Engineering; Gagra Plus; Favorite Style; Profitex; STS Hospitality; Giffer; Megatechnica; Tbilvino; Budget; Lovely Roses; Hotel Partners: City Center; City Avenue; Lopota Spa Resort; Colosseum Marina; Grove Hotel; Coral Boutique Hotel; Divan Suites Batumi; Wyndham Batumi; Chardonnay Boutique Hotel;

The main mission of the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards is to encourage tourism and hospitality industry in Georgia and to promote the awareness of the high-achieving tourism business and brands that create a positive image of the country worldwide.

 

 

 

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GEORGIA, PART OF LAPIS LAZULI CORRIDOR CONNECTING EUROPE & ASIA

by Business EventsEconomic EnvironmentInternational EnvironmentLatest PostsNewsTrade Opportunities

On November 15, after three years of technical talks, during the 7th Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA-VII) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan was signed the agreement, making Georgia part of Lapis Lazuli Corridor.

Georgian Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze signed a document which will enable Georgia to be part of a one more transport corridor between Europe and Asia.

The Lapis-Lazuli Transit, Trade & Transport Route (also known as the “Lapis Lazuli Corridor”) aims to enhance regional economic cooperation and connectivity between the countries of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey.

The corridor begins from Aqina in northern Faryab province and Torghundi in western Herat (both in Afghanistan), and continues to the port (on the Caspian Sea) of Turkmenbashi in Afghanistan; after passing the Caspian Sea, the route continues on to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, and then connects onward to Tblisi, capital of Georgia, as well as the Georgian ports of Poti and Batumi; in the end, the corridor will connect to the cities of Kars and Istanbul (Turkey) at the entrance of Europe.

The name “Lapis Lazuli” is derived from the historic route that Afghanistan’s lapis lazuli and other semiprecious stones were exported along, over 2,000 years ago, to the Caucasus, Russia, the Balkans, Europe, and North Africa.

Current projects will improve infrastructure and procedures across the five countries and they are estimated to exceed $2 billion, according to RECCA VII.

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For the second year Bank of Georgia supports Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards as an Official Sponsor!

by Business EventsLatest PostsNews

For the second year Bank of Georgia supports Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards as an Official Sponsor!

 

Among the second year partnership Bank of Georgia create two special categories within Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards project!

 

Growing is the main element for development of any business and for country’s economic improvement. One of the most important segments which contribute significantly to the development of Georgian economy is SME segment. Due to this reason, Bank of Georgia within the Welcome to Georgia! Award already for the second year presents a special category – THE FASTEST GROWING COMPANY OF THE YEAR IN THE SME SEGMENT AWARD– to encourage and motivate companies working in the tourism and hospitality industry, SME segment. The only criteria for participation in this category are that company’s annual turnover should be within 12 million GEL and the companies should be achieving significant success in 2017.

 

Besides this, for the Welcome to Georgia! Award 2017 Bank of Georgia developed a very special category – THE BEST WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AWARD. This category was created specially by the Bank of Georgia to encourage and motivate female leaders in this business. This nomination is for those women who have dedicated their career to development of Georgian tourism and hospitality industry.

 

To participate in the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards project, please register from 14 June till 20 September at www.awards-tourism.com and be recognized as the BEST in the tourism industry of Georgia!

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Second Tourism and Hospitality Conference within the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2017

by Business EventsLatest PostsNews

Second Tourism and Hospitality Conference within the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2017

 

On June 14th  Second Tourism and Hospitality Conference within the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2017 was held at the exhibition center Expo Georgia in Conference Hall of Pavilion ІІІ. The Conference was co-organized with Georgian National Tourism Administration and was supported by Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and Tbilisi City Hall.

 

The Conference was opened with a press conference where the organizer and government representatives – Ms. Maryna Chayka – Co-Founder/CEO of Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards; Mr. George Chogovadze – Head of Georgian National Tourism Administration; Mr. Irakli Lekvinadze – Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi, Mr. Ivane Zhuzhunashvili – Partner at BDO Georgia; Mr. Giorgi Arveladze – Deputy Director of Small and Medium Business Department at Bank of Georgia spoke about importance of the Awards project for this field and development of tourism industry in Georgia.

The latest data of January-May 2017 illustrates that the number of international travelers equaled to 2 329 677 persons which is by 9.7% higher number compared to the same period of 2016.

Following the increase of demand, relevant sectors are also developing in Georgia. In particular, over 170 new hotels started operation during the past two years (which is additional 3 223 beds). It should be noted that in 2017-2019, over 160 new tourist facilities are scheduled to be opened with more than 18000 beds.

After a press conference participants had an opportunity to listen to presentations of the best service providers for the tourism and hospitality sector, found out the latest news of this industry and perceive Awards projects’ current news.

 

During the Conference the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards’ organizers introduced audience new Jury Expert Board, new Categories and officially declared opening of registration for participants to fill in applications. 

 

From 14th June till 20 September all Tourism and Hospitality Industry players from all regions of Georgia can register on the Awards official web site (www.awards-tourism.com), choose maximum two categories that best reflect to their business and participate in the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2017

 

Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards project is being held since 2015 and the main mission of the project is to encourage tourism and hospitality industry in Georgia and promote the awareness of the high-achieving tourism business and brands that create a positive image of the country worldwide.

 

Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards Categories 2017:

 

  1. THE BEST BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION AWARD
  2. THE BEST STANDARD ACCOMMODATION AWARD
  3. THE BEST DELUXE ACCOMMODATION AWARD
  4. THE BEST WELLNESS & SPA RESORT AWARD
  5. THE BEST MOUNTAIN ACCOMMODATION AWARD
  6. THE BEST SEA ACCOMMODATION AWARD
  7. THE BEST LOW BUDGET ACCOMMODATION AWARD
  8. THE BEST MICE TOURISM AWARD
  9. THE BEST WINE TOURISM AWARD
  10. THE BEST ADVENTURE TOURISM AWARD
  11. THE BEST GEORGIAN TRADITIONAL RESTAURANT AWARD
  12. THE BEST FESTIVAL OR EVENT AWARD
  13. THE BEST TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER AWARD
  14. CONCEPT CAFÉ/RESTAURANT AWARD
  15. THE BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF TOURISM DESTINATION AWARD
  16. THE BEST SPESIALISED TOURISM SERVICES AWARD
  17. THE BEST TOURISM EDUCATION AWARD
  18. THE BEST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL CHAIN IN GEORGIA AWARD
  19. THE FASTEST GROWING COMPANY OF THE YEAR IN THE SME SEGMENT AWARD
  20. THE BEST WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR IN TOURISM INDUSTRY

 

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MTSKHETA – MTIANETI BUSINESS FORUM BY BUSINESS GEORGIA

by Business EventsLatest Posts

On March 10, 2017, at the Gujari Conference Hall in Mtskheta, JSC Business Georgia will organize the Mtskheta-Mtianeti Regional Business Forum with the support of State Representative – Governor’s Administration in Dusheti, Tianeti, Mtskheta, Kazbegi and City of Mtskheta Municipality of Georgia. The Forum participants will explore regional opportunities for doing business, focusing on the importance of regional development, emerging business opportunities, and government’s role in attracting investments.

As one of the flagship events of Business Georgia in 2017, Mtskheta-Mtianeti Regional Business Forum will bring together some 300 business leaders, representatives from foreign embassies and government officials, investors, representatives of NGO’s and international organizations to discuss topics including regional development, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, finance, tourism, hospitality, and investment opportunities.

General Director of JSC Business Georgia, Mrs. Ana Gogishvili said “Business Georgia is planning to promote local businesses, support in attracting investments and launch new projects to develop Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region. Our deep knowledge on local market and extensive network of global trade and investments offer synergistic value to the investors who seek trade and investment opportunities in Georgia.”

The Mtskheta-Mtianeti Business Forum of JSC Business Georgia is an initiative, which is the part of the company’s Regional development strategy and it will cover all regions of Georgia aimed at increasing regional development, attracting businessmen to invest in different directions, as well as to promote economic growth.

Mrs. Gogishvili added “Regional Business Forum welcomes the very important initiatives and opportunities. We hope that this event will provide an open, friendly, neutral and constructive platform for businesses to gain insights into regional market conditions, exchange ideas, network with potential business partners and reap the benefits of collaborating with local government and companies operating into the region.”

The discussions will raise awareness of development dynamics and statistics of business performance, fields of high potential and non-used natural resources, governmental support and effective use of financial resources, Infrastructural base and technical resources, “Mountain Law” and liberalization in taxation, investment environment and grants and international foundations for promoting regional development in Georgia.

The senior government officials, prominent business leaders and industry experts will elaborate on the current state of regional economic development, the importance of close business partnerships, as well as opportunities and challenges for the private sector in the region.

Venue: Restaurant-Museum Gujari

Address: 156 Agmashenebeli street, Mtsketa Georgia

Date: 10 March, 2017

Time: 11:00-14:00

Contact information:

JSC Business Georgia

T: 595 885 405

E: forum@businessgeorgia.ge