Here is the school community's translated statement in full:"We, the members of the BGA (British-Georgian Academy) school community, would like to express our displeasure regarding the sudden announcement of the dismissal of our founder and director – Mrs. Natia Janashia.We would like to emphasize that we work at the British-Georgian Academy precisely because we believe in the values of the Academy, which prioritize the best interests of the students over financial gain.Mrs. Natia, as the founder of this school, has established one of the country's leading and most successful educational institution. Her vision and goals for education are fully aligned with the principles that, in our deep belief, education should uphold.We would also like to express our concern regarding the process of appointing a new director, which was not conducted in consultation with the key members of the school community and was not carried out under conditions of transparency and fairness. Mr. Johan Van Lill has not gone through any of the selection stages required by the international standards (such as interviews with staff, teachers, students, and parents).For many years, the British-Georgian Academy has upheld international standards for staff selection and followed protocols designed primarily to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.We feel that we are on the verge of losing our director, with whom we have worked closely and meaningfully over the years.We, the teachers and other staff members of the Academy, are extremely disappointed by the expected changes and strongly express our wish to keep Mrs. Natia in her position as the school director," – the joint statement of the British-Georgian Academy staff reads. 

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Within the framework of state control, which involves determining the compliance of the wine technological process in enterprises with the requirements specified in the Georgian legislation, violations were found in 34 samples from 6 companies out of 154 samples from 28 inspected companies.Inspection control was carried out in 83 companies; violations were found in 37 samples from 16 companies out of 1,927 samples taken.Out of 459 samples taken from 74 companies inspected by the Agency's contractor companies Bureau Veritas LLC and SGS LLC, violations were found in 11 samples from 4 companies. The inspection process involves determining the conformity of a sample of alcoholic beverages submitted for certification with the lot.Domestic market control was carried out on the products of 78 companies; violations were found in 73 of the 136 samples taken.In addition, for the purpose of organoleptic testing of alcoholic beverages, the tasting commission of the National Wine Agency conducted 284 tastings. Out of 13,006 samples received, 12,383 samples were evaluated positively and 623 samples were evaluated negatively.According to the agency, quality control will continue in 2025 so that tens of millions of liters of Georgian wine meet international standards and demand for it increases even more.

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The Georgia-China Regional Cooperation serves as a dynamic platform that strengthens business ties between Georgia and China, fosters the development of innovative projects, and helps explore new market opportunities. The organization offers companies tailored business solutions, expertise in market entry, project development, international cooperation, and partner sourcing.Representative offices in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shandong Province provide prompt consultations and close communication, significantly simplifying business relations and promoting international cooperation. These offices enable member organizations to find reliable partners, overcome market entry barriers competently, and establish strong collaborations between businesses in both countries.It is also important to note that a foundation has already been established for cooperation between the Association and its partner financial institutions, Basisbank and BB Leasing, to foster bilateral relations and facilitate investments. This collaboration will support businesses in accessing financing and implementing Georgian-Chinese projects.The Association plays a critical role in promoting investments and enhancing cooperation in strategic directions to unlock the potential of the Middle Corridor and support economic development, thereby strengthening regional economies and fostering mutual success."Our mission is to help Georgian and Chinese businesses find each other, build valuable partnerships, and implement new projects. Our experience and deep knowledge of both countries' markets and cultures allow us to create an optimal environment for international cooperation that fosters growth and success for both sides," noted the founding member of the Association, Davit Chikovani.Representatives from business sectors interested in cooperation with China, including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, trade, management, services, and tourism, attended the presentation. The meeting aimed to introduce the organization, showcase its capabilities, better understand the needs of business organizations, and plan future collaboration perspectives.

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As of the Ministry, compared to the same period last year, the number of exported apples increased by 7.6 thousand tons (6 times), and the value - by 4.8 million USD (6 times).The main apple exporting country is Russia (9,026 tons). 60 tons of apples were exported to Kazakhstan, 21 tons to Turkey and 2 tons to Armenia

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According to him, freedom of business is one of the most important achievements that the country has had since 2012.“Freedom of business is one of the most important achievements that the country has had since 2012. Do you remember what was happening in our country before 2012? Practically, business was not left without racketeering. The only answer is freedom of business, regardless of political views, freedom of business will be fully ensured in our country," the Prime Minister said.Kobakhidze thanks the National BankKobakhidze once again praised the National Bank and noted that as soon as the political situation stabilized, the GEL exchange rate began to strengthen.According to him, the National Bank manages to ensure the stability of the GEL exchange rate without any significant interventions.As of Irakli Kobakhidze, only minor interventions have been necessary during these days."The National Bank manages to ensure the stability of the GEL exchange rate without any significant interventions, and I would like to thank the National Bank once again for this," the Prime Minister said.Freebusiness.ge1,055 companies on Freebusiness.ge want to join the demands for the release of those detained during new elections and protests before the New Year. The author of the idea of ​​Freebusiness.ge, Giorgi Chugoshvili, spoke about this on BMGTV’s “Business Morning” program and noted that according to yesterday’s data, 464 companies have been verified on the platform.Freebusiness.ge is a platform where, given the current crisis situation, businesses express their position and join two main demands: the appointment of new elections and the release of those arrested during protests before the New Year.“The current crisis has gone beyond the boundaries of party politics and is putting the country at risk of imminent social and economic danger. It is necessary to urgently de-escalate the situation. The most pragmatic way to de-escalate is to schedule new elections and release those arrested during the recent processes before the New Year. "We, representatives of Georgian business, are responsible for the fate of the country and its irreversible development, regardless of our political preferences, and we sign this call and statement," the statement of free businesses reads.

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GEL1,050/GEL 900 - in "Libre". It is 900 GEL, the remuneration for 8 hours of work in "Two Steps", where part time workload is also offered, with a salary of GEL 450, without deducting income tax (20%) and pension tax (2%). Accordingly, after adjustment, the cash salary turns out to be miserable, close to the minimum wage (GEL 250).The chairman of the board of the Retail Association believes that the topic of enriching hypermarkets should not be so easy to talk about. It requires a special attitude. Because FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) is a major contributor, it feeds many sectors. However, it is not as profitable as it is presented.According to Giorgi Khabashvili, the market does not spare any effort to keep employees and consumers satisfied.According to the lobby of the organized food market (he spoke in "Business Partner" at 1 TV.ge), the level of commitment and effort of companies is high. The No. 1 priority of network hypermarkets is ensuring food safety and quality. As well as the continuity of the supply chain. However, as he noted, there will certainly be interruptions. The main thing is determination and the result will come soon. According to his expectations, organized retail will develop in 7-8 years.According to Khabashvili, FMCG is a responsible sector, both in terms of contribution volume and in terms of sectoral aspects. The market alone pays 400 million in rents, which stimulates the real estate market.According to the lobby, the total organized market is 20.4 billion (annual rate) and is within 40-41%. Revenue will exceed 22 billion by 2025.Khabashvili explained to the audience on TV that revenue does not mean profitability. According to the statistics he cited, in 2023, retailers' profit was 5% of turnover and in 2024 he does not expect more than 2.5%. He also said that out of GEL 10 billion, 7.8 billion GEL comes from the cost of production.In addition, the average contributor pays more than GEL 1 billion in wages. He contributes more than 200 million to the budget in the form of income tax. He pays more than 100 million to banks for terminal transaction services in markets.However, he missed the fact that retailers also earn income from renting bank machines and ATMs, 0.1% of the company's profits.After Khabashvili's mention, if we also refer to statistics, the market and one of the largest, "Nikora Trade" (to make the market analysis more understandable on the example of a separate company), a rough calculation shows that, based on "Nikora's" 18.9% market share, annual lease payments come to 76 million.The average monthly turnover is GEL 633,000 and if we take into account the number of stores (617), the average contribution to the real estate market per store is within the range of 3,700 USD.Nikora Trade's EBITDA for H1/2024 is 41.8 million (-9%Y.Y). In 2023 it was 90 million (2022- 85.6 million).The FMCG market revenue exceeds 20 billion.

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The state of Georgia must plant Georgian vines in Leville’s estate by September 23, 2026, as stipulated in the deed of transfer of the estate signed before a French notary on September 23, 2016.According to the terms of the lease, within 12 months from the signing of the contract, Georgian vines should be planted on the leased property; Bioproduction should start in 48 months. 20% of the organic wine produced annually should be given to Leville’s estate free of charge.In order to fulfill the stipulated obligations, the lessee must make an investment of at least 100,000 Euros (including an investment of at least 10,000 Euros for arranging one cave). The term of transfer to use is 10 years. Annual lease payments will be made once a year. The winning company in the auction must present a document confirming at least one year of experience in organic wine production before signing the lease agreement, as well as a corresponding bank guarantee.The electronic auction is valid until September 30, 2024 at 17:00.

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Location: Radisson Blu Hotel (Address: 1 Rose Revolution Square, Tbilisi)Time: 09:00Date: 26 SeptemberThe event will open with remarks from Nicholas Cendrowicz, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Georgia.The EU-funded Skills for Jobs Programme has supported the development and implementation of sector reform policies in employment, skills development, and youth in Georgia, contributing to Georgia's socio-economic development and global competitiveness by strengthening institutional capacities, improving standards of service delivery, enhancing the employability of individuals throughout Georgia and fostering an inclusive, cohesive and prosperous society.The concluding event will serve as a platform to showcase the impressive results yielded by the programme, which was implemented through a comprehensive approach that included budget support, technical assistance, Institutional Twinning and a grant scheme component.One of the programme's main highlights is its significant impact on skills and youth development in Georgia's regions. Thanks to the nine grant projects funded by the Programme, thousands of Georgians have been assisted by non-governmental actors and service providers by providing guidance and support to help them align their skills more closely with labour market needs and find employment.The event will also spotlight the achievements of the Technical Assistance component, which includes the development of key documents, strategies, and capacity building to deliver employment services and active labour market policy measures. To conclude the event, a panel will reflect on the programme's effects on employment, skills development, and youth in Georgia and on the means of ensuring the sustainability of results.The event will be attended by experts, policymakers, civil society actors, private sector representatives, and representatives of educational institutions. About the European UnionFor more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation and financial support. The relationship between the EU and Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU's support in Georgia https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/About the ProjectSkills for Jobs Programme, launched in 2019 aimed to improve the employability of women, men, young people and vulnerable people in regions of Georgia. The programme was implemented through a range of different measures, including EUR 30 million direct budget support, two Twinning projects, EUR 7 million grant scheme and technical assistance component. For additional information on EU's Skills4Jobs Programme, please visit: U4Georgia website: https://eu4georgia.eu/skills4jobs-programme/ 

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In Q3 of 2024, volatility of the national currency exchange rate was cited as a hindering factor by the surveyed companies.As of the document,  in  Q3 of 2024, legal and administrative barriers were cited as a hindering factor by 75% of surveyed companies.According to the document, In Q3 of 2024, the following factors were also emphasized as the most hindering for business activity: a lack of specialists and weak demand.The Business Association of Georgia (BAG) Index is a joint product of the Business Association of Georgia, PMC Research Center and the ifo Institute for Economic Research. The BAG Index summarizes the BAG Business Climate, BAG Employment Barometer and BAG Investment Environment, which are calculated according to the assessments of the top managers of BAG member businesses and companies in their corporate group.

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It should be noted that in 2022, the imports of Georgian wine to the USA amounted to $5.4 million, and in 2023, this figure decreased slightly by $0.2 million and amounted to $5.2 million.The table below presents the volume of Georgian wine imports to the USA from 1997 to 2023:According to Geostat, in 2023, wine worth $5,612,340 million was exported from Georgia to the USA.In 2Q2024, $2,794,680 million worth of Georgian wine entered the US market. This figure was $1,261,900 million higher than in the same period of 2023, when $1,532,789 million worth of wine entered the US market. The imports of the mentioned products increased by 82.3% during the reporting period. 

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