If we take a more detailed look at the prices of Kh-Index ingredients (see graph), the main contributors to y/y Khachapuri index deflation in March were cheese (-12%) and eggs (-1%). All other ingredients increased in price: flour (11%), yeast (21%), butter (6%), and milk (12%). As can be easily seen, prices fell y/y for locally-produced goods (eggs and cheese, made of fresh milk); prices went up y/y for goods that are imported (yeast and butter) or use imported intermediate inputs in their production (flour and milk).

Georgian reforms have become an internationally traded commodity. Underappreciated and no longer wanted at home, some of Georgia’s former reformers are doing well-paid consulting gigs in Mongolia, Central Asia, Ukraine, Moldova, and further away emerging markets. Sensing a business opportunity, a group of former government officials groomed by Kakha Bendukidze, the mastermind of Georgian reforms, has recently established a consulting agency, “Reformatics”.

Every cloud has its silver lining and, like many observers, we find some comfort in the fact that the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tamar Beruchashvili, is no newcomer to policymaking and politics. The appointment of this seasoned career diplomat, who has for years handled Georgia’s relations with Europe, suggests that Georgia’s political system is slowly but surely gaining in strength and maturity.

On November 4, ISET hosted Dr. Tariel Sikharulidze, visiting professor of ESSEC Business School Paris Singapore, Associate Professor of Ilia State University, and Black Sea University, who presented a topic titled Mediation as an Alternative Tool of Conflict Resolution.

Feasibility study identifies schemes appropriate for a support by the German Financial Cooperation for investments in agro-insurance in Georgia. If implemented, the supported agro-insurance scheme(s) shall contribute to reduce the vulnerability of farmers, SME, and intermediaries engaged in agricultural activities in connection with economic damages as a consequence of bad weather events.