Page 54 - GEORptNov20

Under the Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Development Program, ADB will provide a $130mn policy-based loan and a $20mn project loan.
The loan will strengthen the capacity of local governments and the United Water Supply Company of Georgia (UWSCG), a state-owned enterprise, to enable them to adequately meet demand in urban and rural areas.
Water supply consistency in Georgia ranges from four hours to 24 hours per day, posing a significant health risk during the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. About 92% of urban and 64% of rural residents receive piped water, while 84% of urban and 20% of rural residents have access to sewerage systems. Only 36% of the total population benefit from wastewater treatment.
9.2 ​Major corporate news 9.2.1 ​Transport corporate news
Air Georgia to launch passenger transport services, possibly low-cost
Giorgi Kodua, founder of the Hub Georgia organisation that addresses transport issues, has confirmed that his cargo carrier Air Georgia will receive its first Airbus A320 passenger aircraft on October 20 as it moves into passenger transport. Another such aircraft is expected within a month, with two more to arrive in December and March, respectively.
“The planes are new and are currently in the United States,” Kodua said in September when he announced his intentions for the first time.
“[N]egotiations are underway with the investor,” he said at that time.
Air Georgia will operate as a low-cost carrier, charging fares even lower than those charged by Wizzair according to Kodua, but only if Georgian airports offer the same terms as they offer to Wizz Air, he stressed.
"As you know, we are negotiating with the government and if Kutaisi Airport gives us the same conditions as Wizz Air has, then after registering the plane, we will transfer it to Kutaisi and start flights from there," said Kodua.
However, if the state does not award Air Georgia conditions similar to those enjoyed by Wizz Air, the company will continue flights from Tbilisi at normal prices, he added.
9.2.2 ​TMT corporate news
US software developer EPAM sets up office in Georgia
American software development company EPAM has arrived on the Georgian market, Georgia’s economy minister Natia Turnava has announced.
Turnava said EPAM was attracted by state incentives for foreign investors in the IT and maritime services sectors.
54​ GEORGIA Country Report ​November 2020 ​ ​www.intellinews.com