Page 56 - GEORptNov21

9.1.3 Aviation sector news
Georgia restores 57% of pre-crisis flights
Compared to 2019, 58% of airlines serving Georgia have resumed operations and the frequency of flights to and from the country has been restored to 57%, first deputy head of the National Tourism Administration Tamar Koriauli said in an interview given to Palitra radio station.
Georgia's land borders were reopened to visitors as of June 1.
According to Koriauli, Georgia has already received guests from 54 countries since the reopening. All the visitors were required to show they had passed a PCR test for coronavirus. Citizens and residents of 54 countries are presently permitted to travel to Georgia
“We are one of the first [countries] to open the border to vaccinated visitors. It is important for the recovery of tourism. It is also gratifying that, compared to 2019 data, 58% of airlines have resumed operations. The [flights] frequency has been restored by 57%," Koriauli said.
Asked whether the removal of the country's curfew was being considered, Koryali said that “benefits are being considered for vaccinated guests”, implying that they might not be subject to same restrictions as the general population.
"The issue of the curfew is actively on the agenda. Representatives of both economic group agencies and the Ministry of Health are actively considering the additional benefits that vaccinated tourists may have. Also, the removal of various types of restrictions for places where the personnel is vaccinated. I mean both accommodation and food facilities, which we hope will open soon and will help attract more tourists in the future," Koriauli added.
9.1.4 Automobile sector news
Promised production of electric cars with Chinese partner in Georgia delayed another year
The planned production of the first electric cars in Georgia has been postponed to 2022, Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava has said. A plant for the manufacture of electric vehicles, to be located in Kutaisi, western Georgia, is to be run by the Georgian aigroup in partnership with Chinese state-owned automobile maker Chang’an Automobile. Land was awarded for the factory and it was supposed to start operations as soon as 2020, with plans to sell the electric cars coming off its production lines domestically and in European Union member states.
However, in a perhaps worrying sign, the website of Aigroup has been suspended.
“Industrial holding aigroup brings together aicar, aienergy, aipower and aiproduction. aigroup focuses on environmentally friendly projects and gives them the priority,” the company’s Linkedin account reads.
There is scarce information on Big Service Ltd, the project company set up by aigroup Chang’an Automobile.
Under a contract signed with authorities, when the land was passed over for the factory in return for a symbolic fee of one Georgian lari in July 2019, the investors promised to start production by April 27, 2021 at the latest. The fine set for failing to meet the deadline was equally symbolic, though: 550 lari ($18) per day.
Turnava said that the coronavirus pandemic prevented the investor from starting production and that the company would be given extra time to fulfil its obligations.
“It is so important for us to develop a green economy and at the same time strengthen Kutaisi as an industrial centre. We will support the investor to fulfil this task", Turnava said.
56 GEORGIA Country Report November 2021 www.intellinews.com