Page 61 - GEORptAug21

supplier.
Since the first media reports on the lawsuits, the number of companies willing to sue Carrefour has apparently increased. "The documents have been sent, we will process them and prepare to file other lawsuits in court," Shota Makhatadze, a senior lawyer at NEXIA TA, said.
9.1.11 TMT sector news
Georgia’s post-Covid connectivity plan targets investments of €3.9bn
Connectivity has been put at the top of the agenda in Georgia, following a visit earlier this month from Europe's commissioner for neighbourhood and enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi.
In an address to officials, Várhelyi said the country was facing issues due to its lack of communications connectivity with other nations and to vital utilities such as in electricity provision.
As a result, during his trip Várhelyi announced a series of proposals to "improve access to digital services and broadband internet throughout the country, and also to introduce to Georgia our Green Deal and our Digital plans".
Confirming "five flagship initiatives" for Georgia on Black Sea connectivity, Varhelyi said the strategy "should bring in at least €3.9bn" in investments over the coming years.
His remarks came a week after the ‘Economic and Investment Plan for the entire region of the Eastern Partnership countries was announced to promote and secure socioeconomic recovery post-Covid. This also includes strategies for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine. Speaking about Georgia, Varhelyi told Capacity: "These five flagships will contribute to the socio-economic recovery from Covid-19 by stimulating growth and improving connectivity between Georgia and the EU, thus also increasing trade and economic integration.
"In particular, the flagship on Black Sea Connectivity will further integrate the Georgian market with the EU market through the deployment of a submarine fibre optic cable. This will create another direct connection between the South Caucasus and South-East Europe and will diversify/strengthen the connection between Europe and Asia. Citizens will benefit from a faster and more stable direct internet connection between Georgia and the EU."
The developments come less than four months since the Venice Commission and the Council of Europe Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law said that new powers granted last year to the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) were "not in line with European standards".
Although unable to comment on specific issues, Varhelyi said of the regulatory environment in Georgia: "Bearing in mind these planned investments in digital connectivity, the independence of the responsible regulator in the field of electronic communications is of crucial importance."
The developments could signal a break in a turbulent period for Georgia's connectivity sector, following challenges to NEQSOL Holding’s ownership of Caucasus Online and recent criticism from a key player in the mobile space. While Varhelyi didn't specifically comment on these matters, he did tell Capacity that domestic and foreign investment would both be key to meeting the €3.9bn investment potential.
He said: "We would expect the investment to come from within Georgia but also from other countries. The EU contribution will be a combination of blending grants, loans and in particular the guarantees under European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD+). This must be complemented by private
61 GEORGIA Country Report August 2021 www.intellinews.com