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The News in Brief

Wednesday, August 19
Foreign Direct Investments up 87% last year

Georgia is attracting more Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

Adjusted figures released today by the National Statistics Office of Georgia, Geostat, reveal FDIs in Georgia for the year 2014 amounted to $1,758 million USD – an 87 percent increase on 2013 figures.

The Geostat data showed a growing trend in FDI from 2009 to 2011 before offshore investments decreased in 2012 and 2013. But by 2014 FDIs jumped significantly from $942 million (in 2013) to $1,758 million (in 2014).

The total sum of inflow to Georgia between 2009 and 2014 amounted to $2,873 million while outflow reached $ 1, 139 million, noted Geostat.

The share of FDIs by major investor countries mostly came from the Netherlands (21 percent) followed by Azerbaijan (19 percent) and China (12 percent).

The largest share of FDIs was allocated to Georgia’s transports and communication sector, reaching $433.7 million. Following this was the construction sector with $316.6 million and the manufacturing sector with $205.4 million. (agenda.ge)



MIA representatives took the first place at power sports black sea open cup

Employee of the Department for the Protection of Strategic Pipelines under Special and Emergency Measures Center, Shalva Bebiashhvilli, and rescuer of the Imereti Emergency Situations Management division Amiran Doghonidze have successfully competed at the Power Sports Black Sea Open Cup.

Shalva Bebiashvili took the first place in 110 kg weight category. Herewith, athlete has earned the title of the record breaker in Europe in two types of wrestling. It is notable that Amiran Doghonadze is also the owner of various titles; he is the member of the national team, medallist of both the European and World triathlon championships and is a four-time champion of the country. This type of sport event was held in Georgia for the first time. On August 15-16 the event was held with the support of International Power Sports Union and World Powerlifting Alliance in which up to 200 sportsmen from different countries took part. Sportsmen had an opportunity to compete in various sports in different age and weight categories. (police.ge)



Price of 1 USD equals 2.3206 GEL

The National Bank of Georgia has set a new exchange rate, according to which the GEL has slightly gained value against the dollar.

Starting with August 18, 1 USD will cost 2.3206 GEL. The previous exchange rate was 2.3231GEL.

According to the new exchange rate, the Lari has also gained value against the euro. From August 18, 1 EUR will cost 2.5754 GEL, while the previous rate was 2.5949 GEL. (IPN)



Body found buried in a cornfield

Officers of the Dusheti regional police division together with their colleagues from Shida Kartli and Mtskheta-Mtiani Prosecutor’s Office have detained Gela Q. (DoB 1959) on negligent murder charges.

The investigation has established that Gela Q. was cutting down trees in the forest of Ananuri village together with a companion when a passer-by Vasil M. (DoB 1935) was fatally wounded due to their negligence and died on the spot. The detainee, along with his accomplice, aiming to conceal the crime, took the body to Tsilkani village on the same day and buried it in his cornfield.

As a result of investigative activities conducted by law enforcers, Gela Q. was detained six days after the crime. At this moment search for his accomplice is on. The detainee has already pleaded guilty. (ipn.ge)



23 year old dies as car hits motorcycle

TBILISI, DF Watch–A traffic accident in Khobi, in the western part of Georgia, claimed the life of a 23 year old man on Sunday evening.

The accident happened in the village Khamiskuri when an Opel car crashed into a motorcycle with two persons on it.

One of the bike riders, Davit Shamatava (23), survived and was taken to Zugdidi Hospital. He was in a serious condition with head injuries and a number of fractured bones.

Nika Narmania (23), who was also on the motorcycle, died at the scene.

Witnesses say there were several people in the Opel car and claim that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested. (DFwatch)