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CHRONICLE OF ICC GEORGIA ACTIVITIES Discussion Forum with EBRD
The second guest speaker Professor Aleksandre Tvalchrelidze, made an interesting presentation - “Russia at the international commodity markets – a policy of world expansion ”that revealed several interesting facts concerning Russian commodity assets worldwide ( and their Impact on the World Economy. As Editor in Chief of The Expert magazine Mr. Davit Natroshvili explained that The Economist has decided to continue large-scale operation in Georgia and the readers will soon witness a new independent analytical publication – The Expert. Readers will have the chance to get familiar with The Economist articles in the Georgian language, as well as analysis prepared by Georgian experts. Finally Chair of ICC-Georgia briefed the members about his official visit in Damascus on ICC regional meeting of ICC SAME (South Asia and Middle East) on February 15, 2009. Several National committees, Secretary General of ICC, Chairman of the World Chambers Federation attended the meeting. Several country representatives expressed interest to come to Georgia and explore the possibility of doing business, the delegation visits will be facilitated by ICC-Georgia in nearest future. Upon suggestion from Mr. Asly it was agreed that a Regional ICC Meeting will be held in Tbilisi in 2011
ICC-Georgia attends its second ICC regional meeting in Damascus on February 15, 2010
Upon suggestion from Mr. Asly it was agreed that a Regional Meeting will be held in Tbilisi in 2011.
Apart from ICC members representative of embassies and German Business Association in Georgia participated in the forum. Focus International is an international media company with its Headquarters in the UAE. The main business focus of the company is to publish informative guides on countries giving readers an extensive economic overview of its economy, sector by sector. These guides are distributed in UAE and several other countries around the globe with the most reputable.
ICC members were offered to place their company information in the magazine.
November 6, 2009
The goal of the meeting was to strengthen the working relationship with the Ministry of Economic Development and to address some of the major issues facing the business community. The meeting was attended by all major businesses in Georgia Minister Pololikashvili and Mr. Matkava updated ICC members on the latest developments in economic affairs and of the future plans of the government. The presentations were followed by a constructive discussion between businesses and the speakers about the ways of achieving further close cooperation to facilitate the development of business in Georgia. The chairman of ICC Georgia Mr. Fady Asly suggested establishing a body which would facilitate more active interrelation between the Ministry and businesses. On the other hand the Minster offered members to participate in international official visits designed for attracting investments to Georgia.
Brett Gosper, Regional Director, CEO of McCann Erickson EMEA [Europe Middle East Africa] said: “Our mission is to do work that creates demand for our clients, but it is doubly gratifying when it wins awards too. It really is a tribute to our clients who have bought into radically different ways of doing things than in the past.” First introduced in 1996, the Euro Effies rewards advertising that builds brands across borders with campaigns which have achieved success through proven, effective commercial communications in two or more European markets. The Effie Awards originated in the U.S. in 1968 where they likewise honor both effectiveness and creativity and are highly prestigious. The Halo3 campaign is among the most awarded in the world, having previously captured two Grand Prix Awards at the Cannes International Advertising Festival; Best of Show at the One Show Awards; a Grand Clio at the Clio Awards; a Grandy, the top honor, at the Andy awards, among others. McCann Erickson is part of McCann Worldgroup, one of the world’s largest marketing communications companies, which also is comprised of MRM Worldwide (digital marketing communications, direct/customer relationship management); Momentum Worldwide (event marketing/sponsorship/sales promotion); McCann Healthcare Worldwide (professional/dtc communications); Universal McCann (communications architecture/media buying and planning); Weber Shandwick (public relations) and FutureBrand (consulting/design
- Companies can still applie to the gold list even In case of ongoing court dispute or restructured loan.
The committee brought together the representatives of the following companies: DS Solutions, ARCI, Sheraton Metekhi Palace, Besiki Business Center, Capital Vostok, GEOSTEEL LLC and Iberian Ventures Partners. The attendees discussed several options for fostering the sector in the light of current initiatives from the government to help the Developers. Members of the commission are ready to develop a common platform aimed at cooperation and bring actual results to the real estate sector in Georgia
On June 24, ICC-Georgia’s members have gathered for a casual event at the Chairman’s residence; this social event gave all attendees the opportunity to network and strengthens ties in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
June 11, 2009
Meeting with Minsiter of Finance ICC Georgia Financial Proposal To Government
The aim of the meeting was to promote consistent contact and dialog between the private sector and the Ministry of Finance and, most importantly, to communicate the ICC Financial Package to Government of Georgia that is drafted by ICC-Georgia Tax Committee. The chairman of ICC Georgia and representatives of the tax commission voiced the vision of ICC members. The recommendations review the steps to be implemented in order to improve the fiscal climate in the country, providing important suggestions on tax and customs reforms. ICC-Georgia Tax commission will have follow up meeting with a working group of the MOF shortly to discuss the recommendations in more depth. ICC- Georgia continues to be actively engaged in policy making and keep regular dialogue with the Ministry of Finance.
Nine Business Organizations create an Alliance
It was agreed to work together towards the further improvement of the business climate in Georgia in areas of importance to all businesses as well as to continue to promote the overall growth of the economy of Georgia. Some areas of discussion included Trade & Transport Facilitation as well as Tax Administration. Members of the business community will shortly submit to the Government their suggestions in this regard. Businessmen underlined the importance of stability and long term visibility requesting immediate opening of the roads in the capital All business organizations attending the meeting have expressed their wish to work towards the creation of an alliance to address properly the major challenges facing business a memorandum of understanding will be shortly prepared. The following business organizations co-chaired the meeting - Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry/ GGCI
In order to discuss the issue in more depth and to come up with recommendations, ICC-Georgia plans enlarged meeting of the tax commission on Thursday May 14, where the experts and other representatives of private sector will join to share their perspectives.
April 8, 2009
At present, we can firmly state that despite the international financial crisis and despite the unprecedented challenges that Georgia faced in 2008, the first quarter of 2009 showed the very first encouraging trend and results, confirming that Georgia is weathering the global economic storm safely and much better than many of our peer countries, and better than our own forecasts of four or five months ago stated Prime Minister Gilauri who emphasized on the stability and liquidity of the banking sector, stability of the revenues, satisfactory performance of the retail and real estate sector, and the positive outlooks for the FDI flow. We are glad that the country’s economic parameters are sound and healthy despite the international financial crisis, with the business friendly environment in Georgia and the permanent dialog and cooperation that we have with the Government we are sure that the current challenges will have a contained impact said ICC-Georgia’s Chairman Fady Asly. Despite the difficulties that businesses are facing, we remain very confident in the future; we will remain competitive regionally and globally; we have overcome many hurdles in the past, and the current obstacles will be overcome as well, we only need stability and visibility, political turmoil is untimely and counterproductive, and therefore there is no substitute for dialog added ICC’s Chairman. Through its SME Commission, ICC-Georgia is giving special attention to small and medium size enterprises to make sure that the economic policy signals sent are received, and problems faced by this section of the business community are communicated to Government, tackled and solved properly. The message sent out today by Prime Minister Gilauri and the position of ICC-Georgia will be spread among the membership that includes seven business organizations and more than one hundred members and will be also conveyed to all ICC National committees worldwide.
ICC Board emphasized on the necessity to keep the dialog between the Government and the opposition of the streets: "street protests can only send out a negative message about Georgia, and will result in undermining the economy, the businesses and will lead to a dramatic loss of jobs" said Fady Asly Chairman of the Board. ICC-Georgia urges both Government and opposition to jump start a constructive dialog of the street and around the negotiation table. Businesses have suffered a lot since November 2007 and are currently facing serious challenges jeopardizing their survival; this can only worsen with street rallies and protests added Fady Asly. As a result of the discussions the Ambassadors agreed to relay to both Government and opposition the apprehension of the business community and to strongly advocate for peaceful and civilized negotiations.
March 20, 2009 The agenda included a presentation of ICC-Georgia’s activities for 2008 and the strategy and plans for 2009, the election of a new Board member and the approval of the financial exercise of 2008. One of the main goals for 2009 is to finalize with ICC Headquarters the establishment of an ICC Arbitration Courts in Tbilisi. Dr. Irakli Bokuchava was elected as a new Board Member. Dr. Bokuchava has been heading Catoni & Co. Georgia since 2000. A mathematician by education, Dr. Bokuchava has worked as a researcher and professor at Tbilisi State and Technical University. He has led private businesses in Georgia since the 1990's. His active involvement in business organizations have greatly contributed to the benefit of the business community as a whole, including as a facilitator attracting foreign investors to Georgia.
In closing, Mr. Archil Bakuradze, Board member and Treasurer presented the financial report in a statement that was approved by all ICC members.
February 18, 2009
The official members of ICC-Georgia Business Society Commission are:
Mr. Hie shared with members’ information concerning ICC's activities and its publications about SCR. ICC's Nine Steps To Responsible Business Conduct are specifically designed to guide companies through the process of developing their own business principles and practices. Bank Republic presented their CSR, listing its sponsored projects targeting the environment, cultural heritage preservation, education, and special human resource practices and code of conduct. View the presentation. The Marketing Manager of HSBC Bank, Maka Gviritishili, also presented the companies view on the CSR Sustainability at HSBC. Those present had the opportunity to explore important milestones of CSR such as the promotion of standards, the day to day exercise of the companies resulting in sustainable development and other issues. The attendees also discussed the model of CSR that benefits businesses greatly. The committee has started to define a committee action plan. The 2009 Action Plan will be validated on the next commission meeting
February 13, 2009
The meeting brought together experts, trade specialists and representatives of USAID's department of economic growth, the SME Support Project and Georgian Investment Agency, which provided financial, credit, regulatory and trade financing expertise. Those present discussed various models and experiences of insuring political risk in other countries, their practical steps and cost. The example of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency was also reviewed. Participants agreed that experts and representatives of international insurance companies will be invited for the next meeting. ICC Georgia committees are independent from the board and the chairmen of the committee are ex-officio members of the board of directors.
The attendees explored practical steps for commission to take in 2009, communicate important messages about the sector to the government and what’s most important promote the general image of Georgia. The commission welcomes all the companies involved in tourism industry to become a member of the commission.
December 22, 2008
The aim of the meeting was to promote consistent contact and dialog between the private sector and the legislative body. “It is only through talks, dialog and permanent interaction between the private sector and both the executive and legislative bodies that Georgia will overcome the serious challenges that we are all facing,” said Asly. Mr. Asly underlined the importance of sending a positive message abroad so the world understands that we are not a war torn country, but a leading economy in the region. Mikhail Machavariani, First Vice Speaker, also emphasized the importance of maintaining a relationship and dialog between the Parliament and the private sector to coordinate and tackle the challenges faced by Georgia resulting from the global financial crisis. ICC-Georgia is the leading and most representative business organization in the country, consisting of more than 100 members from a broad array of companies and business organizations.
December 18, 2008 The new members represent many economic spheres including real estate, oil business, freight forwarding, industry, media, insurance, hospitality, trade, construction and SMEs. The ICC Board of Directors also approved a new modus operandi for the different commissions that will become autonomous and very active in 2009.
Mr. Baramidze delivered a speech providing the update on the latest developments about NATO Integration, Free Trade Agreement with the EU and about the status of the visa regime with the EU. The speech was followed by lively discussion and transparent exchange of views. After the meeting the members enjoyed a small reception and informal conversation with the guest speaker.
November 29, 2008 Fady Asly, Chairman of the Board of ICC-Georgia, presented the strategy for 2009, underscoring the vital necessity for everyone to move beyond rhetoric and bellicose discussions and to focus on the future by sending out positive messages concerning the ongoing reconstruction and the receptive investment environment. Commenting on the meeting, Chairman of ICC Georgia Fady Asly called it fruitful and useful.
November 18, 2008
ICC-Georgia is the fastest growing business organization in the country and focuses mainly on helping its members to develop their businesses and to attract foreign direct investments in the country.
During the meeting all major issues related to business were discussed and more particularly the exchange rate for the Lari. Prime Minister Mgaloblishvili expressed his confidence that the national currency will remain stable and that this was a normal readjustment in the wake of the recent international financial changes.
Burjanadze was invited to speak to ICC members on several issues. The business aspect of the postwar situation in Georgia and the future prospects of business development in Georgia were touched upon during her speech. Burjanadze stressed the importance of a close connection between business and Government. However, she stated that business should operate independently of state interference. “A change of Government should not affect businesses,” Burjanadze said. Burjanadze also touched upon the issue of legislation, and the need to defend property rights. She said that Government and society need to identify which main issues in the Georgian economy require special attention. “We need to have a clear strategic vision of where we are going and what the economic strategy of the country will be,” Burjanadze said. According to an ICC Georgia official statement made by its Chairman Fady Asly, 2008 has been a turbulent year and businesses are seeking stability. The participants of the forum were interested in the former Parliament Speaker’s views about regulating the Georgian-Russian conflict. She noted that the problem needed to be resolved in a peaceful way through intensive negotiations. “We should try to use international support and regulate Russian-Georgian relations step by step. We should start negotiations with the support of international society, because when you are in politics you should be able to talk to both your friends and enemies,” she said. After the meeting the participants of the forum noted that the discussion had been “frank and open.”
A frank, open and transparent discussion followed and most of the challenges facing businesses in the wake of the Russian aggression were deeply discussed.
The Rompetrol Group, through its Rompetrol Georgia branch intends to enhance its business in Georgia as part of the long term strategy developed, assessing opportunities outside the downstream sector as well. “ ICC-Georgia is proud to have Rompetrol as one of its members, we highly commend their socially responsible attitude and their strong commitment to further develop their business activity in the country; this is a clear message to investors from all over the world that Georgia is more than ever a very attractive destination for business” said Fady Asly Chairman of ICC-Georgia.
The meeting turned out to be very enlightening and timely for ICC members.
In a letter to the UN Secretary General, ICC-Georgia: “Collective punishment of civilians is strictly prohibited by the Geneva Convention and is clearly defined as crime against humanity”On August 22, 2008 Fady Asly Chairman of ICC-Georgia the World Business Organization, has remitted to Mr. Robert Watkins UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, a letter from ICC-Georgia to Mr. Ban-Ki Moon General Secretary of the UN, requesting immediate action from the UN for the re-opening of the Black Sea-Tbilisi highway. The letter states “Russian troops have taken control of the only road connecting the Georgian Black Sea ports to the capital Tbilisi cutting off any movement of goods with the clear goal of isolating and starving the Georgian capital. The collective punishment of civilians is strictly prohibited by the Geneva Convention and is clearly defined as crime against humanity. We are officially informing you of this fact as it is the fundamental responsibility of the United Nations to protect Georgian citizens against criminal acts carried out by one of its permanent members. We urge you to deploy all necessary efforts compelling the Russian Federation to open with no further delay Georgia’s only supply road in order to avoid a new humanitarian catastrophe”. Click here to see ICC-Georgias letter to UN Secretary General Mr. Asly remitted a copy of the ICC Press release to the Russian officer in charge of the check point, informing him that Russian troops were not welcome in Georgia and that Georgian businesses were adamant at resuming their activities and investments in the country no matter what. Neither invasion nor pressure will deter scare-off or demoralize Georgian and International businesses, we will pursue our operations as usual and invest as originally planned.
Since August 7, 2008 the Russian army has invaded Georgia’s sovereign territory, bombing its civilians and destroying its major infrastructure, causing catastrophic human and material losses; This is the recent chapter of a long series of systematic Russian aggressions and attacks on a peaceful, democratic and Western oriented country. For more than three years now, the Russian Federation has completely closed its markets to Georgian exports, denying Georgian businessman entry visas to Russia, in a clear attempt to destroy the Georgian economy that was largely dependant on the Russian market and to put Georgia on its knees. Despite this aggressive stand, the Georgian government has always welcomed Russian investments in the country where most of the large Russian companies are present and operational. Today’s military occupation of Georgia is the next level of aggression to which Russia has committed, in another attempt to remove President Saakashvili, the democratically elected president of Georgia and to cripple and paralyze the Georgian economy. Russia has deliberately taken control of the only highway linking the Black Sea to Tbilisi, prohibiting any movement of goods with the clear goal of asphyxiating the Georgian capital and turning its citizens against their own Government. ICC-Georgia the International Chamber of Commerce expresses its unrelenting support to the people and government of Georgia under the leadership of President Saakashvili. Neither invasion nor pressure will deter scare-of or demoralize Georgian and international businesses we will pursue our operations as usual and invest as originally planned. ICC-Georgia strongly condemns the ruthless and brutal Russian invasion of Georgia, and calls on the leaders of the G7 and the civilized world to take immediate action compelling Russia to stop its daily humiliation of innocent people, ethnic cleansing, and destruction of the Georgian economy and to withdraw immediately within its already large borders.
Deputy Minister, ex-minister present new business initiatives at ICC-Georgia roundtable
Ex-Finance Minister and Policy and Management Consulting Group join ICC-Georgia
May 23, 2008
Country's top businessmen, Government leaders and foreign diplomats gathered for the International Chamber of Commerce-Georgia's Inaugural Dinner.
April 18, 2008 The ICC-Georgia Board of Directors hosted a business lunch for a group of 16 European Union journalists on April 18 at Kopala. The EU journalists were in Georgia to take a first-hand look at the country’s democratic and economic development, and survey the relevance of the European Neighbourhood Policy for Georgia. The journalists wanted to meet with the Georgian business community. ICC-Georgia’s Board, made up of foremost members of the country’s business community, was the perfect point of contact. Crucial topics were covered at the lunch, including Georgia’s strong investment climate and prospects; the country’s progress since the Rose Revolution; relations with Russia; Georgian taxation issues; the country’s NATO membership bid and the events of November 2007. The informed, active discussion gave the journalists a wide and sophisticated perspective on Georgia’s economic development. Mr. Fady Asly, Chairman of the Board, raised the issue of international coverage of the events of November 2007, emphasizing that some media groups purposefully exaggerated in their coverage the events intensity which raise question marks about their professional ethics and independence. The journalists, in Georgia from April 17-20, represented leading media outlets from Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.
At its April 17 Board meeting, ICC-Georgia welcomed several companies and business organizations as new members. Two prominent business organizations joined as well the Board of Directors; these are the Georgian Bar Association and the Georgian Insurance Association. “With seven leading business organizations sitting on the board of ICC-Georgia, we have become today the most representative business body in the country,” said Fady Asly, Chairman of the Board. ICC-Georgia unites on its Board major players from the private sector; it was therefore decided by the Board of Directors that ICC-Georgia main commissions will be mainly chaired and managed by the professional organizations that are sitting on the Board. ICC-Georgia’s commissions cover various fields relating to international and local business, covering banking techniques, financial services, taxation, international investment regimes and trade policy. Follows the different ICC-Georgia Commissions and their Chairman:
Commission’s role is to cooperate with other National Committees worldwide as well as with various stakeholders in Georgia on all initiatives related to their areas of expertise. Through ICC-Georgia commissions, and for the first time, the Georgian private sector will be actively involved in policy making worldwide.
April 16, 2008 On April 14, the National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC-Georgia), in collaboration with the USAID-funded SME Support Project, hosted its first business luncheon at the Marriot Tbilisi Hotel. March 19, 2008 ICC Georgia is growing in leaps and bounds, and its latest members say they are excited to be part of the country's most dynamic business organization. March 11, 2008 March 6, 2008 Fady Asly, ICC Georgia Chairman, underlined that SMEs are the backbone of any sound economy, and that strong efforts should be made to further their development. March 5, 2008 February 26, 2008 An ICC policy statement entitled "ICC recommendations to safeguard freedom of investment” was sent to the Georgian government. The statement was prepared by the Commission on Trade and Investment Policy with input from the Commission on Financial Services and Insurance, and the Corporate Economists Advisory Group. The statement presents ICC policy recommendations to governments, to counter the increasing trend towards investment protectionism and to inject world business views into the growing international debate regarding sovereign wealth funds. ICC Georgia Chairman met Zurab Adeishvili, Chief of Staff for the President of Georgia. Mr. Asly briefed Mr. Adeishvili about ICC Georgia fundamental mission and discussed with him issues related to the business climate as well as the details of the planned visit of ICC Board to President Saakashvili early March. February 25, 2008 ICC Georgia met with Kakha Bendukidze, head of the State Chancellery, to discuss the creation of an ICC International Arbitration Court in Georgia. Bendukidze pledged to fully support ICC Georgia in establishing the Court, part of the world’s foremost institution of international business dispute resolution. While most arbitration institutions are regional or national in scope, the ICC Court is truly international. February 21, 2008 ICC Georgia met with Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava to speak about the country’s business climate and avenues for improvement. In a constructive meeting, they also explored the role ICC Georgia can play in cooperating with the Georgian government in bolstering local economic growth. February 21, 2008 The International Association of Business and Parliament (IABP) became an ex-officio member and privileged partner of ICC Georgia. IABP is an international professional network, uniting up to 15 national Business and Parliament schemes, which fosters mutual understanding, transparent and effective relationships between businesses and parliamentarians with the aim of informing economic policy and legislation for the benefit of the whole national economy. International Association of Business and Parliament – Georgia (IABP-Georgia) began operations in 2005. Since then, it has become a well-established and integrated service in the Georgian parliament, working closely with MPs, officials, every political faction and parliamentary committee as well as the Speaker’s office. IABP maintains the integrity of the Business and Parliament chapters through its Code of Principles which guarantees the integrity of the work, transparency of the process and the effectiveness of programs. February 20, 2008 ICC Georgia published the first edition of its official newsletter. Published biweekly, the newsletter includes information on ICC activities as well as business and financial news. It also provides an indispensible look at upcoming legislation, reviewing the latest policy decisions and legislative drafts on economic and business issues. February 7, 2008 A day after meeting with Speaker of Parliament Nino Burjanadze, ICC leaders sat down with members of the opposition on February 7 to discuss the importance of protecting the country's business environment. “We listened to the opposition... It was a very constructive meeting, a very open, frank meeting,” said Fady Asly, chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce Georgia. “We expressed our concerns about rallies and demonstrations in the country which will lead Georgia to poverty.”
Mr. Asly said ICC Georgia is ready to broker an agreement between the government and the opposition for the sake of economic stability. “As businessmen, we are neutral. We are not pro-government or pro-opposition. We just want to create a good business climate,” Mr. Asly said. Giorgi Isakadze, representing the Federation of Georgian Businessmen, agreed that the meeting was constructive.
The meeting came a day after representatives of the ICC Board of Directors met with Mrs. Burjanadze, who agreed that political issues should be solved through dialogue to preserve investor confidence in Georgia. Mrs. Burjanadze welcomed the ICC's offer to play a leading role in encouraging direct foreign investment in Georgia, and affirmed her readiness to talk with the opposition and her commitment to fair parliamentary elections in the spring. |
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On March 2, 2010 in the in the II Block of library of Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, basic facts and outcomes of One Young World Inaugural Summit were presented by the Georgian Delegate Tengiz Lomitashvili, who participated in the London Summit in the name of Georgia. 
attending.
Mr. Gilbert Hie, the CEO of Bank Republic and the head of CSR Commission in ICC-Georgia stated that young people are the future of the country and participation of in OYW was a good beginning towards more active involvement of students for the benefit of the country “though dedication, cooperation and active involvement of young people Corporate Social Responsibility should be more promoted in Georgia” 
At the ICC-Georgia's roundtable on February 25th , ICC members had the opportunity to discuss important economic and political perspectives with EBRD Director for the Caucasus, Moldova and Belarus Mr. Paul-Henri Forestier and Professor Aleksandre Tvalchrelidze.
Fady Asly Chairman of ICC-Georgia attended the second regional meeting of ICC SAME (South Asia and Middle East) that was held in Damascus on February 15, 2009.
On December 10, 2010, ICC-Georgia, in the framework of its regular discussion forum, hosted Mr. Giorgi Baramidze, Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia and State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.
ICC Georgia organized an important discussion forum for its members related to tax audits. During the discussions several cases were raised and debated openly and transparently. 
On Friday November 6, 2009 ICC Georgia hosted a meeting between its members and the Minister of Economic Development of Georgia Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili and the newly appointed Head of the Georgian Investment agency Mr. Irakli Matkava.
On September 17, 2009 on EACA Euro Effies Awards Festival in Brussels, Belgium, McCann Erickson was named Agency Network of the Year 2009 and captured the Festival’s Grand Prix for the Xbox ‘Halo: Heroic Story Telling’ campaign, developed by McCann London/T.A.G. SF and Microsoft Xbox media agency, Universal McCann, as part of the Halo ‘Believe’ campaign developed for the launch of Xbox game Halo3. The Halo story-telling campaign also won a Gold Effie. Additionally, McCann Erickson Paris captured a Gold Effie for a Nestle campaign, ‘Nespresso George Clooney II’. 
On September 22, 2009, ICC-Georgia’s members met with the newly appointed head of Georgian Revenue Services Mr. Giorgi Tkskhakaia and his three deputies Messrs Irakli Siradze, Lili Begiashvili and Giga Khvingia -
On August 11, ICC-Georgia Chairman Mr. Fady Asly and the chairman of ICC Real Estate Commission Mr. Giorgi Machutadze, together with Rakia Georgia representative met a delegation of 24 Turkish Businessmen that visited Georgia from August 9-12. The Visit was organized by Georgian Investment Agency. The delegation represented several industries: energy, heating systems, food industry, design and real estate. The goal of their visit was to study the business environment in Georgia and find possible partners. The informed, active discussion gave the delegation members a wide and sophisticated perspective on Georgia’s economic development and business climate.
ICC-Georgia Real Estate Commission chaired by Mr. Giorgi Machutadze, CEO of Capitalvostok held its next commission meeting on Friday at office of Besiki Business Center, to discuss the current situation and recent developments in real estate sector. 
ICC-Georgia and Georgian Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Parliament of Georgia organized a conference to present the “The law on arbitration court” that was adopted recently by the parliament. 
ICC-Georgia partnered with Newspaper Georgian Times and Gorbi to hold twelfth Business Rating 2009 awards ceremony revealing best 25 companies of 2008 and measuring their performance against 15 different criteria.
On June 10, 2009 the Tax Commission of ICC-Georgia met with Minister of Finance of Georgia Mr. Kakha Baindurashvili. Minister Baindurashvili presented an Economic Overview for the country covering the economic parameters and the draft tax code that will be implemented shortly. 
At the initiative of the International Chamber of Commerce ICC-Georgia, nine business organizations have signed Memorandum of Understanding to join force in order to better serve their goals and objectives and to secure a stable business environment in the country; the signatories are: International Chamber of Commerce ICC-Georgia; Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Association of Banks of Georgia; Association of Oil Importers and Distributors; French Business Council; International Association of Business and Parliament/ IABP; American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia; Israel-Georgia Chamber of Business; Association of Freight Forwarders of Georgia.
On Friday May 15, 2009 several major business organizations in Georgia gathered key business people to discuss the main challenges that the business community is currently facing.
ICC-Georgia and several other business organizations have signed a Cooperation Charter with the Ministry of Finance. The created forum will enable businesses to be more actively involved in policy making and contribute to a systematized dialogue with the Ministry of Finance. Signatories will have the opportunity to regularly exchange information about important business and investment concerns.
ICC-Georgia, in partnership with two parliamentary committees on European integration and foreign relations, conducted a hearing to discuss the current major political and economic affairs in the country that are of interest to the business community.
ICC-Georgia hosted the representatives of the Parliamentary opposition on April 21 to discuss the different options for a way out of the crisis
On April 8, 2009, ICC-Georgia hosted Prime Minister Nika Gilauri who presented to the business community the economic parameters for 2008 and the outlook for 2009. 
The ICC-Georgia HR Committee, which is headed by Michael Lelashvili
from Brain Source International, in its latest working meeting, had
the opportunity to gather together the HR managers of such leading
The ICC-Georgia Tax Committee, which is headed by Mr. Gia Bazghadze, held a meeting on March 27. During the meeting Mr. Zurab Nikvashvili, a tax specialist at Ernst and Young Georgia and member of the ICC Tax Committee, presented his 
The Board of Directors of ICC-Georgia met with the Ambassadors of the European Union and Turkey at Tbilisi Marriott to discuss the current Investment Climate and the planned protests of April 9.
On March 20, 2009, ICC-Georgia held its annual General Assembly over a dinner at the Sheraton Metechi Palace.
ICC Georgia Customs Trade and Transportation commission held its first meeting headed by Mr. Aleksi Aleksishvili . The goal of the commission is to facilitate international trade for ICC-Georgia members and increase understanding of customs legislation, also to moderate between ICC-Georgia members and the government to solve problems of the system. At the meeting the group defined major problems of transporters and businesses in general and discussed several solutions to be communicated to the decision makers and to government officials.
ICC-Georgia, whose Business in Society Committee is represented by Mr.
ICC-Georgia, the Security Analysis Center, the Georgian Foundation for 
ICC-Georgia committee on business in society, chaired by the CEO of Bank Republic, Mr. Gilbert Hie held its next meeting.
The ICC-Georgia investment committee held a joint meeting on 13 Friday to discuss the investment climate's current state and its implications and, most importantly, the political risks of insurance on investments. The Commission is headed by Antoine Bardon, Vice-President of FBC (French Business Council) 
Several leading companies shared their perspectives on what lies ahead of tourism industry given the current economic situation. The attendees of the meeting were CEOs of Marriott, Sheraton, Radisson; several tour Operators: Intertour, Georgika Travel, Visit Georgia, and Caucasus Travel. The commission is chaired by Mr. Saba Kiknadze, CEO of Georgian Hospitality Group.
ICC-Georgia held its monthly discussion forum on January 29 at the Tbilisi Marriott Hotel, where the guest speakers were ICC-Monaco Executive Director, Mr. Vincent Lozza and the Mayor of Tbilisi Mr. Gigi Ugulava.
ICC-Georgia Human Resources commission meeting sponsored by Brain Source International took place on December 17, at Sheraton Metechi Palace to discuss the strategy, goals and future plans for the ICC HR Commission. 
ICC Commission on Business and Society, chaired by Mr. Gilbert Hie CEO of Bank Republic , held its first meeting on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
ICC-Georgia members had an opportunity to discuss important political trends with the deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European and NATO Integration Mr. Giorgi Baramidze on its monthly discussion forum, held at the Sheraton Metechi Palace on December 5. 
The International Chamber of Commerce of Georgia met the newly-appointed Prime Minister Grigol Mgaloblishvili last Saturday at the Sheraton Metechi Palace. More than 50 ICC companies and business associations attended the meeting. The session took place behind closed doors, as frank discussion of the situation in the country and the measures to be taken to address it was scheduled. 
On November 11, 2008 Fady Asly Chairman of ICC-Georgia met Prime Minister Grigol Mgaloblishvili to congratulate him for his appointment as Prime Minister of Georgia.
The International Chamber of Commerce Georgia held its monthly discussion forum on Wednesday at the Sheraton Metechi Palace hotel. Former Parliament Speaker and current head of NGO the Foundation for Democracy and Development, Nino Burjanadze, was the guest speaker. 
Following the meeting of ICC-Georgia and the Chairman of Parliament, ICC-Georgia established an ad-hoc committee including several representatives from different business sectors to work closely with Parliament and Government on the vital issue of attracting liquidities to the private sector.
At the ICC-Georgia's roundtable on Friday October 17, ICC members had the opportunity to discuss important political and economic perspectives with Turkey's ambassador to Georgia, H.E. Ertan Tezgor, and Mr. Robert Christiansen, who has been the IMF representative to Georgia for the last four years and who is more importantly the chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Financial Supervisory Agency, an agency recently established by the government to oversee banks and financial system in Georgia. Mr. Christiansen presented an overview of Georgia's current economic status and discussed the tendencies of GDP growth, sources of capital inflows, inflation, current bank accounts at NBG, and reserve requirements as well as factors affecting lending activities and rates of reserve money and monetary aggregates. 
As part of its mission, ICC-Georgia organized a meeting between business leaders and the Speaker of Parliament on October 2nd, 2008.
Fady Asly Chairman of ICC Georgia met the Chairman of the Georgian Parliament David Bakradze; Recent events and the business and investment climate where thoroughly discussed during the meeting. Mr. Bakradze expressed his readiness to take all necessary measures that would improve the business climate even further. It was agreed that a meeting between the Chairman of Parliament and leading businesses will be held in the coming days.
ICC-Georgia hosted an important roundtable in which the guest speakers included the Head Delegation of the European Commission to Georgia and Armenia, Mr. Per Eklund, and the Ambassador of France, H.E. Eric Fournier. Fournier gave a comprehensive presentation of all the events that have proceeded following the Russian invasion of Georgia. 
On June 4 the Policy and Management Consulting Group, represented by former Finance Minister Lekso Aleksishvili, became the latest business group to join International Chamber of Commerce-Georgia.
Several Georgian leading businessmen are actively involved in different commissions which give local businesses a hand in crafting international business policy. 
Economic Development Minister Eka Sherashidze praised ICC-Georgia's rapidly growing contribution to the Georgian business climate. 
According to Mr. Asly, the opposition acknowledged that the current political uncertainty puts everyone in a losing position, and that demonstrations should be used as a last resort
“I think that the fact we even had this dialogue is an important fact. We frankly shared our ideas about current events…and received pragmatic answers from their side,” he said.