Publication:  N10 / Review period:  January 1-31, 2022/ Author:  Tamta Kapanadze

Review of Russia’s Economic Relations with Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region is being prepared within the framework of the project - Roadmap to Kremlin's Policy in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region. The purpose of the publication is to provide an overview of economic relations between Russia and Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. The review is a monthly publication and will be useful for everyone – decision-makers, public employees, media representatives and other people who are interested in the Kremlin policy in the occupied regions of Georgia.

Economic Relations Between Russia and Abkhazia

Reconstruction of Sokhumi Airport

According to Aslan Bzhania, a potential investor for the reconstruction of Sokhumi Airport has already been identified. A total of RUB 120 is allocated for the construction. As planned, the airport will receive first flights by January 2024.

The de facto Ministry of Economy of Abkhazia held a working meeting to discuss the reconstruction of Sokhumi Airport. The meeting was attended by representatives of the de facto Presidential Administration, the de facto Ministry of Justice, the potential investor, and a project organization.

After the meeting, Vyacheslav Eshba, the Director of the Vladislav Ardzinba Sokhumi International Airport, together with representatives of the project organization arrived on site to familiarize themselves with the situation. 

Sokhumi Airport was built in 1960s and was closed after the Georgian-Abkhaz war, in 1993.

Meeting at the De Facto Ministry of Economy. Source:  mineconom-ra.org/ru

Restoration Works in Gudauta

The de facto Head of the village of Miusera, Sharakh Zhiba, said that two road bridges connecting the villages of Miusera and Mgudzirkhua in the Gudauta district will be restored. The bridges were damaged as a result of a river flood 15 years ago. It’s planned to install concrete slabs for the reinforcement of the bridges the length of which total 12 and nine meters. Mr. Zhiba said that the work is scheduled to be completed by early summer 2022.

Tourism

According to the Russian Tour Operators Association (ATOR), early booking of summer tours in Abkhazia is gaining popularity among Russians. The possibility of crossing the border with a Russian passport, no requirements for PCR tests and quarantine are considered as advantages. According to ATOR, the volume of sales of summer tours in resort cities of the Black Sea coast several times exceeds the data of previous years.

Abkhaz Railway

As Arsu Chitanava, the General Director of the Abkhaz Railway, stated the Abkhaz Railway earned RUB 94 million in 2019 and RUB 164 million in 2021.

With the increase in revenues, it is planned to invite specialists from Russia for the inspection of railway bridges and tunnels, said Leonid Kurua, the Chief Engineer of the Abkhaz Railway. The total length of tunnels equals to eleven kilometers and have not been repaired since the war.

It is also planned to repair railway stations in Gagra, New Athos and Kelasura by March 1. Oktay Khazirishi, the Assistant General Director of the Abkhaz Railway, said that at the first stage, the company signed architectural assignments issued by the de facto Ministry of Culture.

Kelasuri Railway Station in Sokhumi. Source:  sputnik-abkhazia.ru

Economic Relations Between Russia and the Tskhinvali Region

Commemorative Coins

The de facto National Bank of the Tskhinvali region issued four commemorative coins in 2021, the Head of the Financial Institute, Zhana Jioeva, reports. The cost of one coin totals RUB 4700. A commemorative silver coin was issued on the 90th anniversary of the University.

Mrs. Jioeva noted that the demand for commemorative coins has increased in the region. Since 2013, the bank has issued 27 gold and silver coins dedicated to prominent persons and significant dates.

Commemorative Silver Coin. Source:  cominf.org