Publication:  N24 / Review period:  March 1-31, 2023/ Author:  Arsen Araqelov 

Overview 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

Sokhumi Airport

The parliament of the de facto republic of Abkhazia discussed the issue of restoration of the Sokhumi airport. The de facto President, Aslan Bzhania, also attended the session. According to the information of the de facto government, the airport restoration project is undergoing  the “state examination” and after this stage relevant agencies will be involved in the implementation of the project which was created as a result of the cooperation between Russia and the de facto government. The Sokhumi airport has not been functioning since the end of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict and its restoration is Bzhania's pre-election promise.

Mimosa Exports

According to the “Southern Customs Department” of Russia, mimosa exports from the occupied Abkhazia to Russia increased in connection with International Women's Day. This date accounted for over 26 tons of exports. In total, 100 tons of mimosas were exported. It should be noted that 18 administrative violations were registered at a customs office. Individuals attempted to illegally transfer more than 1 ton of mimosa through the “border.”

International Competition in Sochi

The Wines and Beverages of Abkhazia company won five gold medals in different types of wine products at an international competition of alcoholic and soft drinks which was held in Sochi.

Meeting of the De Facto Ministers of Tourism of Abkhazia and Crimea

The de facto Minister of Tourism of Abkhazia, Teimuraz Khishba, met with the de facto Minister of Tourism of the Russian-occupied Crimea, Vadim Volchenko. The meeting took place within the framework of the 29th Moscow International Tourist Exhibition. The meeting signed a cooperation protocol which includes the development of long-term cooperation in the field of tourism.

Visit to Kazan

A delegation chaired by Beslan Eshba, the Mayor of the so-called Sokhumi Administration, visited the capital of Tatarstan. Eshba held a meeting with Ildar Shakirov, the Deputy Head of the Kazan Executive Committee, who heads the fields of transport, economic development and trade. The delegation from Sokhumi got acquainted with the economic situation and potential of Kazan. During the visit, Sokhumi and Kazan signed an agreement on “twinning” of the cities.

Visit of a Delegation of the Republic of Bashkorostan

A delegation of the Republic of Bashkorostan, chaired by the Head of the Republic, Radiy Khabirov, paid a working visit to the de facto republic of Abkhazia. Members of the delegation met with the de facto Minister of Economy, Kristina Ozgan, and the so-called Minister of Finance, Vladimir Delba. The parties discussed the prospects of economic relations and visited the plant of the Wines and Beverages of Abkhazia company.

Economic Relations Between Russia and the Tskhinvali Region

Investment Program

The Chairman of the de facto republic of the Tskhinvali region, Konstantine Jusoev, held a meeting of the operational headquarters to monitor the implementation of the investment program financed by Russia. The meeting was also attended by the de facto Minister of Construction, Architecture and Housing and Utilities, Eduardz Dzagoev. According to him, the de facto agency is waiting for the “state expertise” and as soon as it is completed the construction of objects will begin.

Gasification Project

On March 16, 2023, the de facto President of the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region, Alan Gagloyev, met with the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. The meeting discussed the issue of gasification of the occupied region. After the meeting with Putin, Gagloyev stated that gasification of the region will be completed by 2025, and that the President of Russia voiced his support in this project. Currently, gas is only supplied to Tskhinvali and surrounding settlements in the occupied Tskhinvali region. Gas is supplied to the region only from Russia, through a pipeline.