The Consulate of Georgia in the Philippines, led by Consul (a.h.) Thelmo Cunanan Jr., is promoting investments in the port city of Batumi, on the Black Sea.

Consul Cunanan recently met with Mr. Francis Low and Ms. Armi Hontanosas Cortes, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Sales and Marketing, respectively, of Manila Ocean Park.

Manila Ocean Park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a Manila-based subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in China and is set to expand to other parts of the world, including India. It is located behind the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park in the heart Manila. It opened on March 1, 2008.^[1] In terms of floor space, the 8,000 square metres (86,000 sq ft) oceanarium is larger than the Sentosa Underwater World oceanarium inSingapore, and features a 25-metre (82 ft) underwater acrylic tunnel. Manila Ocean Park is the Philippines’ premiere aquatic theme park and museum, that also boasts an impressive hotel and entertainment complex.

During the meeting, Consul Cunanan promoted Batumi and Georgia as a business destination for the company, citing the country’s vibrant and growing tourism sector, internal stability, stable economy, and generous investment incentives being offered by the government. He stressed there is an excellent opportunity for their company to establish a “Black Sea Oceanarium” in Batumi since the only other such facility in the vicinity, the Sevastopol Marine Aquarium, is currently very much affected by the political situation on the Crimean peninsula. Mr. Low and Ms. Cortez expressed interest in the idea and told Consul Cunanan that they will include it in the company’s possible expansion plans. For his part, Mr. Low said he would travel to Batumi and dialogue with the local government, if the prospects for such a project are favourable.

Consul Cunanan is in touch with Batumi Mayor Giorgi Ermakov and is working with the latter’s office to facilitate the information needed by China Oceanis Philippines, Inc. Working together on this project with Consul Cunanan is Mr. Levan Akhvlediani, Co-Chairman of the Philippines – Georgia Business and Friendship Association, Inc. Aside from the possible investment opportunity, Consul Cunanan is also promoting Philippines – Georgia research collaboration between marine institutions in Manila and Batumi.

Batumi is is a seaside city on the Black Sea coast of Georgia. With a population of 190,000 (2013 census), Batumi serves as an important port and a commercial center. It is situated in a subtropical zone, rich in agricultural produce such as citrus fruit and tea. While industries of the city include shipbuilding, food processing, and light manufacturing, most of its economy revolves around tourism. Since 2010, the face of the city has been transformed by the construction of new high-rise landmark buildings and the renovation of the Old Town