He noted that while last year also saw a high yield, this year’s figures are set to reach record levels."Preliminary forecasts indicate a record harvest this year; last year’s yield was also very high, but this year’s figure will be an absolute record. We are prepared for this in advance, including in terms of subsidies," Kobakhidze stated.According to the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture is managing the organization of the harvest, and the necessary preparatory work has already been completed.

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The head of government explained that the suspension of the Namakhvani HPP project was the result of "direct sabotage" that took place several years ago, involving non-governmental organizations funded by specific sources and electricity-importing companies. According to Kobakhidze, the state was weaker at the time while foreign agent networks were strong; however, the situation today is radically different, and such processes cannot happen again.The dispute gained momentum following a decision issued on September 11, 2026, by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (Judge Amit P. Mehta). A U.S. federal court in Washington has authorized the enforcement of an international arbitration award requiring the payment of $297 million in principal compensation, up to $52.4 million in tax compensation and additional interest (SOFR + 4%) to the Georgian company Enka Renewables LLC. As of 2026, the total amount, including accrued interest, significantly exceeds $400 million. According to the Ministry of Justice, the state plans to appeal the ruling.Chronology of the Namokhvani HPP project and the arbitration dispute:• June 9, 2021 – Then-Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced that the Namokhvani HPP project-envisaging a 433-megawatt capacity and an $800 million investment-would not proceed in its existing form.• October 2021 – Enka Renewables, a subsidiary of the Turkish company ENKA, having already invested up to $100 million in preparatory works, terminated its investment agreement with the state citing *force majeure* and initiated international arbitration proceedings due to a breach of terms. 2025–2026 – the period when, according to the initial plan, the hydroelectric power plant cascade was scheduled to become operational.• September 11, 2026 – the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rejected Georgia's attempt to stay the enforcement of the arbitral award and recognized the tribunal's decision in favor of ENKA, awarding over $400 million in compensation.According to the Prime Minister, despite the current situation, the country has ambitious plans that include the construction of three large hydroelectric power plants, as well as medium and small hydropower plants and wind and solar power stations.

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“At this stage, nearly 400 wineries are registered with the Harvest Coordination Headquarters and will phase into the grape reception process. This year’s harvest forecast stands at approximately 320,000 tonnes. The Georgian Government has stepped in to guarantee the full sale of this year’s grape crop, ensuring every winegrower has a secured market for their surplus. To this end, the state-owned Harvest Management Company LLC will purchase harvested grapes from individuals across Kakheti under established terms and conditions,” the statement noted.Under these guidelines, standard-quality, undamaged Saperavi grapes with a sugar content of no less than 21% will be purchased at GEL 1.50 per kilogramme. Substandard Saperavi, with sugar content ranging between 17% and 21% or showing partial damage, will be priced at GEL 0.90 per kilogramme. Saperavi grapes with less than 17% sugar content or significant damage will be set at GEL 0.30 per kilogramme.Under the Law of Georgia on Vine and Wine, undamaged grapes from other permitted varieties with at least 20% sugar content will be priced at GEL 1.30 per kilogramme. Grapes with sugar content between 17% and 20% will fetch GEL 0.80 per kilogramme, while those with less than 17% sugar content will be set at GEL 0.30 per kilogramme.The harvest coordination headquarters in Gurjaani is actively managing the grape intake process. For further information regarding the harvest, growers can call the dedicated hotlines at 1501 or 032 219 37 18.

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According to the news agency haqqin.az, this information is revealed in the case files of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (*ENKA Renewables LLC v. Georgia*).The International Chamber of Commerce issued the arbitration award in December 2024. Interest on the amount accrues on a quarterly basis.The arbitration dispute began in October 2021, after then-Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced that the Namakhvani HPP project would not proceed in its existing form.By that time, ENKA had invested approximately $100 million in preparatory work for the project. The total value of the project had been estimated at $800 million.

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GeoStat reported that domestic exports rose to USD 5,422.6 million, marking a sharp 22.1% year-on-year expansion, while imports grew by 3.3% to USD 12,493.0 million.The negative trade balance for January–August 2026 stood at USD 7,070.5 million, accounting for 39.5% of total foreign trade turnover.

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According to preliminary data, 13.7 million tons of cargo were handled at Georgian seaports and terminals over the eight-month period, marking a 24% increase compared to the same period last year.During the same period, the volume of containers handled at the ports reached 554,174 TEU, representing a 9% year-on-year increase. Both figures set records for the January–August period over the last decade.The volume of cargo transported by rail reached 9.7 million tons, an 11% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Specifically, the volume of cargo transported under the transit regime grew by 14%. Regarding air cargo, 29.3 thousand tons of freight were processed at Georgian airports over an eight-month period; this represents a 30% year-on-year increase and sets a record for the last decade.Growth was also observed in passenger traffic. Georgia's international airports served 5.7 million passengers between January and August - a 1% increase compared to the same period last year and the highest figure recorded for the first eight months of the year in the last decade.Furthermore, the number of passengers served by Georgia's international airports in August alone set a new monthly record.

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According to the Ministry of Finance, the introductory meeting focused on partnership between the two countries in bilateral and multilateral formats.The Qatari ambassador, representing Qatar as the host country of the annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), formally invited the Georgian finance minister to attend the event.The sides also discussed prospects for further strengthening cooperation in finance, trade and various other areas.

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More than 80 representatives from 18 countries that are members of UN ESCAP and the Organization for Cooperation of Railways (OSJD) participated in the event, including representatives of government agencies, railway companies and relevant organizations. The meeting was held under the auspices of OSJD and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP).According to Georgian Railway, participants discussed the implementation of international legal instruments applicable to the railway sector, the introduction of new technologies, and strengthening cooperation between state regulatory bodies and railway companies.Particular attention was paid to the electronic exchange of data among participants in international rail freight transportation and the further digitalization of such transportation, as well as improving the efficiency of customs and border controls and simplifying related procedures.Members of the delegations shared their experience in implementing customs procedures for international rail freight transportation and discussed opportunities for introducing and using new technologies in customs and border control processes.

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According to the National Wine Agency, 15 inspections were carried out in 5 companies within the framework of state supervision, the purpose of which was to assess the compliance of the technological process of wine production at the enterprises with the legislation. Out of 31 samples taken, no violations were detected in any case.According to the agency, during the reporting period, control was carried out in several directions at different stages: Inspection control: 213 inspections were carried out in 44 companies to verify the lots submitted for certification. Out of 557 samples taken, non-compliance was detected in 9 samples from 4 companies. Clearance Economic Zone (GEZ): The products of 66 companies were inspected by international auditing companies (Bureau Veritas and SGS). Out of 273 samples taken, non-compliance was detected in 12 samples from 8 companies. As a result of the control, 17 fines were issued in relation to 19 samples from 10 companies.“The total amount of fines imposed amounted to 25,000 GEL. In order to increase the competitiveness of Georgian wine and other alcoholic beverages and ensure the quality of Georgian products in international markets, the National Wine Agency systematically carries out quality control. Compared to previous years, the number of violations has decreased, which indicates the effectiveness of the wine quality control system,” the National Wine Agency said.

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According to Kobakhidze, the 10-year plan envisages doubling the capacity of railways and halving the time for transporting cargo. It is also planned to double the capacity of ports and triple the capacity of international airports.As of  the Prime Minister, certain projects have already been launched within the framework of the plan. He said that in 2026, more than 1 billion GEL will be invested in the modernization of the Georgian railway infrastructure and rolling stock.According to Kobakhidze, 75% of the construction of the East-West International Highway has already been completed.According to the Prime Minister, against the backdrop of the diversification of global trade routes and the increase in the sustainability of supply chains, it is important for Georgia to use the opportunities of the Middle Corridor.According to him, according to the World Bank, with appropriate investments and increased efficiency, cargo flows in the Middle Corridor could triple by 2030, and transportation time could be halved.The Georgian International Maritime Forum is being held in Batumi on September 7-8.

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