“According to the amendments to the law, after May 1, it will be possible to cultivate a vineyard for commercial purposes only with the prior consent of the National Wine Agency. Otherwise, a person who cultivates a vineyard arbitrarily will not be able to commercially sell the grapes or wine produced.The aforementioned regulation applies only to those who plan to cultivate a vineyard for entrepreneurial activity and does not apply to those who cultivate a vineyard for personal consumption.Consent to cultivate a vineyard is issued free of charge by the National Wine Agency.The amendments are part of a reform aimed at improving the quality of wine and are aimed at regulating the process of cultivating vineyards. All parameters of the vineyard must meet the established standards, which will contribute to obtaining a quality harvest and producing high-quality wine.It is noteworthy that by May 1 of this year, a relevant normative act will be developed that determines the requirements for obtaining consent to cultivate a vineyard "Documentation and procedures," the National Wine Agency said in a statement.

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“Last year, we launched the pilot programme for micro and small business support, which generated considerable interest and achieved significant results. The City Economic Development Service has been monitoring the activities of entrepreneurs supported through the programme, and this oversight has shown that the programme’s effectiveness and results are undeniably positive. Based on these findings, we have decided to develop the pilot into a full-scale project, expand its scope, and increase the available funding. Last year, the financing limit per entrepreneur stood at 20,000 lari. This year, co-financing will rise to 50,000 lari,” the Mayor stated.He noted that last year, just under 50 micro and small entrepreneurs were selected and supported under the programme.“Those entrepreneurs were able to procure the equipment and machinery they required. In the selection and assessment of beneficiaries, preference will be given to candidates who have an active enterprise and can present a credible, constructive plan and vision for the development of their business. The co-financing proportions are structured as follows: up to 5,000 lari — 90% covered; from 5,000 to 20,000 lari — 85%; from 20,000 to 30,000 lari — 80%; and from 30,000 to 50,000 lari — 70% covered by the municipality,” Kaladze said.He added that the programme would proceed, recognising its vital role in promoting business growth and generating new employment opportunities.“The support provided under this programme helps existing businesses to grow further, raises their competitiveness, and, through our combined efforts, strengthens local production. I am confident that a great many people will benefit from it. Applications will be opened in the near future, and we will keep the public informed of the relevant dates,” the Mayor said.

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Production of potato decreased by 6.1 percent and set 207.9 thousand tons. Besides, production of vegetables equaled 146.3 thousand tons, which is 8.9 percent higher compared to 2024.According to the preliminary data of 2025, average yield of potato and vegetables have been decreased compared to the previous year, besides average yield of barley, and maize has been increased. According to the survey results, average yield of wheat consisted of 2.9 t/ha, average yield of barley – 2.7 t/ha, average yield of maize – 3.1 t/ha, average yield of potato – 14.5 t/ha, average yield of vegetables - 10.6 t/ha.According to the preliminary data, in 2025 sown areas of annual crops amounted to 184.3 thousand hectares, which is 3.8 percent less than the same period of the previous year. However sown area of winter crops decreased by 1.3% and consisted of 60.4 thousand hectares and sown areas of spring crops decreased by 4.9% and consisted of 123.9 thousand hectares.Sown area of maize took the biggest share in the sown areas of annual crops and equaled 65.3 thousand hectares. Sown area of wheat was 49.4 thousand hectares, sown area of barley – 24.0 thousand hectares, sown area of potato – 14.3 thousand hectares, sown areas of fodder crops – 10.3 thousand hectares, sown area of vegetables – 10.8 thousand hectares and sown areas of the remaining crops 10.2 thousand hectares.According to the preliminary data, in 2025, 205.6 thousand tons of fruit (except Grapes and citrus) were produced in the country, which is 15.6 percent less than in the same period of the previous year. As for the distribution of fruits by species during the reference period, 72.3 thousand tons of pome fruit were produced which is 19.3 percent less than in the same period of the previous year. Production of stone fruit consisted of 53.3 thousand tons (30.5 percent lower), production of nuts – 53.9 thousand tons (2.7 percent higher), production of subtropical fruit – 17.4 thousand tons (1.2 percent higher) and Berries – 8.7 thousand tons (16.0 percent higher).Besides this, in 2025, 347.4 thousand tons of grapes were produced, which is 8.3 percent higher than in previous year, and 55.0 thousand tons of citrus, which is 0.4 percent lower than the previous year.

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Of this, exports amounted to $1.72 billion (increased by 23.3 percent), and imports amounted to $4.14 billion (decreased by 7.2 percent). The negative trade balance in January-March 2026 amounted to $2.41 billion, which is 41.2 percent of foreign trade turnover.Detailed data on Georgia’s foreign trade will be published on April 20 of this year.

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According to the head of government, the decision was made as a result of active consultations with the business sector. The reasons were the interests of the private sector and the possible impact of the regulation on consumer prices.“Plastic consumption harms both human health and the environment... However, at the same time, we must take into account the side factors related to this process, including the subjective interests of business, as well as the possible impact of specific regulations on consumer prices,” Irakli Kobakhidze said.Changes and current regulationsAccording to the original plan, the production (except for export), import and sale of beverages in plastic bottles were to be banned from February 1, 2027. According to the decision, this deadline was extended by 4 years.Nevertheless, other parts of the regulation remain in force: From July 1, 2026: public catering establishments (restaurants, canteens, kiosks, transport) will be prohibited from serving beverages to customers in plastic bottles. Already valid ban: The delivery of ready-made food in disposable plastic containers and cups is prohibited. It is worth noting that the restrictions do not apply to products intended for export and packaging for packaged food. According to the Prime Minister, the process of reducing plastic consumption will continue in stages.

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According to him, over the past few months, a serious optimization of state expenditures within the framework of existing agreements has been carried out in various directions. Along with other agreements, the agreement related to the deepening of the Anaklia deep-sea port and the construction of a breakwater, as well as the contract with the supervisory company, has been revised.According to the Prime Minister, as a result of the changes made, the cost of the project has been reduced by more than 25%, which saved the state budget $52.5 million. Irakli Kobakhidze thanked the Minister of Economy and his team for their work and noted that the construction process in Anaklia will be actively resumed in the coming days with significantly reduced costs.The Anaklia Deepwater Port project is one of the most ambitious geopolitical and economic initiatives in the history of Georgia’s independence. Its idea is based on the country’s strategic location and aims to transform Georgia into a key link in the “Middle Corridor” connecting China and Central Asia with Europe. Unlike traditional ports, Anaklia’s main advantage is its depth, which will allow the country to receive large-capacity, so-called Panamax-type ships for the first time in history.The active phase of the project began in 2016, when the Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC) won the tender. The consortium, headed by Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, included TBC Holding Anaklia, American Conti International, Dutch Van Oord PPP International, British Wondernet Express, Bulgarian G-Star, and investor Bob Meyer.Construction work began in 2017 and included large-scale dredging of the seabed. According to the original plan, the port was supposed to receive the first ship in 2020, but the process was soon delayed. The main obstacle was related to attracting financing from international banks and additional guarantees required from the state, which was accompanied by a legal dispute against the founders of the consortium.In January 2020, the Georgian government officially terminated the contract signed with the consortium. The state cited non-fulfillment of obligations as the reason, while the consortium accused the government of obstructing the project. Both disputes in international arbitration on this case ended in victory for the state, and the consortium's claim for multi-billion dollar compensation was not satisfied.After the termination of the contract, the state decided to continue the construction of the port with its own funds, where the controlling, 51% stake would remain in the ownership of the state, and only 49% would be transferred to the investor.On May 29, 2024, the government announced that the Chinese-Singaporean Consortium (CCCC) had been selected as the private partner, although, as of this time, an official investment agreement had not yet been signed with them.Currently, marine construction work has resumed at the site and is being carried out by the Belgian giant Jan De Nul. The first phase of the project will see the port deepen to 16 meters. According to the updated plan, the Anaklia Deepwater Port will receive its first ship in 2029, which will significantly increase Georgia's cargo turnover and its influence in the international logistics chain.

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According to Kobakhidze, the changes began in September of last year, after the company's management was changed.As a result of the implemented and ongoing optimization, more than GEL 3.5 million will be saved annually, and the return of business processes transferred to intermediary companies will increase the company's income by GEL 14.2 million annually.In addition, the air terminal function has been restored and the process of signing agreements with new airlines is underway. Renewing terms with existing partners has saved terminal service costs and reduced transit times, as a result of which Georgian Post will receive an additional income of more than GEL 5 million annually.“As a result of all these changes over the past 5 years, Georgian Post will be profitable for the first time. You can see how fundamental the changes that have been and are being implemented are,” the Prime Minister said.

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According to the plan, the state will make large-scale investments to renew the rolling stock. In particular, it is planned to: Purchase 50 new locomotives and 1,500 carriages Purchase 10 new passenger trains, which will allow the company to perform all mainline flights with new trains Implementation of modern railway systems to improve operational processes New directions and reduced travel timeAccording to the Prime Minister, the Tbilisi-Kutaisi direction will be added to the railway. In addition, several important projects will be completed in August: Tbilisi-Batumi: As a result of the rehabilitation, travel time will be reduced by 1.5 hours and will become 4 hours instead of 5.5 hours Tbilisi-Akhaltsikhe: A flight canceled since 2009 will be restored. Travel time will be halved and will be 3 hours instead of 6 Rehabilitation of the historical "Kukushka" The government has decided to completely rehabilitate the Borjomi-Bakuriani historical train, the so-called "Kukushka". The project includes the renovation of both the train and the railway infrastructure and 5 stations."This line has also been stopped since 2020, and according to the plan, the train will serve our citizens and guests of our country from January next year. The restoration of this railway line is also of great importance from a tourist point of view," noted Irakli Kobakhidze

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The main requirement is to prove at least 2 years of work or economic activity experience in the IT sector. In addition, a minimum salary threshold has been established - a person must prove that his annual salary is not less than $25,000 (equivalent in GEL) in the last 1 year, based on the income received in the same sector.In addition, the submitted documentation must confirm that he received the salary at least twice during the last 1 year, with an interval of at least 30 days.The full list of documents required to obtain a residence permit is as follows: Application: Application in the prescribed form, indicating the unique code assigned by the State Employment Promotion Agency Identity documents: Copies of the alien's travel document and a document confirming legal stay in Georgia Experience and income certificates: Documents confirming 2 years of work experience in the IT field and an annual income of $25,000 Work permit: Decision on granting the right to work Technical details: Color photo (3/4, in electronic form) and receipt for payment of the service fee. 

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Among the strategic markets of Georgian wine, a special growth was recorded in Germany in the first quarter, where exports reached 375 thousand liters, which is 32% more than in the same period last year. Exports to the United Kingdom increased by 9% and reached 86 thousand liters.Also, a 4% increase was recorded in the People's Republic of China, where about 831 thousand liters of wine were exported.In the first quarter, alcoholic beverages were exported to 38 countries. In total, 7.6 million liters of products worth $56.6 million were exported. Revenue from exports increased by 3%.

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