Economics

Blueberry exports from Georgia increased by 46% and exceeded $61.8 MLN

According to the ministry, compared to the same period last year, the volume of exported blueberries increased by 53% (by 3.3 thousand tons), and the value by 46% ($19.5 million).During the same period, the average export price of 1 kg of blueberries amounted to $6.4.According to the ministry, the main export market for Georgian blueberries is still Russia, where 91% of the exported crop - 8,736 tons of products - entered the market in May-July.498 tons of blueberries were exported to the European Union, while relatively small volumes were transported to Armenia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and other countries.

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The Number of Visits to Doctors Increased by 6%

According to the data of 2025, compared to the previous year, the number of registered diseases (for the first time with a diagnosis) has increased the most in the following groups: congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (14.2 percent), neoplasms (12.7 percent), mental and behavioural disorders (10.6 percent), diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (8.9 percent), diseases of the eye and adnexa (6.8 percent).From main disease groups the most common in the population are diseases of the respiratory system, diseases of the eye and adnexa, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, diseases of the circulatory system and diseases of the urogenital system. In 2025, the number of new cases of AIDS amounted to 562 units, which is 53 units less than the corresponding indicator of 2024. The total (cumulative) number of people living with HIV/AIDS amounted to 11 568. There were 150 deaths from HIV/AIDS during the 2025 year.In 2025, compared to the previous year, the number of new tuberculosis cases was 7.3 percent less. Morbidity with tuberculosis decreased by 12.9 percent and amounted to 1 142.In 2025, emergency care was provided to approximately 1.15 million people, of which 99.0 percent of cases were related to sudden illness.

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96.5% of Operating Markets Are privately Owned, with More Than A Third...

GeoStat reported that the most prevalent legal form among entities operating markets and bazaars was the limited liability company (LLC), accounting for 72.7 per cent of all active markets and bazaars in 2025, while sole traders accounted for 23.8 per cent. The remaining markets and bazaars operated as joint-stock companies or cooperatives.According to the agency’s report, 96.5 per cent of active markets and bazaars in 2025 were privately owned, while the remaining 3.5 per cent were state-owned.Furthermore, markets and bazaars operating in Georgia in 2025 covered a total area of 2 million square metres. They possessed 60 veterinary-sanitary inspection laboratories, 1,061 storage warehouses spanning 22 thousand square metres, and 292 refrigeration units with a capacity of 0.7 thousand tonnes.Among the active bazaars in 2025, 35.9 per cent were covered (operating indoors), 34.3 per cent were open-air (operating outdoors), and 29.8 per cent were semi-covered (operating both indoors and outdoors).According to GeoStat, vendors trading on the premises of active markets and bazaars sold both food and non-food goods. In 30.8 per cent of markets and bazaars, trading was restricted exclusively to non-food items; two bazaars sold only food products; three bazaars traded in motor vehicles; and three markets sold exclusively poultry and livestock.Operations across Georgian markets and bazaars varied by day of the week, with 153 markets trading daily, 23 operating exclusively on Sundays, and three running six days a week (excluding Sundays). The rest of the markets and bazaars opened only on specific days, running on schedules ranging from one to four days a week.In addition, there were 46.5 thousand trading stalls and spaces across active markets and bazaars in 2025, with the average daily number of vendors reaching 36.1 thousand.According to agency figures, the average annual number of staff employed directly by market management entities in 2025 was 2.7 thousand, of whom 32.6 per cent were women. Employees in Tbilisi accounted for 48.1 per cent of this total.In 2025, the total revenues generated by market and bazaar operators reached 208.8 million lari. Of this amount, 9.6 million lari (4.6 per cent) was derived from trading permit fees (one-off daily charges), 180.7 million lari (86.5 per cent) from commercial space rentals, and 18.6 million lari (8.9 per cent) from other revenue streams. Over the same period, operating expenditures incurred by market and bazaar entities amounted to 128.6 million lari, of which 55.2 million lari was allocated to staff wages and remuneration.

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No commercial electricity exports or imports were carried out in June...

According to the investment bank, electricity exports to Turkey in June decreased by 7.9 times in volume and 12 times in value. The increase in generation in the Turkish market was due to good hydrology and intensive construction of solar power plants.“Exports to Turkey amounted to 24.0 GWh and $0.7 million, while the average export price was 2.8 US cents per kWh (-34.4% y/y). The only exporter was ESCO, whose goal was to repay old debt,” the study notes.Galt & Taggart explains that the average electricity price in Turkey in June was 2.9 US cents/kWh (-34.4% year-on-year, +61.1% month-on-month). Such a low price significantly reduced the economic attractiveness of exports, since exporters also had to pay the transmission tariff and guaranteed capacity fee (totaling 1.5 cents). As a result, Turkey refused to import electricity from Georgia commercially.July dynamics and restored exportsThe situation changed since July - against the background of an increase in prices on the Turkish market (with an average rate of 6 US cents/kWh for July 1-20), electricity exports from Georgia resumed on July 6.In July 2026, the list of exporting companies includes: "Adjara-Energy 2007" "Energy Development Georgia" "Svaneti Hydro" "Kasleti 2" "Aisi" LLC "Austrian Georgian Development" ESCO

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Lasha Abashidze: Tbilisi-Akhaltsikhe flight to be launched soon

According to him, the modernization of the infrastructure in the passenger direction will be completed in the near future. The Tbilisi-Akhaltsikhe route will be launched soon, and five trains are also undergoing major repairs and modernization. According to Lasha Abashidze, in the near future all flights will be operated by modern trains.As for the freight direction, Georgian Railway has already announced an international tender for the purchase of 45 new mainline freight locomotives."We will have absolutely new, modern locomotives. This will significantly improve the direction of freight transportation, which will make the railway and freight transportation faster and more efficient. At the same time, the company will increase its income, which will finance new projects", - noted Lasha Abashidze.

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Georgian Railways' net profit amounted to GEL 112.3 million

According to the company, the growth was also due to the addition of new cargo flows - in the first half of the year, products appeared that were not or almost not transported in the same period last year.In parallel with the shipments, a significant increase was also recorded in the company's operational and financial results: Total revenue: GEL 352 million (+19% compared to the previous year) Adjusted EBITDA: GEL 92.2 million (+27%; in 6 months of 2025: GEL 72.4 million) Full EBITDA: GEL 137 million (+84%; in 6 months of 2025: GEL 74.3 million) Adjusted EBITDA margin: improved to 45% (from 25% in the previous year) Net profit: GEL 112.3 million (+74%; in 6 months of 2025: GEL 64.7 million) Meanwhile, according to Georgian Railways, the company's net profit in the first half reached GEL 112.3 million, which is a direct result of increased operational efficiency and expanded cargo turnover.

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Electricity prices in Turkey have risen and are leaving Georgia

According to G&T's research, in June 2026, electricity exports to Turkey dropped sharply - 7.9x in volume and 12.0x in value. Exports to Turkey totalled 24.0 GWh and US$ 0.7mn, and average export price stood at 2.8 USc/kWh (-34.4% y/y).ESCO was the sole exporter, supplying electricity to settle a previous obligation. The sharp declines in export prices, volumes and revenues reflect lower prices and increased generation in Turkey:• In June 2026, Turkey’s average market price was 2.9 USc/kWh -34.4% y/y, +61.1% m/m. • Such a low price significantly reduces the economic viability of exports, as exporters must also cover transmission and guaranteed-capacity fees totalling 1.5 USc/kWh.• Electricity generation in Turkey increased sufficiently for the country to pause commercial imports from Georgia. Higher generation in Turkey reflected favourable hydrological conditions and rapid solar capacity additions.Exports from Georgia to Turkey resumed on July 6, 2026 as Turkish electricity prices increased. The average Turkish market price reached 6.0 USc/kWh over 1-20 July. In July 2026, the companies exporting electricity were: Achar Energy 2007, Energy Development Georgia, Svaneti Hydro, Kasleti-2, AISI LLC, Austrian Georgian Development and ESCO.

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Georgia’s foreign cargo trade volume rises by 5.8% in first half of 20...

GeoStat reports that within this turnover, exports accounted for USD 3,876.3 million, representing a substantial 20.0% surge, while imports amounted to USD 9,049.1 million, registering a modest growth of 0.7%.Georgia’s negative trade balance stood at USD 5,172.9 million for the first six months of 2026, comprising 40.0% of the total external trade turnover.Furthermore, the agency’s report highlights that the top ten largest trading partners accounted for 66.3% of Georgia’s total foreign trade volume during this period. The country’s primary trading partners are Turkey, leading with USD 1,659.4 million, followed by Russia at USD 1,527.6 million, and China at USD 1,496.7 million.

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Domestic exports surge by over 62% in first half of 2026

GeoStat notes that domestic exports, which exclude re-exports, accounted for 61.7% of the total export volume; the agency’s data revealed that this figure surged by 62.6% year-on-year, amounting to USD 2,391.8 million.Furthermore, the top ten destination countries accounted for 65.8% of Georgia’s total domestic exports between January and June 2026. The primary export partners in this category were China, leading with USD 417.0 million, followed by Russia at USD 308.4 million, and Turkey at USD 243.7 million.In terms of commodity groups, petroleum and petroleum oils secured the top spot in the domestic export list for the first half of 2026, generating USD 466.9 million and comprising 19.5% of the total domestic export share.Precious metal ores and concentrates placed second with USD 304.3 million, while ferro-alloys ranked third at USD 147.5 million.

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Georgia’s industrial producer price index surges by 5.9% year-on-year...

GeoStat reports that, compared to May 2026, prices in the mining and quarrying sector dropped by 5.8%, contributing -0.45 percentage points to the overall index change. Over the same period, prices for manufacturing output decreased by 0.9%, contributing -0.7 percentage points to the total index shift. Conversely, a 3.3% price increase was recorded in the electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply sector, which contributed 0.32 percentage points to the monthly index change.“Over the 12 months, the formation of the index was primarily driven by price changes in the following sectors:· Mining and quarrying: Prices rose by 15.3%, impacting the overall index change by 1.04 percentage points. Within this group, a notable price increase was recorded for metal ores (19.6%).· Manufacturing: Prices increased by 5.2%, contributing 4.19 percentage points to the total index growth. Price hikes were observed in food products (5.8%) and basic metals (10.6%).· Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply: Prices rose by 4.4%, affecting the annual change in the overall index by 0.46 percentage points.· Water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities: Prices grew by 6.7%, impacting the total index by 0.21 percentage points,” GeoStat’s published report stated.

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NBG Decided to Keep the Monetary Policy Rate Unchanged at 8.25%

1785324036 • Finance

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TBC and FMO Close Landmark USD 210 million Syndicated Financing

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Politics

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Kobakhidze issues order to dismiss Tinatin Rukhadze

By the decision of the head of government, First Deputy Minister of Culture Maka Gurgenidze also resigned. In addition, according to another order dated July 28, the Prime Minister appointed Mikheil Kiknadze as First Deputy Minister of Culture.Tinatin Rukhadze announced her resignation from the post of Minister of Culture yesterday, July 28. In an address published on her personal Facebook page, she cited her health as the reason for her decision and noted that the current situation does not allow her to devote due attention to her beloved work.

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"We firmly oppose censorship" - the US Embassy's response to the arres...

As the Embassy explained, they firmly oppose censorship and restrictive laws that are used to silence people with undesirable views.“The Trump administration has clearly stated that the United States considers freedom of speech a fundamental foundation of a functioning society, and we firmly oppose censorship and those restrictive laws that are used to silence people with undesirable views. As we have also shared with our Georgian partners, stability requires a political opposition that cooperates with state institutions on behalf of the citizens who voted for them. Political stability, ensured by a broad representation of views, is part of the factors that make Georgia a reliable partner for American investments, security cooperation, and long-term strategic partnership.We are concerned about the Georgian government’s Directorate for Combating Hate Speech. The best response to lies and false views is more freedom of speech, not enforced silence,” - the US Embassy noted.

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Georgia, Turkmenistan Agree to Develop Middle Corridor, Expand Trade T...

During the visit, the parties signed a joint statement, as well as agreements and memorandums of understanding on cooperation in various fields.The Middle Corridor and Transport and Logistics PotentialThe meeting between the leaders focused on the importance of developing the Trans-Caspian international transport route - the Middle Corridor - and the need to attract additional cargo flows in this direction.According to the head of the Georgian government, Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgia is actively following the ongoing infrastructure and logistics projects in Turkmenistan, which have created a solid foundation for expanding regional ties.“Central Asia is a particularly interesting region for Georgia. In this context, we consider Turkmenistan as a reliable partner and friendly state. The relations established between our countries are based on many years of friendship and mutual respect,” Irakli Kobakhidze said.Increasing trade turnover and business forumTurkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Georgia is one of Turkmenistan’s main economic partners in the region and the country highly appreciates Tbilisi’s constructive position in the international arena.According to him, the Turkmenistan-Georgia business forum held within the framework of the visit showed that there is great potential for increasing bilateral trade volumes and expanding product exchanges: Political and diplomatic ties: The parties agreed to strengthen diplomatic efforts to ensure long-term partnership. International formats: Cooperation with global organizations is expanding, especially within the framework of the United Nations (UN). Diversification: The Turkmen side expresses its readiness to diversify economic ties with Georgian business. “We agreed to expand political relations, diplomatic efforts so that our ties can continue in the long term. We attach special importance to business relations and we want to diversify our economic ties,” Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted.Support for Sovereignty and Humanitarian PartnershipAt the briefing, the Georgian Prime Minister thanked the Turkmen authorities for their firm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.In addition to economic and transit directions, the leaders discussed better utilization of the potential in the tourism sector, stimulation of bilateral tourist flows, deepening people-to-people ties, and cooperation in the fields of education and culture.For information, this is the second state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Georgia. The first such visit took place in 2015, when former President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow visited the country.

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Combating Antifa and Security Challenges - Bochorishvili Delivers Spee...

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in her speech, the Minister emphasized that, against the backdrop of modern security challenges, placing the issue of political terrorism on the international agenda is of particular importance.“This discussion is particularly timely, as today we are faced with complex and constantly changing challenges that directly affect our national interests, sovereignty, and security,” said Maka Bochorishvili.The Vice Prime Minister drew attention to the risks posed by radical groups. According to him, these forces often act in the name of democracy, although their real goal is to weaken state institutions.According to the Minister, Georgia is a vivid example of these challenges, where in recent years there have been numerous attempts to polarize society and discredit state systems: Coordinated campaigns: targeted actions against constitutional bodies, including the judiciary and electoral systems. Violence and sabotage: attempts by radical groups to use violent acts as a political tool. In his speech, the Foreign Minister also spoke about the role of international organizations and the need to protect their reputation. According to Bochorishvili, the use of international mechanisms or resolutions for the purpose of external pressure damages both bilateral relations and the credibility of these institutions themselves.“The use of international institutions to legitimize such actions through resolutions and other mechanisms aimed at exerting political pressure on sovereign states is no less worrying,” the minister noted.At the end of her speech, Maka Bochorishvili noted that political terrorism often manifests itself in hidden and imperceptible forms (including intimidation and political violence), which is why the fight against it should be a common task for all democratic states.According to Reuters, the aforementioned ministerial is aimed at mobilizing global support from the US against “far-left political terrorism.” The White House believes that these movements have so far remained beyond the attention of law enforcement agencies.According to the agency, more than 60 countries were represented at the meeting organized by the US State Department - some of them at the level of foreign or interior ministers, and others at the level of relatively low-ranking officials.The Trump administration has made combating far-left groups, particularly Antifa, a top priority since the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last year. The US State Department has said that attacks by far-left actors on police, businesses and infrastructure are an ideologically driven strategy aimed at destabilizing free societies. To this end, since November last year, Washington has officially designated several European far-left and anarchist groups as terrorist organizations (FTOs).

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Newly established association to protect meat producers' interests

During the meeting, the project’s legal consultant and mediator presented potential organizational and membership fee models, drawing on examples from other countries and local associations. By the end of the meeting, the participants agreed on the best model to ensure the sustainable development of the meat sector.The Georgian Meat Producers' Association aims to facilitate communication between farmers, consumers, state agencies, and international or local partners, while prioritizing the best interests of sector representatives and adhering to international standards. Ultimately, this will contribute to food safety, product traceability, and the sustainable development of the meat sector in the country. The Association actively cooperates with state and international organizations to help refine sector policies and legislation. Its priority is to increase access to financial instruments, investment projects, and various support programs for sector representatives."Meat suppliers represent different sub-sectors and are often competitors, yet they all share a common goal: supplying retail chains with safe products that meet consumer demands. The sector is quite fragmented, which is why our objective is to consolidate them around their shared interests. This will help them find common ground, develop action plans, and focus on addressing existing challenges. Furthermore, the presence of the Association will assist the government in identifying issues within the meat sector and responding to them efficiently. In establishing this Association, we drew upon leading European Union practices, which we believe will significantly support the organization’s future operations and development," said Mikheil Sokhadze, FAO Project Manager.The NAITS project is implemented by the FAO in cooperation with the National Food Agency, with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), as part of International Partnerships Austria.