GDP Growth Made Up 9% In March Y-O-Y

The conference brought together representatives from central banks and financial institutions to discuss key issues related to financial and supervisory frameworks critical for the region’s economic development. Participants highlighted the strategic role of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey as a vital economic corridor connecting Europe and Asia, emphasizing that their collaboration with the United States is essential for fostering sustainable economic growth and financial stability.During a panel discussion, Mikabadze underscored the growing importance of strengthening financial ties among countries in the region, particularly in the context of global financial market development. She noted that as economic activity intensifies along the Middle Corridor, the demand for interconnected financial services is increasing.“The National Bank of Georgia is actively cooperating with the central banks of Turkey and Azerbaijan across multiple areas,” Mikabadze stated. “This includes the implementation of modern real-time gross settlement (RTGS) systems, instant payment systems (IPS), fintech initiatives, and efforts to improve the efficiency of cross-border payments. These advancements are integral to fostering an integrated, innovative financial ecosystem.”Mikabadze also addressed the risks currently confronting central banks and monetary policy amid heightened global uncertainty. Ekaterine Mikabadze noted that, based on the National Bank of Georgia's risk-based monetary policy approach, the NBG has successfully managed to maintain low inflation.

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Note that 75.5% of the all permits have been issued in four regions of the country, namely: 47.4% in Tbilisi, 12.9% in Kvemo Kartli region, 8% in Mtskheta-Mtianeti region and 7.2% in Kakheti region.It should be noted that in January-March of 2025, permissions were issued for the construction of multifunctional residential complexes, trade facilities, hotels, industrial enterprises, objects for agricultural purposes, and other buildings.698 objects (17.0 percent less compared to the previous year) with total area of 659.6 thousand square meters (18.1 percent less compared to the previous year) were completed in January-March of 2025.More than two-thirds of the completed constructions are distributed among four regions of the country, namely: 32.5 percent is located in Tbilisi, 14% in Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, 11.3% in Kakheti region, and 9.3% in Shida Kartli region.

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As of the document, the number of visits by international visitors from above-mentioned figure amounted to 1.2 million, 1.3 percent higher compared to the same period of 2024.In 1Q2025 the number of international visitors equaled 970.5 thousand, which is 1.3 percent higher compared to the same period of the previous year.In the reporting period, international visitors made 958.9 thousand tourist-type visits, which is 2.2 percent higher compared to the same period of the previous year.82.6 percent of international visitors were only tourists. The share of only excursionists amounted to 13.7 percent, while 3.7 percent of visitors were both tourists and same-day visitors.In 1Q2025 the largest number of visitors (187.7 thousand visitors), amounting to 19.3% of the total number of visitors, was from Russian Federation. Turkey was on the second place with 16.5% share and Armenia was on the third place with 13% share. The largest number of visits were made by the citizens of Turkey (225.3 thousand), Russian Federation (219.3 thousand) and Armenia (180.8 thousand).The majority of visitors (48.8 percent) were from the age group of 31-50 and the number of women equaled 36.5 percent of the total number of visitors.In 1Q2025 the purpose of the majority of inbound visits (42.2 percent) was holiday, leisure and recreation.In 1Q2025 the average number of nights spent during the visits equaled 5.50 nights, which is 0.8 percent higher than the same figure of the I quarter of 2024 (5.45 nights). 85.1%  of visits was repeating visit.The expenditures during the visits made in the I quarter of 2025 equaled 2.3 billion GEL. The indicator is 8.3 percent higher compared to the same period of the previous year. Average expenditure per visit increased by 6.9 percent compared to the I quarter of 2024 and amounted to 1,998 GEL.

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DemandIn Mar-25, the number of sold apartments in Tbilisi, according to the Public Registry, stood at 3,078 units, up by 2.9% y/y, of which:• Sales on the secondary market, which show real-time dynamics, fell by 2.9% y/y.• Sales on the primary market, where data are impacted by delayed registrations, increased by 9.8% y/y, reflecting a one-off effect from the late registrations of previously sold apartments in several projects.According to Galt&Taggart, a real-time survey of developers, which captures current trends on primary market, mirrors the secondary market trend, showing a 11.3% y/y reduction in the number of sold apartments in Mar-25.In total, 9,286 apartments were sold in Tbilisi in 1Q25, bringing the residential market value to US$ 671.7mn (-1.1% y/y).SupplyPermit issuance has regained momentum following the Jan-25 slowdown. In Mar-25, 17 residential construction permits were issued, with total living area reaching 160,975 m2 (+7.3% y/y). Overall, permit issuance in 1Q25 was down 7.4% y/y, yet still elevated compared to levels recorded before 2023.PricesIn Mar-25, the primary market average price per square meter rose by 0.4% m/m, reaching US$1,330. In contrast, the average price on the secondary market (for new buildings built with permits issued after 2013) declined for the 2nd month in a row, falling by 1.9% m/m to US$1,220.RentsIn Mar-25, price for renting an average apartment (50-60 m2 ) in Tbilisi decreased slightly by 0.3% m/m to US$ 9.5 per m² . Rental yield was 8.6%

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According to Levan Ioseliani, all possible measures must be taken to prevent harm to minors“It should be emphasized that when conducting investigative actions, all possible measures must be taken to prevent harm to minors. For this purpose, the law enforcement agency is obliged to assess the situation in advance and create a safe environment for the minors. And, in case of impossibility of prior consideration, the minor should be promptly removed from the ongoing processes, with the involvement of a family member, relative or trusted person, or if this is not possible, the involvement of a social worker and psychologist should be ensured.The Public Defender will study the above facts and will have all appropriate responses within the scope of his authority,” reads the statement.The police searched the residence of Aleko Tskitishvili, the Executive Director of the Human Rights Centre. Searches were also carried out at the homes of journalist and Nanuka Fund founder Nanuka Zhorzholiani, as well as Mariam Bajelidze, one of the founders of the Sirtskhvilia (Shame) movement.

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At the Government Palace of the Republic of Armenia, the leaders discussed the fruitful collaboration between Georgia and Armenia, highlighting their good neighbourly relations and strategic partnership in trade, economy, transport, and culture fields.The Georgian President and the Armenian Prime Minister also addressed regional challenges, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the South Caucasus.Mikheil Kavelashvili expressed Georgia’s support for the conclusion of peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, describing the agreement as a historic advancement toward enduring peace and stability in the region.He noted that Tbilisi had recently hosted a trilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, and he expressed hope that cooperation within this framework would persist for the region’s prosperity.In closing, Mikheil Kavelashvili reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to enhancing regional dialogue and cooperation in the South Caucasus.

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Lion Finance Group (BGEO LN) shares closed at GBP 57.50/share (+6.88% w/w and +0.70% m/m). More than 272k shares traded in the range of GBP 53.25 - 57.85/share. Average daily traded volume was 54k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of BGEO shares traded was at 0.61% of its capitalization.TBC Bank Group (TBCG LN) closed the week at GBP 45.50/share (+6.31% w/w and +3.53% m/m). More than 341k shares changed hands in the range of GBP 42.40 - 45.55/share. Average daily traded volume was 100k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of TBCG shares traded was at 0.61% of its capitalization.Georgia Capital (CGEO LN) shares closed at GBP 15.90/share (+14.22% w/w and +4.33% m/m). More than 519k shares traded in the range of GBP 13.96 - 15.90/share. Average daily traded volume was 89k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of CGEO shares traded was at 1.31% of its capitalization. 

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Silk Bank had to inject primary capital this year to meet the requirements of the National Bank of Georgia, and secondary capital last year.Management explains the losses in recent years by the exit of BTA Bank (Kazakhstan) from the shareholder structure. It also links to the increase in expenses for the development of digital channels.In addition, the bank's loan and deposit portfolios have increased by 87% and 29% annually, respectively.As of Q1/2024, Silk Bank's deposit portfolio is up to 114 million GEL. Of this, foreign currency deposits are equivalent to 91 million GEL.

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