Government postpones ban on plastic food containers and cups

Lion Finance Group (BGEO LN) shares closed at GBP 117.50/share (+8.10% w/w and +9.92% m/m). More than 375k shares traded in the range of GBP 108.50 - 117.60/share. Average daily traded volume was 89k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of BGEO shares traded was at 0.87% of its capitalization.TBC Bank Group (TBCG LN) closed the week at GBP 46.08/share (+3.13% w/w and +5.69% m/m). More than 445k shares changed hands in the range of GBP 43.80 - 46.92/share. Average daily traded volume was 66k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of TBCG shares traded was at 0.80% of its capitalization.Georgia Capital (CGEO LN) shares closed at GBP 45.10/share (+16.09% w/w and +12.33% m/m). More than 245k shares traded in the range of GBP 38.25 - 45.70/share. Average daily traded volume was 45k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of CGEO shares traded was at 0.71% of its capitalization. 

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The Company hereby confirms that the National Bank of Georgia Georgian Lari/British Pounds Sterling average exchange rate for the period of 22 June to 26 June 2026 was 3.4967 and it shall be used to pay dividends to ordinary shareholders of the Company on 10 July 2026. Accordingly, the cash dividend payable will be approximately GBP 0.81505419 per ordinary share. Those shareholders who have not provided the appropriate bank account details to Computershare Investor Services PLC for payment of the dividend will be paid the dividend by cheque in British Pound Sterling.

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According to the minister, the mentioned amount was necessary to implement a new component, which involves the arrangement of fundamental port infrastructure, including berths, communications and other related infrastructure. The total investment volume of the project remains unchanged and amounts to $1.1 billion, although the proportion of financing is changing. Under the previous concept, the state's obligation was limited to the current infrastructure (breakwater and dredging), as well as the railway and access road, while the new model also includes the construction of berths.According to Mariam Kvrivishvili, $50-52 million has been optimized within the framework of the current construction works. Accordingly, instead of $250 million, the state will need to find an additional $200 million, which will be financed from budget funds and in cooperation with international financial institutions (IFIs). According to the minister, negotiations with international donors have already begun and there is great interest in the project. Private international operators will have to invest in fully equipping the berths.As for cooperation with the Chinese-Singaporean consortium, the minister noted that the parties will continue to work actively. “We remain in a very friendly and partnership mode with the Chinese side. We are confident that, given the importance of this project, we will see the involvement of the Chinese side in the updated model of the Anaklia port,” said Kvrivishvili. He also added that who specifically will be the representative of the Chinese side in the new model will become more clear in the ongoing work process.Ultimately, the state will invest in the Anaklia port in three directions: dredging and breakwater works, construction of a railway and a connecting road, and a new component - the construction of the main port infrastructure and berths.According to the original project of the Anaklia deep-water port, the port was supposed to receive its first ship in 2020. However, that same year, the Georgian government canceled the investment agreement signed in 2016 with the Anaklia Development Consortium, which delayed the implementation of the project for years.Later, on May 29, 2024, the government announced that a 49 percent stake in the port would be acquired by the Chinese-Singaporean consortium China Communications Construction Company. The company is a key player in China’s ambitious global project, the Belt and Road Initiative, but has been blacklisted by the United States for its destructive actions in the South China Sea.Despite the Chinese presence, Western partners are also interested in the project. In March 2026, the Anaklia Port plan was presented to Peter Andreoli, a representative of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of the US State Department, who was visiting Tbilisi. At this time, an official investment agreement has not yet been signed between the parties and work on detailed agreements is ongoing.According to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, at this stage, the first phase of the port is expected to be completed by 2029. In parallel with the construction of the port, work is also underway to arrange an access road and railway.

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The agency explains that with the new mechanism, companies carrying out international freight transportation between the two countries will have the opportunity to use permit documents in a fully digital format. This change will significantly simplify administrative procedures, reduce the need for processing physical (paper) documents, speed up the process of issuing permits and control, and increase the efficiency of the sector, the agency believes.According to Bakur Mikadze, Director of the Land Transport Agency, the digital permit system is based on a two-way principle, which means that both countries use a single electronic platform. This ensures fast and secure data exchange, reduces technical and administrative delays and creates a more transparent mechanism for the administration of shipments. According to him, a working group has been created at this stage and the agency plans to gradually convert the systems operating with other partner countries to a digital format.The agency believes that the launch of the ECMT (European Conference of Ministers of Transport Multilateral Permit) electronic system and the digital permit mechanism with Turkey are an important stage in the development of the sector. This reform will contribute to the development of the transport and logistics sector, the simplification of international trade and the further strengthening of Georgia's role as a regional transit hub.

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According to the mentioned model, the state will remain the owner of the main maritime and port infrastructure and will ensure its development and management. According to the minister, the Landlord model will give the country the opportunity to develop the Anaklia Port in partnership with several states and companies at the same time, which will create the best conditions for attracting cargo.Along with the creation of the port infrastructure, the state will provide for the arrangement of the road and railway to Anaklia with its own funds. As for the container and bulk cargo terminals, the necessary investments in this direction will be made by international investors and private operators.According to Mariam Kvrivishvili, the Georgian government particularly welcomes the investments made in the Anaklia port from the countries participating in the “Middle Corridor” - China, Central Asian states and Azerbaijan.“The decision is based on the main goal, with the participation of partner countries and taking into account their interests, the Anaklia port will become a center for the convergence of international interests, capital and cargo flows. This decision will further strengthen Georgia’s national interests, create new economic opportunities and make our country a key participant in the Middle Corridor project,” the Minister of Economy noted.According to the original design of the Anaklia Deepwater Port, the port was supposed to receive its first ship in 2020. However, that same year, the Georgian government canceled the investment agreement signed in 2016 with the Anaklia Development Consortium, which delayed the implementation of the project for years.Later, on May 29, 2024, the government announced that a 49 percent stake in the port would be acquired by the Chinese-Singaporean consortium China Communications Construction Company. This firm is one of the main players in China’s ambitious global project, the Belt and Road Initiative, but at the same time, it has been blacklisted by the United States due to its destructive actions in the South China Sea.Despite the appearance of the Chinese side, Western partners are also interested in the project. In March 2026, the Anaklia Port plan was presented to Peter Andreoli, a representative of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of the US State Department, who was visiting Tbilisi. At this time, an official investment agreement has not yet been signed between the parties and work on detailed agreements is ongoing.According to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, at this stage, the first phase of the port is expected to be completed by 2029. In parallel with the construction of the port, work is also underway to arrange an access road and railway.

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In a post on X, the Republican lawmaker described Kavelashvili as the “fake president” of the Georgian Dream and claimed the visit would deepen what he called a “rabidly anti-American pact” between Iran and Georgia’s ruling party. Wilson also said Khamenei’s funeral was bringing together “the worst America haters from around the world.”The Georgian presidential administration has officially confirmed that Kavelashvili will attend the funeral ceremony in Iran.Wilson has been one of the most outspoken critics of the Georgian Dream government, frequently accusing it of pursuing anti-Western policies and undermining Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

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According to the Georgian Government Administration, the parties discussed key aspects of bilateral relations and noted that the Agreement on Strategic Partnership creates new opportunities for cooperation in the political, trade and economic, investment, scientific, technical, cultural, humanitarian and other fields.As the Prime Minister of Georgia noted, strengthening the partnership will further increase regional trade flows, reinforce transport corridors and promote broader economic integration.“Georgia highly values its partnership with Uzbekistan, which we regard not only as a reliable and important partner but also as a friend. Our bilateral relations have been developing steadily over the years. The Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership will elevate our relations to a new level. I would like to thank you for your strong support for Georgia. The signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement is the result of your personal support.The Joint Declaration is a testament to the friendship between our countries and provides a solid foundation for the sustainable development of bilateral relations and cooperation in the political, trade and economic, investment, scientific, technical, cultural, humanitarian and other fields.Strengthening our cooperation will further increase regional trade flows, reinforce transport corridors and promote broader economic integration.I sincerely thank you for your support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.The progress and achievements Uzbekistan has made under your leadership are truly impressive. You have built strong institutions, an effective system of governance and a clear vision for the country’s development.You are an exemplary leader, and we are confident that under your leadership, the bilateral cooperation and friendship between our countries will grow even stronger,” stated the Head of Government of Georgia.The President of Uzbekistan thanked the Prime Minister of Georgia and the Georgian side for the warm welcome, noting that Georgia’s impressive economic achievements make the country an important partner and a reliable pillar for Uzbekistan in the South Caucasus.According to Shavkat Mirziyoyev, despite the challenging global economic environment, achieving such results is the outcome of the government’s consistent and effective work.“I would like to thank our Georgian friends for the warm welcome. On behalf of the people of Uzbekistan and personally, I sincerely thank you for awarding me the country’s highest state honours, the Order of the Golden Fleece.Elevating Georgian-Uzbek relations to the level of a strategic partnership is a major achievement. Georgia’s impressive economic accomplishments deserve special recognition, and I sincerely congratulate you on these successes.Despite the current global economic situation, achieving such results is undoubtedly the outcome of the consistent and effective work of the Government and your entire team. Today, Georgia rightfully ranks among the world’s fastest-growing economies. Of course, behind this success stands the dedicated effort of visionary policymakers under your leadership.Georgia is an important partner and a reliable pillar for us in the South Caucasus. In recent years, cooperation between our two countries has been developing dynamically across all areas, and this is only the beginning,” stated the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

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According to the Minister, the customs agreement paves the way for advanced information sharing, which will significantly bolster effective coordination between the customs authorities of both nations.“Furthermore, a crucial agreement was signed to foster closer cooperation in the financial sector. This will enable our countries to share institutional expertise in core areas such as budgetary planning and public financial management.Georgia holds a globally leading position in these disciplines. Our nation ranks number one in the world on the Open Budget Index for transparency and maintains a highly advanced standing regarding public financial management reforms. This agreement presents an excellent opportunity for our Uzbek colleagues to leverage the outcomes of our reforms as we work collaboratively on these initiatives,” the Minister of Finance, Lasha Khutsishvili, noted.

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