Lower tariff than European countries: Effective tariff rate for Georgian wine in the US was 7%

Statistical dynamics show that since 2021 (GEL 4.62 million), state funding for the sector has increased by 137.2%. Although the subsidy rate for 1 kg of Aleksandrouoli and Mujuretuli has remained stable at 4 GEL for the past four years, the increase in the total budget is related to the expansion of production scales and increased logistics costs.The subsidy has a short-term economic effect, says a GBC winemaker from Rachveli, who was interviewed by the agency on condition of anonymity.“We have been using subsidies since 2020. This is good for the enterprise, because it buys grapes cheaply, instead of 8 GEL, the enterprise pays 4 GEL. In fact, it buys at half price. This does not have a positive effect on the quality of the grapes, provided that the subsidy is issued. The farmer is guaranteed that he will sell the grapes. In practice, it is difficult to buy good quality grapes and buy a lot, because the subsidy issued by the government on the winegrower has an economic effect, they try to bring a lot in quantity and do not pay attention to the quality.In my opinion, there should not be one subsidized price for all types of grapes. The yield per hectare should be controlled so that we do not get low quality. The condition of the grapes should also be controlled so that they are healthy with the appropriate sugar content.The worst thing is that wine cannot be sold and have a surplus. In addition to the subsidy, the state purchased a very large amount of grapes itself in 2025. In other words, there was no demand for these grapes, and the fact that there was no demand is bad. The state should not have to purchase these grapes. But if it were not for the subsidy, in the absence of demand, many farmers would have unsold crops,” a winemaker from Racha said in an interview with GBC, adding that “the main challenge for the Racha-Lechkhumi winemaking sector is not the purchase of grapes, but the sale of wine. One of the winemakers notes that wineries need more help with sales, market research, and positioning than with purchasing grapes.”Although the subsidy per 1 kg of grapes (Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli) has increased from 3 to 4 GEL and has remained stable for the past four years, industry experts believe that this does not mean an increase in farmers' net profits. The increased subsidy is mainly used to compensate for the increased cost of production.According to analysts, the 2025 “budgetary leap” increases the vulnerability of farmers, as the viticulture of Racha-Lechkhumi is becoming increasingly dependent on state donations, which poses a risk to the sustainability of the sector in the long term.

1777287564

According to the official document, Beka Dvali is to take over the leadership of the diplomatic mission in Israel from July 1, 2026.From the same period, within the framework of rotation, Dvali is leaving the post of Georgian Ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia. By the second decree of the Prime Minister, a proposal has already been submitted to the President on his dismissal from Australia, which is related to “transfer to another position”.The procedure for the appointment and dismissal of an ambassador is carried out in accordance with Article 52 of the Constitution of Georgia and the Law “On the Structure, Powers and Procedures of the Government”. The aforementioned norms envisage the nomination of the candidate by the government and his final appointment by the president.Beka Dvali is an experienced diplomat who has represented Georgia’s interests in Australia, Fiji, Kiribati and other countries in Oceania for years. His transfer to Israel is driven by the dynamic geopolitical situation in the Middle East, where Israel remains one of Georgia’s strategic partners.

1777286718

As the government explains, the aforementioned amendments will increase the efficiency of the law enforcement system by strengthening interdepartmental coordination, while maintaining the institutional independence of law enforcement agencies.According to him, the change will ensure the synchronization of the activities of law enforcement agencies, the acceleration of relevant decision-making, the timely preparation of necessary legislative amendments, and an effective and timely response to dynamic challenges.“At any stage of the country’s development, the smooth, coordinated functioning of law enforcement agencies is of particular importance.Along with the development of society, the methods and means of crime change. Accordingly, the regulatory policy of the law enforcement sphere, approaches and methods of combating crime require constant refinement and transformation.The existing government structure does not provide for a systematic mechanism for the coordination of law enforcement agencies. At the same time, law enforcement functions are distributed among several agencies. In order to increase the effectiveness of this important area of ​​operational coordination of the aforementioned agencies, it is necessary to have a single strategic coordinating agency within the government, since according to the legislation of Georgia, the Government of Georgia takes measures to ensure public security. It is the coordinating agency for planning national security policy.The change ensures the strengthening of cooperation between law enforcement agencies. Joint "Supporting the planning of operations, introducing information exchange standards. On the other hand, assessing the effectiveness of their activities, identifying problem areas. Also, within the framework of the constitutional powers of the government, the State Minister will coordinate with the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia, the State Audit Office and the judiciary.The aforementioned change will ensure the synchronization of the activities of services with law enforcement functions, acceleration of the adoption of relevant decisions, timely preparation of necessary legislative amendments and effective and timely response to dynamic challenges," the explanatory note attached to the draft law states.After the creation of the position of State Minister for Coordination of Law Enforcement Agencies, the post will be held by Mamuka Mdinaradze. Mdinaradze's written statement on his early resignation from the post of State Security Service has already been submitted to the Parliament.

1777286377

It is worth noting that in 2025, a negative natural increase (-6,452) and a positive migration balance (17,127) were recorded. As of January 1, 2026, 62.7% of the population of Georgia lives in urban settlements. In addition, the population of Tbilisi accounts for more than a third of the total population.As of January 1, 2026, the share of the population aged 0-14 in the total population is 19%, the share of the working-age population (age group 15-64) is 62.9%, and the share of the population aged 65 and older is 18.1%.As of January 1, 2026, the number of men was 1.88 million, and the number of women was 2.05 million. In addition, 48% of the population of Georgia is male, and 52% is female.According to Geostat, the sex ratio is 92, which means that there are 92 men for every 100 women. It is noteworthy that up to age 50, the number of men exceeds that of women, whereas after age 50 the opposite is true, due to women's higher life expectancy.In 2025, life expectancy was 76 years, including 71.4 years for men and 80.6 years for women.As of January 1, 2026, the median age of the Georgian population is 38 years.In 2025, the number of emigrants amounted to 114,374 people, which is 5.8% less than the previous year, while the number of immigrants decreased by 3.2% and amounted to 131,501 people.During the same period, 85.9% of immigrants, as well as emigrants, will be of working age (age group 15-64).In 2025, 47.2% of immigrants and 51.4% of emigrants will be Georgian citizens.

1777034380

According to the broadcaster, the president will visit not only Azerbaijan, but also Saudi Arabia. However, details of the planned visits were not disclosed.On April 23, the head of state arrived in Cyprus to participate in an informal summit of EU leaders.Information about Zelensky’s plans to visit Azerbaijan was also circulated in February 2024, although the visit did not take place then.Azerbaijan has repeatedly provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine during the war.

1777034299

During the meeting, the parties discussed the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries and the growing dynamics of bilateral relations.Particular attention was paid to bilateral, regional and international cooperation in the field of defense. They also discussed important joint projects and emphasized that the partnership between Georgia and Armenia in the defense sector is developing successfully within the framework of the bilateral cooperation plan.The discussion also touched upon the important role of the region in international processes. The Prime Minister once again reaffirmed Georgia’s readiness to contribute to strengthening stability and peace in the region.

1776946377

According to the Prime Minister, negotiations on the project are in an active phase and specific details will be made public once the process is completed.“You will have updates on Anaklia in the near future. Let’s wait for developments,” Kobakhidze told reporters.The Prime Minister also highlighted the visit of Economy Minister Mariam Kvirivishvili to the People’s Republic of China. According to him, one of the main goals of the visit is to continue negotiations on the Anaklia port issue and to deepen trade relations between the two countries."The visit of the Minister of Economy to China will further promote the development of trade. All topics will be discussed, including the Anaklia issue," the Prime Minister said, adding that the specifics will be clarified after the negotiations are completed.

1776946210

Kobakhidze emphasized Orbán’s “many years of support” for Georgia and noted that Budapest’s position in the European Union was important in terms of pursuing the country’s interests.“We hope that our people and country will continue to have lobbyists, strong lobbyists in the European Commission and the European Union. Hungary was not the only one supporting us, others were supporting us as well,” the prime minister told reporters.When asked about possible sanctions from the European Union, which have been actively discussed in recent times against the backdrop of tense relations with Brussels, Kobakhidze took a sharp stance.“You expect whatever you want, I expect nothing,” the head of government said in response to the question of whether he expects personal or state restrictions from his partners.Irakli Kobakhidze’s statements come at a time when EU ambassadors in Brussels have expressed preliminary support for the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. At the same time, after the elections in Hungary, where Viktor Orban was defeated, Georgia is facing a transformation in the support of one of its main allies in the region. According to the Prime Minister, Tbilisi is ready to continue working to attract new supporters in the European Commission and the European Council.

1776946108