Unemployment Rate In Georgia Decreased To 13.3% In 4Q

In January 2026 the share of the top ten trading partners by domestic exports in the total domestic exports of Georgia amounted to 74.5 percent. The top partners were China (USD 64.2 million), Türkiye (USD 49.3 million) and Russia (USD 34.8 million).In January 2025 petroleum and petroleum oils claimed the first place in the list of top domestic export items, equaling USD 56.2 million, or 18.0 percent of total domestic exports. The domestic exports precious metal ores and concentrates totaled USD 51.0 million and their share in the total domestic exports amounted to 16.3 percent. The domestic exports of copper ores and concentrates occupied the third place, standing at USD 24.0 million and constituting 7.7 percent of the total domestic exports. 

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In January 2026 the share of the top ten trading partners by exports in the total exports of Georgia amounted to 74.5 percent. The top partners were China (USD 66.1 million), Türkiye (USD 52.1 million) and Kyrgyzstan (USD 49.9 million).In January 2026 the share of the top ten trading partners by imports in the total imports of Georgia amounted to 71.4 percent. The top partners were Türkiye (USD 195.0 million), China (USD 157.3 million) and Russia (USD 156.8 million).In January 2026 the share of the top ten trading partners in the total external trade turnover of Georgia amounted to 67.9 percent. The top trading partners were Türkiye (USD 247.1 million), China (USD 223.3 million) and Russia (USD 195.4 million).In January 2026 motor cars claimed the first place in the list of top export items, equaling USD 100.7 million with 21.0 percent of total exports. The exports of petroleum and petroleum oils totaled USD 58.7 million and their share in the total exports amounted to 12.2 percent. The exports of precious metal ores and concentrates occupied the third place standing at USD 51.0 million and constituting 10.6 percent of the total exports.The top import commodities in January 2026 were motor cars, whose imports equaled USD 150.0 million (13.3 percent of the total imports). The petroleum and petroleum oils followed in the list with USD 96.7 million (8.6 percent of imports). The petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons were third in the top import commodity list with USD 79.1 million (7.0 percent of imports).

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The event concept includes several key components: Festival Organization: Participation of Georgian wine-producing companies across multiple locations, including the installation of festival booths, tents, and stages. Marketing Campaign: An extensive outdoor campaign with banners throughout the city, digital promotions on social media, and advertisements in public transport and at airports. Show Program: Thematic performances and musical entertainment. Scientific Component: Conferences with international speakers, including full logistical and organizational support. The agency cites time constraints as the reason for opting for simplified procurement. According to the documentation, the event concept being developed by Galileo Strategy LLC will be finalized by March 5. With less than two months remaining until May 8, the agency argues that completing standard tender procedures in time is impossible and would risk cancellation of the event.“Time resources are not sufficient to identify the supplier through standard tender procedures. Given the state and public importance of the event, the issue of simplified procurement has been put on the agenda,” the explanatory note states.The final cost of the procurement will be confirmed once the event concept is completed and the number of participating Georgian wine companies is determined.National Wine Day was officially established by a Prime Minister’s decree in February 2026. According to the National Wine Agency, the day is intended to serve as a unified platform bringing together winegrowers, government institutions, the tourism sector, and academic circles.

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Kobakhidze highlighted that over 70% of foreigners in Georgia come from post-Soviet countries, the EU, the U.S., or Israel, with the remaining 30% originating from other nations.Regarding residence permits, 107,307 permits have been issued to citizens from 164 countries. Key countries include: Russia: 32,129 permits (29.9%), with roughly 30% being ethnic Georgians or former Georgian citizens. India: 23,930, mostly students. Azerbaijan: 6.3%, largely ethnic Azerbaijanis who left and later returned. Ukraine: 6,290 with residence permits; an additional 25,000 Ukrainians reside in Georgia under refugee status, totaling around 30,000. Armenia: over 5,000, mainly returnees with Armenian citizenship. Belarus: 3,738. Turkey: 3,645 (3.4%). Iran: 3,331 (3.1%). Sudan: 2%, mostly medical students. China: over 2,000 (1.9%), mainly labor for infrastructure projects. Jordan: over 2,000 (1.9%), mainly medical students. Pakistan: 1,618 (1.5%), mainly medical students. Egypt: 1,341 (1.2%), mostly medical students. USA: over 1,000 (1%). Kobakhidze noted that residence permit data provides a clear picture of the presence and origins of foreigners in Georgia, offering insight into migration patterns and the composition of the foreign population.

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Kobakhidze emphasized that recent legislative changes, including amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners and the criminal and administrative codes, have significantly strengthened immigration control.In 2025, more illegal migrants were deported from Georgia than in the previous ten years combined, the Prime Minister said. For 2026, the government plans to deport approximately 4,000 individuals, representing around 20% of the country’s illegal migrant population.He also provided a country breakdown of deported migrants: India – 20.5%, Turkey – 12.9%, Iran – 12%, China – 7.5%, and Russia – 5.6%. Kobakhidze stressed that enhancing enforcement is feasible due to ongoing reforms in the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Migration Department.

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The transaction was completed on February 16, 2026, and was finalized in London.The 5.06% stake represents 1,759,924 voting shares, held by entities controlled by the Wellington group and through nominee shareholders. The nominee shareholders include VIDACOS Nominees Limited, Goldman Sachs International, and ROY Nominees Limited.Wellington Management Company LLP is an investment management entity that manages the assets of certain funds and/or managed accounts. Wellington Management Company LLP is a direct controlled undertaking of Wellington Investment Advisors Holdings LLP, which, in turn, is a direct controlled undertaking of Wellington Group Holdings LLP, which, in turn, is a direct controlled undertaking of Wellington Management Group LLP.

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Cholaria explained that the exit is part of a global decision made by Yandex Eats at the international level."My role as Head of Operations for Yandex Eats in Georgia has ended due to the company’s global decision to cease local operations.I am proud of what we built together. In a very short time, we structured the business into a results-oriented operation, with clear responsibilities, transparent processes, and high performance standards.In 2025, our market became the company’s strongest international operation in terms of results, reflecting focus, discipline, and consistent leadership.I want to thank everyone who was part of this journey. Building a strong team and achieving results in a competitive environment is never easy, and that is what makes it meaningful," Cholaria wrote.

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Tbilisi: Market Growth and Leading DistrictsIn the capital, 42,267 transactions were recorded last year, a 3% increase compared to 2024. The total market value grew 15%, reaching $3.3 billion. The primary driver of activity remains the primary market (new construction). In terms of supply and demand, three districts dominate: Didi Digomi, Saburtalo, and Samgori, accounting for 61% of the market share.Price Trends and Foreign BuyersPrice growth remained strong compared to 2024. Average prices were: New projects (secondary market): $1,484/sq.m Old projects: $1,244/sq.m Foreign buyers have become increasingly active, showing a strong preference for new construction. 86% of purchases by foreigners were in new projects, while their interest in the older housing stock remained stable.Batumi Sets New RecordsThe real estate market in the Adjara region showed exceptional growth. In Batumi, transactions rose 17% to 17,052 units, surpassing the 2022 peak. The market size increased 34%, exceeding $1 billion. Colliers Georgia highlights that Batumi’s appeal is driven by high-end new projects and international investment. Prices continue to rise, with the average in new projects reaching $1,497/sq.m.Geopolitical InfluenceThe share of Georgian buyers in Batumi’s secondary market for new projects has declined, falling to 51% in 2025. Colliers attributes this trend to regional geopolitical developments, particularly the increased demand from Russian and Ukrainian buyers, which has reduced the relative share of local buyers.

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