Tbilisi (GBC) - During the annual spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, Georgia’s Minister of Finance, Lasha Khutsishvili, met with the IMF’s Deputy Managing Director, the Executive and Alternate Directors of the IMF, and the Director of the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department. A notable gathering also took place with the Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Presidents from the Caucasus and Central Asia, alongside the IMF Deputy Managing Director.
The Ministry of Finance reported that Khutsishvili participated in a round table organised by the IMF, which centred on the regional economic review.
“We have agreed with the International Monetary Fund to maintain a very active partnership, encompassing all significant reforms currently underway in Georgia’s fiscal and monetary sectors. We also reaffirmed that the reform of state-owned enterprises will proceed vigorously, with the IMF involved in both planning and implementation,” Khutsishvili stated.
Throughout his visit, the Minister held fruitful discussions with the Managing Director of World Bank Operations, the Vice President for Europe and Central Asia at the World Bank, and the Bank’s Executive Director.
“Important talks took place at the World Bank, where we explored potential projects to be launched in collaboration with the Bank shortly. These initiatives are vital for strengthening Georgia’s infrastructure, encompassing improved connectivity, the development of the Middle Corridor, and the funding of energy projects. Other institutions, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Asian Development Bank, have also expressed keen interest and readiness to support these efforts, given their active presence in our region and specifically in Georgia,” Khutsishvili explained.
The Minister also highlighted positive developments from discussions with rating agencies, noting an optimistic outlook for improving Georgia’s credit ratings.
In parallel with the IMF and World Bank meetings, the Ministry facilitated meetings with international investors and investment firms.
“Despite the current global challenges, international investors continue to show strong interest in Georgian securities. I am confident this enthusiasm will grow further. We are also working to attract investors to our local markets, particularly through discussions on GEL-denominated securities. Recently, international interest in this area has been high, and we believe our ongoing efforts will encourage even greater participation in the Georgian financial market,” Khutsishvili added.
