Court sentences Irakli Okruashvili to 8 months in prison

Each tasting featured five varieties of Georgian wine from three different producers, accompanied by a presentation introducing Georgia as both the birthplace of wine and a modern, innovative winemaking nation.The goal of these consumer-oriented events is to diversify export markets and boost sales of Georgian wine in the U.S. - a country that has become a strategic export destination in recent years.Since 2013, the National Wine Agency has invested in targeted marketing efforts in the United States, helping to significantly raise both awareness and sales of Georgian wine. These efforts have included: Tasting seminars for wine professionals and trade representatives across various U.S. cities Regular participation in international wine exhibitions Wine tours in Georgia for American media, sommeliers, and wine industry stakeholders These initiatives aim to deepen American consumers' understanding of Georgian wine and strengthen its position in the competitive U.S. market.The agency states that continued marketing campaigns are planned, with a focus on engaging industry professionals and broadening consumer outreach.

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During the visit, he met with the World Bank Vice President for Development Finance, Akihiko Nishio.The activities to be implemented within the 21st replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA) and the evaluation of the 20th replenishment program of IDA were discussed.The World Bank Vice President thanked the Minister of Finance for the donation made by Georgia to the International Development Association and drew attention to the importance of this process.In turn, Lasha Khutsishvili, in his conversation with the World Bank President, emphasized the many years of successful cooperation with the World Bank. The Minister of Finance spoke about the current macroeconomic parameters and medium-term forecasts.The parties reviewed the projects implemented and ongoing in Georgia with the support of the World Bank.Georgia joined the number of IDA donor countries in 2022, on the 30th anniversary of cooperation with the Association, and is already participating in the second replenishment of resources as a donor.At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness to continue cooperation.

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During the bilateral meeting, the parties discussed the existing cooperation between Georgia and Luxembourg in the fields of taxation and finance, and expressed their readiness to further deepen this partnership.Lasha Khutsishvili briefed his counterpart on the current macroeconomic situation and forecasts in Georgia.Additionally, the Ministers of Finance of Georgia and Luxembourg signed a protocol amending the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital. The aim of the amendment is to align the existing agreement between Georgia and Luxembourg with the OECD’ 2017 Model Tax Convention.The updated legal document will contribute to the further deepening of economic cooperation between Georgia and Luxembourg and will enhance collaboration between the two countries in the areas of tax transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes.It is noteworthy that on March 27, 2024, the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes published Georgia's peer review report, according to which the country’s legal framework and practices in the field of tax transparency and exchange of information are in line with international standards. As a result, Georgia was rated as Largely Compliant.The meeting was also attended on the Georgian side by Deputy Minister of Finance Ekaterine Guntsadze and Department Head of the Tax and Customs Policy Marine Khurtsidze.

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“Earlier, on June 13, 2025, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East.We are deeply concerned about the growing tension in the Middle East, which poses a serious threat to regional security. We underscore the importance of diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and the restoration of stability.On June 26, 2025, the Iranian Embassy sent an official note to the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the opening of a book of condolences at the Embassy. A corresponding entry was made in the book of condolences opened in Tbilisi regarding the deaths of Iranian citizens,” the statement reads.

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The annual inflation rate was mainly influenced by price changes for the following groups:Food and non-alcoholic beverages: the prices in the group increased by 10.1 percent, contributing 3.34 percentage points to the overall annual inflation rate. Within the group, the prices increased for the following subgroups: vegetables (26.3 percent), oils and fats (20.6 percent), coffee, tea and cocoa (15.4 percent), mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices (10.3 percent), bread and cereals (9.6 percent), sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery (8.7 percent), fish (7.9 percent), milk, cheese and eggs (7.1 percent), meat (3.6 percent), fruit and grapes (2.7 percent);Health: the prices increased by 9.4 percent, contributing 0.79 percentage points to the overall index. The prices were higher for the following subgroups: out-patient services (10.4 percent), hospital services (9.2 percent), medical products, appliances and equipment (8.4 percent);Miscellaneous goods and services: the prices for the group increased by 6.7 percent, contributing 0.33 percentage points to the overall index. Within the group, the prices were higher mainly for the following subgroups: personal effects n.e.c. (18.2 percent), insurance (8.7 percent), financial services n.e.c. (5.4 percent), personal care (4.7 percent);Transport: the prices for the group decreased by 5.3 percent, contributing -0.64 percentage points to the overall index. Within the group the prices decreased for operation of personal transport equipment (-8.1 percent) and transport services (-0.8 percent).

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The shares will be purchased in the open market and the cancellation of the treasury shares will be executed on a monthly basis.The purpose of the buyback is to reduce the share capital. Under the buyback programme, the maximum price paid per share will not exceed the latest reported NAV per share amount.The USD 18 million increase to the existing share buyback and cancellation programme will complete the Company’s previously announced intention to commit GEL 300 million to capital returns through the end of 2026, significantly ahead of schedule.As announced on 26 June 2025, the Company will announce the use of proceeds from the exercise of its option to put a 20% equity stake in Georgia Global Utilities JSC following the receipt of funds at the end of July.In accordance with the authority granted by the shareholders at the 2025 annual general meeting (“AGM”), the maximum number of shares that may be repurchased is 5,233,275.The programme is conducted within certain pre-set parameters, and in accordance with the general authority to repurchase shares granted at the 2025 AGM, Chapter 12 of the FCA Listing Rules, and the provisions of the Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014/EU and of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 (as they form part of UK domestic law). The programme is extended by three months, until 2 October 2025.The Company has appointed Numis Securities Limited (“Deutsche Numis”) to manage an irrevocable, non‐discretionary share buyback programme until the end of the programme. During closed periods the Company and its directors have no power to invoke any changes to the programme and it is being executed at the sole discretion of Deutsche Numis.Georgia Capital exercises its option to put a 20% stake in the water utility business Georgia Capital PLC ("GCAP" or the “Company”) announces today that its wholly owned subsidiary, JSC Georgia Capital ("JSC GCAP"), has exercised its option to put a 20% equity stake in Georgia Global Utilities JSC ("GGU"). In accordance with the terms of the shareholders’ agreement, the majority shareholder, Aqualia Georgia LLC ("Aqualia"), is to pay JSC GCAP a put option price of USD 70.4 million, determined pursuant to the pre-agreed calculation mechanism. 

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As of 01.06.2025, the annual change in retail consumer lending is +24.3% (01.06.2024 - +28.2% Y.Y).In addition, compared to last year, loan rates have increased, which is due to internal unrest and deteriorating sentiment. Credit resources have become more expensive. In addition, regulations, including several rounds of restrictions on foreign currency lending, up to 750,000 GEL, which will come into effect from August and, according to the NBG, should reduce foreign currency lending by $150 million.This, like all other regulations, will be transferred to GEL loans immediately and will be reflected in the standard increase in loan rates.According to banks, the minimum rate for a consumer unsecured (up to 4 years) loan (6 months) is determined from 13% (effective 22%). A 2-year annual loan is issued from 16% (effective 21.46%). A 4-year loan is >17.2% (effective 21.4%).Secured loans have a term of up to 10 years and an average nominal rate of 15-16%. The rate is fixed for 2/3 years. Then it is tied to the refinancing or TIBR rate. For example: as of June 30 -  8.36 + 8.5 = 16.9%.

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A downward trend has been observed since the beginning of the year (01.01.2025 +18%Y.Y).Business lending has also slowed down. According to the statistics of the National Bank of Georgia, as of 01.06.2025, the annual growth rate is 13.2% (01.01.2025 + 17.8%Y.Y. 01.06.2024 + 20.08%). Volume - 37.1 billion (01.06.2024 – 32.9 billion).Banks' investments in large businesses are 11.9 billion GEL (01.01.2025- 12.2 billion; 01.06.2024 –10.67 billion) in medium and small (SME) - 25.2 billion (01.01.2025 – 24.27 billion, 01.06.2024 – 22.25 billion).In May, 1,878 loans worth 1.6 billion GEL were issued to large businesses. 31,747 loans worth 1.3 billion GEL were issued to SMEs.The dollarization of the flow issued to large businesses is 52%, SME – 49.2%.

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