Red Cross and financial institutions to be exempted from government approval for grants

“Last year, we launched the pilot programme for micro and small business support, which generated considerable interest and achieved significant results. The City Economic Development Service has been monitoring the activities of entrepreneurs supported through the programme, and this oversight has shown that the programme’s effectiveness and results are undeniably positive. Based on these findings, we have decided to develop the pilot into a full-scale project, expand its scope, and increase the available funding. Last year, the financing limit per entrepreneur stood at 20,000 lari. This year, co-financing will rise to 50,000 lari,” the Mayor stated.He noted that last year, just under 50 micro and small entrepreneurs were selected and supported under the programme.“Those entrepreneurs were able to procure the equipment and machinery they required. In the selection and assessment of beneficiaries, preference will be given to candidates who have an active enterprise and can present a credible, constructive plan and vision for the development of their business. The co-financing proportions are structured as follows: up to 5,000 lari — 90% covered; from 5,000 to 20,000 lari — 85%; from 20,000 to 30,000 lari — 80%; and from 30,000 to 50,000 lari — 70% covered by the municipality,” Kaladze said.He added that the programme would proceed, recognising its vital role in promoting business growth and generating new employment opportunities.“The support provided under this programme helps existing businesses to grow further, raises their competitiveness, and, through our combined efforts, strengthens local production. I am confident that a great many people will benefit from it. Applications will be opened in the near future, and we will keep the public informed of the relevant dates,” the Mayor said.

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According to the minister, the issue is strengthening the country's connectivity, which includes the road, rail, maritime and air infrastructure of the Middle Corridor. The energy sector is also an area of ​​interest for the bank.A special AIIB mission will visit Georgia in the near future, within the framework of which the parties will discuss specific projects that the bank will finance in Georgia.

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According to the National Bank of Georgia, the discussions centred on Georgia’s fiscal and monetary policies, macroeconomic outlook, and prospects for further cooperation with the IMF.It was reaffirmed that Georgia’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain robust, and the country’s external position has markedly improved in recent years.The meeting noted that as of March 2026, headline inflation stood at 4.3%. Core inflation remained below the target, at approximately 2.4%, while inflation in services stayed close to the target, reaching 3.3%.“These indicators, which better reflect long-term inflation trends, suggest that inflation expectations are well managed,” stated the President of the National Bank.The discussion also highlighted the NBG’s strategy of building international currency reserves, with a positive assessment of Georgia’s foreign currency reserves reaching a record high in 2025. For the first time since 2022, international reserves exceeded the 100% adequacy threshold.The talks also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with concerns expressed that prolonged instability could impact the country’s economic forecasts.On his part, Jihad Azour remarked that despite regional uncertainties and the conflict, Georgia has been effectively managing external shocks and maintaining a stable economic environment.The meeting was attended by the Vice Presidents of the National Bank of Georgia, Ekaterine Mikabadze, Ekaterine Galdava, and Nino Jeladze, as well as Deputy Ministers of Finance, Giorgi Kakauridze and Ekaterine Guntsadze

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Production of potato decreased by 6.1 percent and set 207.9 thousand tons. Besides, production of vegetables equaled 146.3 thousand tons, which is 8.9 percent higher compared to 2024.According to the preliminary data of 2025, average yield of potato and vegetables have been decreased compared to the previous year, besides average yield of barley, and maize has been increased. According to the survey results, average yield of wheat consisted of 2.9 t/ha, average yield of barley – 2.7 t/ha, average yield of maize – 3.1 t/ha, average yield of potato – 14.5 t/ha, average yield of vegetables - 10.6 t/ha.According to the preliminary data, in 2025 sown areas of annual crops amounted to 184.3 thousand hectares, which is 3.8 percent less than the same period of the previous year. However sown area of winter crops decreased by 1.3% and consisted of 60.4 thousand hectares and sown areas of spring crops decreased by 4.9% and consisted of 123.9 thousand hectares.Sown area of maize took the biggest share in the sown areas of annual crops and equaled 65.3 thousand hectares. Sown area of wheat was 49.4 thousand hectares, sown area of barley – 24.0 thousand hectares, sown area of potato – 14.3 thousand hectares, sown areas of fodder crops – 10.3 thousand hectares, sown area of vegetables – 10.8 thousand hectares and sown areas of the remaining crops 10.2 thousand hectares.According to the preliminary data, in 2025, 205.6 thousand tons of fruit (except Grapes and citrus) were produced in the country, which is 15.6 percent less than in the same period of the previous year. As for the distribution of fruits by species during the reference period, 72.3 thousand tons of pome fruit were produced which is 19.3 percent less than in the same period of the previous year. Production of stone fruit consisted of 53.3 thousand tons (30.5 percent lower), production of nuts – 53.9 thousand tons (2.7 percent higher), production of subtropical fruit – 17.4 thousand tons (1.2 percent higher) and Berries – 8.7 thousand tons (16.0 percent higher).Besides this, in 2025, 347.4 thousand tons of grapes were produced, which is 8.3 percent higher than in previous year, and 55.0 thousand tons of citrus, which is 0.4 percent lower than the previous year.

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Lion Finance Group (BGEO LN) shares closed at GBP 107.60/share (+10.93% w/w and +2.09% m/m). More than 347k shares traded in the range of GBP 96.45 - 109.20/share. Average daily traded volume was 123k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of BGEO shares traded was at 0.80% of its capitalization.TBC Bank Group (TBCG LN) closed the week at GBP 47.16/share (+9.29% w/w and +5.39% m/m). More than 385k shares changed hands in the range of GBP 42.48 - 48.26/share. Average daily traded volume was 78k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of TBCG shares traded was at 0.69% of its capitalization.Georgia Capital (CGEO LN) shares closed at GBP 40.55/share (+4.65% w/w and +10.34% m/m). More than 145k shares traded in the range of GBP 37.85 - 40.60/share. Average daily traded volume was 56k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of CGEO shares traded was at 0.42% of its capitalization. 

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Of this, exports amounted to $1.72 billion (increased by 23.3 percent), and imports amounted to $4.14 billion (decreased by 7.2 percent). The negative trade balance in January-March 2026 amounted to $2.41 billion, which is 41.2 percent of foreign trade turnover.Detailed data on Georgia’s foreign trade will be published on April 20 of this year.

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The increase in oil prices in international markets and the deterioration of investor sentiment in the stock market led to a correction in the annual dynamics of portfolios. This was most evident in portfolios with a high share of international equities: Dynamic Portfolio: -3.08% decrease Balanced Portfolio: -1.85% decrease Conservative Portfolio: -0.39% slight decrease According to the fund, the stability of the portfolios was maintained by the stable profitability of local assets. Despite the March decline, all three portfolios have remained positive since the beginning of the year, and the annualized returns since their creation range from 11% to 13%.There are currently 1 million 727 thousand people enrolled in the pension scheme. As of March 31, 2026, 30,138 people have already benefited from the accumulated pension, for which a total of GEL 145.5 million was issued.The Fund also warns citizens that from April 9 to April 13, due to the holidays, it will be impossible to receive services both on the hotline and at the branches of the House of Justice and at the Fund's reception area.

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According to the head of government, the decision was made as a result of active consultations with the business sector. The reasons were the interests of the private sector and the possible impact of the regulation on consumer prices.“Plastic consumption harms both human health and the environment... However, at the same time, we must take into account the side factors related to this process, including the subjective interests of business, as well as the possible impact of specific regulations on consumer prices,” Irakli Kobakhidze said.Changes and current regulationsAccording to the original plan, the production (except for export), import and sale of beverages in plastic bottles were to be banned from February 1, 2027. According to the decision, this deadline was extended by 4 years.Nevertheless, other parts of the regulation remain in force: From July 1, 2026: public catering establishments (restaurants, canteens, kiosks, transport) will be prohibited from serving beverages to customers in plastic bottles. Already valid ban: The delivery of ready-made food in disposable plastic containers and cups is prohibited. It is worth noting that the restrictions do not apply to products intended for export and packaging for packaged food. According to the Prime Minister, the process of reducing plastic consumption will continue in stages.

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