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Gradual deployment of new 18-metre buses to begin on various routes fr...

The new buses were unveiled to the public by Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, alongside Vice Mayor Giorgi Tkemaladze, Head of Tbilisi Transport Company Ltd Giorgi Sharkov, and Head of the Tbilisi Transport and Urban Development Agency Nino Bagashvili.As the mayor noted, the next batch of 18-metre buses will be gradually introduced across various routes starting from September 27.“Today is a very positive day for our city, as we take another significant step forward in our transport policy. The 200 units of 18-metre buses, which we purchased last year, are now in Tbilisi and ready to serve our residents. I am pleased that in recent years we have managed to completely renew our fleet with modern, European-style buses and minibuses.From September 27, these new 18-metre buses will begin operating on various routes, providing better service to our citizens. Meanwhile, the 10-metre and 12-metre buses that are being replaced will be redistributed across different routes. Of course, we must continue developing public transport so that every district and region has access to modern buses and minibuses.This process is ongoing, the city is growing, progressing, and implementing new projects. Therefore, we must maintain harmony in our public transport system.Currently, one of our main challenges is traffic congestion. We are doing everything possible to make public transport more comfortable. That’s why, based on relevant studies, we are establishing bus lanes wherever feasible,” said Kakha Kaladze.According to Tbilisi City Hall, the purchase of 200 18-metre MAN buses was made under an agreement between the Tbilisi Transport Company and Tegeta Holding.The new buses, powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), are designed to carry 162 passengers, with 43 seats.“They are fully accessible for people with disabilities, featuring designated space for a wheelchair, a retractable ramp, and modern standards for heating, air conditioning, and ventilation suited to Tbilisi’s climate. The buses are equipped with voice information systems, internal and external anti-vandal video monitoring, mobile phone charging points, and other advanced monitoring, control, and security features. An onboard information system includes a computer for managing fare collection and passenger information, along with digital display boards, audio announcements, video surveillance, and WIFI connectivity.The buses are low-floor and have four entry doors. Currently, 76 of these 18-metre buses have been deployed on several routes, with the remainder gradually replacing older vehicles of various capacities. The total investment in the project amounts to EUR 111.1 million,” the Tbilisi City Hall statement reads.

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Georgia and China Agree on Amendments to Free Trade Agreement

The updated agreement introduces modernized provisions in several key areas, including e-commerce, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and investment promotion. Both sides agreed on the main part of the amendment text, signaling progress toward deepening economic cooperation.Discussions also covered the potential opening of the Chinese market to Georgian honey and poultry meat, with the Georgian side expecting positive developments soon. “The free trade agreement with China has raised trade and economic relations between the two countries to a new height. Not only has trade turnover increased, but investments, tourism, and civil aviation have also shown positive trends,” said Deputy Minister Arveladze.The parties confirmed that the protocol of amendments to the Free Trade Agreement will be officially signed in the first quarter of 2026, marking another step in strengthening bilateral trade relations and expanding opportunities for Georgian exporters in the Chinese market.

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The real GDP increased by 7.3% in 2Q YoY

Significant contributions to the real GDP growth in Q2 2025 are related to increase of value-added of the following activities: Information and communication (37.1%), Education (28.9%), Arts, entertainment and recreation (16%), Public administration and defence; compulsory social security (9.1%), Financial and insurance activities (11.8 %), Human health and social work activities (14.3%), Accommodation and food service activities (8.4%).A decrease in the real value-added occurred in Agriculture, forestry and fishing (-2.5%),Construction (-2.6%), Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (-7%).The largest share in GDP by activity is held by Trade (14.7 percent) and Real estate activities (9.1%), followed by Manufacturing (8.9%), Information and communication (7.5 %), Construction (7.3%), Agriculture, forestry and fishing (7%), Public administration (6.8%), Education (6.7%), Financial and insurance activities (5.4%).

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Old Apartment Sales Down by 20% In Batumi

In August 2025, the number of transactions of newly-built flats in Batumi has increased by 16.5% year over year, while older flats saw a 19.4% decrease. The number of transactions on the primary market of newly built flats increased by 27%, while the secondary market recorded a 6% increase.In August 2025 the weighted average price of newly-built flats in Batumi increased by 24.2% equaling USD 1,358 per sq m.The weighted average price increased in both primary (39.3%) and secondary (9.5%) markets. In one large project, around 140 transactions were registered all at once in August 2025, which caused a sharp increase in the weighted average price. 

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Newly built Apartment Prices In Tbilisi City Centre Up By 20%

As of August 2025 in Tbilisi the weighted average price of old flats has increased by 11.1% in the suburbs compared to August 2024, in the wide centre 1.2% growth was witnessed, while in the city centre the weighted average price increased by 20.2%. It should be noted that due to the low number of transactions in the city centre, prices fluctuate significantly.In August 2025, in Tbilisi the number of transactions of residential flats amounted to 2,889 units, reflecting 8.8% YoY decrease. Market size increased by 0.7% standing at USD 225 millions. Note: The methodology of price analysis has been updated for new projects, which has resulted in changes in 2022-2025 figures.As of August 2025 the weighted average price of newly-built flats in Tbilisi has increased by 12.2% in the suburbs compared to August 2024, 7.6% growth was observed in the city centre, while in the wide centre 19.6% increase was witnessed. In the wide center, the primary market for newly built flats recorded a 31% increase in prices, driven by the delayed registration of transactions by developers. On the secondary market, the weighted average price rose by 5.7%.

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All three pension fund portfolios showed growth of <1% in August

In particular, the low-risk, conservative portfolio grew by 1.22% in August, and from the beginning of the year to August, the growth was 7.29%.The balanced, medium-risk portfolio grew by 1.51% in August, and from the beginning of the year to August the growth amounted to 8.11%.Meanwhile, the net nominal returns of the high-risk, dynamic portfolio amounted to 1.98% and 9.2%, respectively.Inflation in August was 0.28%, and from the beginning of the year to August it was 2.63%. Accordingly, the real returns of the pension fund in the relevant periods are calculated excluding inflation.

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