According to the National Wine Agency, the largest share of Georgian wine in Europe was sold to Poland, with 6.8 million litres exported. Germany came in second, with 1.3 million litres, followed by Latvia with 1.2 million litres, Lithuania with 703.5 thousand litres, the United Kingdom with 327.7 thousand litres, Estonia with 271 thousand litres, and others.The agency notes that the growth in exports is particularly notable in countries renowned for their wine traditions, such as France, where demand for Georgian wine, especially qvevri wine, continues to increase. In 2025, approximately 133 thousand litres were exported to France, representing a 63% increase compared to 2024.A central focus of the National Wine Agency’s efforts is to promote and raise awareness of Georgian wine in international markets. Among European nations, the strategic markets for Georgian wine include the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and Scandinavian countries. The agency undertakes advertising and marketing campaigns in these regions to diversify market access. With the support of the National Wine Agency, Georgian wine producers participate in all major international wine and spirits exhibitions across Europe.

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“This is a very important day for Georgia’s aviation sector. Under the agreement, $150 million will be invested in expanding Tbilisi International Airport over the coming years. The figures for 2025 speak for themselves – all three of Georgia’s international airports served 8.5 million passengers, setting new records. This demonstrates the urgent need to expand Tbilisi Airport,” Ioselian said.Under the renewed agreement, Groupe ADP, which owns TAV Georgia, will continue to operate Tbilisi International Airport under updated conditions for the next five years, until 2031. The plan includes doubling the terminal’s capacity, increasing the number of passengers from 5 million to over 10 million annually, and expanding aircraft parking stands from 58 to 65.Ioselian noted that the investment will triple the revenue of the United Airports of Georgia, with the company also receiving an advance payment of $25 million. TAV Georgia will participate in marketing initiatives to attract additional airlines and establish more direct flights.The Deputy Minister also emphasized the government’s ongoing development of a new international airport in Vaziani, set to open in 2031, which will serve approximately 20 million passengers annually, after which Tbilisi International Airport’s current operations will cease.

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From August 1, 2025, to January 13, 2026, Georgia exported 10,000 tons of apples valued at $7.3 million. Compared to the same period in 2024, the export volume increased by 28% (2,200 tons) and the value rose by 47% ($2.3 million).Russia remained the main export destination, receiving 9,197 tons of apples. Other notable destinations included Turkey (540 tons), Belarus (150 tons), Armenia (83 tons), and Iraq (21 tons).The ministry also reported that the average export price per kilogram of apples reached $0.73, marking a 15% increase compared to the same period last year.

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According to the Agency’s assessment, following a decline in export volumes during the period 2021-2024, the hazelnut market demonstrated positive export dynamics in 2025. In January-October 2025, the volume of exported hazelnuts increased by up to 18% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. At the same time, a slight decrease was observed in the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) and in the market shares of leading companies.The analysis also reveals an upward trend in average product prices. After a period of declining prices during 2020-2022, when the lowest average price was recorded in 2022 at GEL 13 per kilogram, export prices increased to GEL 17 per kilogram in 2024. In 2025, the average price reached GEL 23.4 per kilogram, representing a 35% increase compared to the corresponding ten-month period of the previous year.Based on the Agency’s assessment, no risks of violations of competition legislation have been identified in the hazelnut market. The export segment is characterized by a low level of concentration, the presence of a large number of exporting undertakings, and the absence of a dominant position.For the purpose of assessing the competitive environment, the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency initiated monitoring of the hazelnut market in 2023. Georgian hazelnut exports are primarily destined for Italy, followed by Germany, Spain, Armenia, and other markets.GCCA continues to monitor the hazelnut market, along with other strategically important markets.

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Sulkhan Gvalia, acting as the Group and Bank of Georgia’s Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), has decided to step down from the executive role from March 2026 to transition to a new stage in his life, following a 20-year tenure with the Group. He will remain a non-executive member on the supervisory boards of the Group’s various subsidiaries, including Ameriabank, the Group’s banking subsidiary in Armenia.Sulkhan will be succeeded by Giorgi Shagidze, who will be appointed Group CFO, responsible for Group finance and international growth, and Deputy CEO, Chief Financial Officer of Bank of Georgia (subject to regulatory approval). Giorgi joins from his recent role as CEO of maib, Moldova’s largest bank. Since 2021, he has led a bank-wide agile and digital transformation, strengthening digital capabilities, embedding a customer-centric culture, and delivering strong and consistent financial performance, alongside strong growth in market share and digital engagement. This comprehensive transformation significantly enhanced the bank’s institutional strength and long-term value. Giorgi’s broad banking experience includes serving as Deputy CEO and CFO of TBC Bank Group, where he played a key role in the Group’s IPO and the early stages of its expansion into Uzbekistan, as well as previously working as a Global Operations Executive at Barclays PLC. He holds an MBA from the University of Cambridge, is a CFA charterholder, and is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program at Stanford Graduate School of Business.Furthermore, Giorgi Gureshidze, who has successfully led Bank of Georgia’s Mass Retail Banking direction since March 2025, has been promoted to the position of Deputy CEO, subject to regulatory approval.Archil Gachechiladze, Group and Bank of Georgia CEO, commented: “I would like to thank Sulkhan for his dedicated service and invaluable contributions to our success. He has been a pivotal member of the executive team, successfully leading our finance function and helping to build our business and culture. I am delighted that he will remain with the Group in a nonexecutive role.I am also very pleased to welcome Giorgi Shagidze to the team. His successful tenure as CEO at Maib provides him with deep experience in leading ambitious digital transformations and developing customer-focused banking. Giorgi's new role will concentrate on enhancing the finance function and pursuing international growth opportunities. I believe his insights, leadership qualities, and knowledge of the broad region will enrich the whole team.Finally, I would like to congratulate Giorgi Gureshidze on his well-deserved promotion. Under his leadership, Bank of Georgia’s mass retail business has consistently delivered strong results and grown from strength to strength. I wish him success in his new position.”

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The temporary suspension will take effect on January 21, 2026, and will apply to applicants from Georgia as well as more than 100 other countries. The embassy clarified that previously issued immigrant visas remain valid and will not be revoked.The pause also does not affect tourist visas or dual citizens who apply using a passport from a country not included on the list.The statement emphasizes that applicants may still submit documents and attend scheduled interviews, but immigrant visas will not be issued during the suspension period.The full statement published by the embassy reads:"Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits UsageLast Updated: January 14, 2026President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans. The Department of State is undergoing a full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge.Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State is pausing all visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the following countries:Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of affected countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department will continue to schedule applicants for appointments, but no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during this pause.Are there any exceptions?Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed above are exempt from this pause.Does this affect my current valid visa?No immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance. For questions regarding admission to the United States, we refer you to DHS.Does this apply to tourist visas?No, this pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants. Tourist visas are nonimmigrant visas."

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