Export income has also increased by 9%, exceeding USD 16.2 million. It should be noted that last year, in the same period, the income received from peaches and grapes made up USD 14.8 million.Also, the price of peaches increased by 5%, which, according to the latest data, amounted to USD 1.14 per kilogram.It should be noted that in the last 10 years, the export of peaches and plums exceeded 170 thousand tons; The income from exports reached USD 154 million.

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GGU is the first company to reopen international debt capital markets for Georgian companies since the onset of May-June 2024 volatility. The fixed coupon rate for the bonds was set at 8.875%, with an issue price at 100% of the nominal value, with a maturity of 5 years. Investor interest, both foreign and Georgian, exceeded the issue volume by approximately 60%.J.P. Morgan acted as the sole lead manager and bookrunner for the transaction, with TBC Capital and Galt & Taggart serving as co-managers. Legal advisors for J.P. Morgan and GGU included Latham & Watkins, Baker & McKenzie LLP, BLC Law Office and Dentons, while EY served as the auditor.GGU intends to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds to eligible projects within its strategic green initiatives. The funds raised will be used to finance new green capital investments and to refinance existing liabilities. GGU has obtained a second party opinion from the leading ESG research and analytics firm, DNV."I am pleased to announce the successful issuance of GGU's second green bond. GGU was the first private company in Georgia to issue green bonds in 2020. With this transaction we continue to uphold our environmental responsibilities and maintain our status as a leading sustainable company in Georgia.I would like to express special thanks to our partners, international financial institutions, for their support - the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Germany’s Development Finance Institution for the private sector, subsidiary of KfW Group (DEG).The bond funds will be used to refinance GGU's existing liabilities and to finance capital investments in the water supply sector. This transaction will significantly improve the company's financial profile and liquidity, helping us to develop a healthy and sustainable business," said Jose Miguel Santos Gonzalez, General Director of GGU."The size, price, and investor base of this transaction are proof of GGU's strong financial position and great growth potential. The company's securities have attracted considerable interest from retail investors and international financial organizations in both local and international markets. I am delighted that Galt & Taggart played an active role in the successful completion of such a remarkable transaction," said Ketevan Toidze, Deputy Director of Galt & Taggart.“Congratulations to GGU on the successful issuance of green bonds, which has attracted significant interest from both international and local investors. We are pleased that TBC Capital served as the co-managing investment bank for both the company's first and second green Eurobond issuances. The issuance of the second green bond in the international market underscores GGU's long-term commitment to sustainable development. The financial resources obtained from this bond issue will not only enhance the company's financial standing but also support the execution of more green initiatives and projects in the market," said Mary Chachanidze, Managing Director of TBC Capital.According to Fitch Ratings, GGU holds a BB- (Outlook Stable) rating, and S&P Global assigns a BB- (CreditWatch Positive) rating.Georgia Global Utilities (GGU) manages the water supply systems of Tbilisi, Mtskheta and Rustavi (GWP) and energy facilities. GGU owns several hydro power plants with a total installed capacity of 149 MW, including the Zhinvali hydro power plant - the second largest with a reservoir in Georgia. Since 2022, 80% of the company's shares are owned by the Spanish company FCC Aqualia, a leading entity in the European water supply market, and 20% by the investment holding company Georgia Capital.

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In the top ten, 5 universities are Georgian. The University of Georgia (UG) has moved up 800 places and is still the best private university in the region. Besides, those universities (Ivane Javakhishvili, Tbilisi State University, Ilia State University and Georgian Technical University) had a regression compared to the previous ranking.

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The air company holds consultations with the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency on the launch of Tbilisi-Ürümqi direct flights with the frequency of three times a week.At present, China Southern Airlines operates regular passenger flights, and it transported 19,991 passengers in the last 6 months.In 2023, the number of visits from China to Georgia amounted to 48,304, which makes a 554.5 percent increase year-on-year. According to the data for the two quarters of 2024, 32,853 visits were made from China. The rise compared to 2023 was 159.5 percent.

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As of the first half of 2024 in Tbilisi, the weighted average price of old flats has increased by 12% in the suburbs. While 11% and 10% growth was witnessed in the wide centre and city centre, respectively.In the first half 2024 the number of transactions in new projects increased by 3%. While the figure for old flats features a 15% decrease compared to H1 2023.In June 2024, in Tbilisi the number of transactions of residential flats amounted to 3,049 units, reflecting 21% YoY decrease. Market size decreased by 13% standing at USD 212 millions.As of the first half of 2024 in Tbilisi, the weighted average price of old flats has increased by 12% in the suburbs. While 11% and 10% growth was witnessed in the wide centre and city centre, respectively.

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As of June 2024, the number of transactions of residential flats in Batumi has decreased by 19% to 1,105 units. The market size has decreased by 13% standing at USD 56 millions.In June 2024, the number of transactions of newly-built flats in Batumi has decreased by 21% year over year, while a 5% YoY decrease rate has been observed in the case of old flats.In June 2024 the weighted average price of newly-built flats in Batumi increased by 4% equaling USD 1,098 per sq m, while the figure for old flats recorded a 2% increase to USD 1,037 per sq m.

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According to GNERC, under the new model, participants can engage in day-ahead and hourly electricity trading on daily markets, however with certain restrictions. Importers, exporters, and wholesale suppliers are currently restricted from participating, while large consumers, suppliers, and system operators can only purchase electricity. Deregulated producers are allowed to sell electricity, aiming to manage risks effectively during this transition period.The Georgian government expects that these changes will enhance competition, liquidity, and transparency in the energy market. This, in turn, is anticipated to lead to more efficient use of energy resources, cost-reflective pricing, and ultimately, lower electricity prices over the long term.Currently, the Energy Exchange of Georgia has five registered participants, with more potential participants closely monitoring developments. However, initial trading volumes have not yet met expectations, prompting ongoing evaluation and adjustments to the transitional model to encourage broader participation.

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GBC has approached other transport companies about possible changes in freight charges, however, they have not commented on the matter.The mentioned decision was taken by the Ministry of Transport of Turkey.It is mentioned in the agency's document that the tariff increase was planned. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu previously announced that the revision of the fee was based on the decree of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on October 7, 2022.According to the Montreux Convention, signed in 1936, which regulates navigation in the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits, fees for the non-stop transit of merchant ships are imposed for medical control, lighthouses and the evacuation of ships. Since 1983, the tax has been based on a gold franc and has been $0.8 per net tonnage. Starting in 2022, this rule was changed and the rate increased to $4.08.

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In the balancing electricity market, the cost of one kilowatt-hour of electricity equaled 4.44 US cents, which is an annual increase of 35%. On the other hand, in May of this year, compared to April, the price of electricity in the balance market decreased by 22% per month.In May of this year, 319 GW/h of electricity was exported from Georgia, Turkey is still the main market.

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In May 2024, the number of transactions of newly-built flats in Batumi has decreased by 8% year over year, while a 23% YoY decrease rate has been observed in the case of old flats.As of May 2024 in Tbilisi, the weighted average price of old flats has decreased by 1% in the city centre, while in the wide centre and suburbs 5% and 11% growth was witnessed.In May 2024 the weighted average price of newly-built flats in Batumi increased by 5% equaling USD 1,090 per sq m, while the figure for old flats recorded a 1% decrease to USD 724 per sq m.

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