PM Kobakhidze begins official visit to Kazakhstan

The MPs affected are: Marika Arevadze, Lasha Bakradze, Tinatin Bokuchava, Saba Buadze, Giorgi Butikashvili, Grigol Gegelia, Ana Gogoladze, Sopio Goletiani, Ana Dolidze, Giorgi Vashadze, Tengiz Tevzadze, Ketevan Turazashvili, Giorgi Imedashvili, Giorgi Kirtadze, Tsotne Koberidze, Maia Kopaleishvili, Tamar Kordzaia, Irakli Kupradze, Tamar Laliashvili, Giorgi Lemonjava, Nana Malashkhia, Nikanor Melia, Koba Nakopia, Ana Natsvlishvili, Ramaz Nikolaishvili, Kakhaber Okriashvili, Datuna Rakviashvili, Salome Samadashvili, Khatuna Samnidze, Levan Samushia, Irakli Pavlenishvili, Ani Kavtaradze, Oktai Kazumov, Boris Kurua, Pikria Chikhradze, Petre Tsiskarishvili, Levan Tsutskiridze, Giorgi Tsereteli, Ana Tsitlidze, Ivana Chonia, Levan Khabeishvili, Mamuka Khazaradze, Ekaterine Kherkheulidze, Irakli Khvadagiani, Elene Khoshtaria, Badri Japaridze, Gaioz Japaridze, Zurab Girchi Japaridze, and Sopio Japaridze.The decision has been submitted to the Bureau and will be officially endorsed at the plenary session.“Following the parliamentary elections, certain parties that successfully crossed the electoral threshold and had the legal right to receive mandates, enter parliament, and exercise their authority as members, submitted statements at various times regarding the termination of their authority. These parties include the Coalition for Change – Gvaramia, Melia, Girchi, Droa, Strong Georgia – Lelo for People for Freedom, and the United National Movement.The Procedural Committee, following regulations, verified the authenticity of the submitted applications and the signatures associated with them, which were recorded in the presence of parliamentary staff. An investigation was conducted, and it was determined that all statements were genuine. Consequently, our agenda is to decide on the termination of the powers of these 49 individuals or to support the conclusion,” stated Davit Matikashvili, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules.As a reminder, the three opposition parties—the Coalition for Change – Gvaramia, Melia, Girchi, Droa, Strong Georgia – Lelo for People for Freedom, and the United National Movement—have submitted statements to Parliament regarding the termination of their parliamentary authorities.The party Gakharia for Georgia has decided not to enter Parliament, although they have not officially communicated this decision or submitted a request to the legislature.

1738754746

The rise in tourist arrivals was primarily driven by non-neighboring markets, including Israel, China, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia and central Asia. Arrival growth from Asian markets was supported by an increase in direct flights and visa liberalization with India and China.Tourism revenues reached US$ 4.4bn in 2024, up 7.3% y/y. Overall, revenue growth was driven by the Middle Eastern countries, particularly Israel (+41.6% y/y), Iran (+17.9% y/y) and Saudi Arabia (+21.2% y/y) as well as Asian markets, led by India and China.Meanwhile, revenues from most neighboring countries declined, with revenues from Russia, the largest contributor, down 2.1% y/y to US$ 850mn in 2024.G&T expects 5.3mn tourists to visit Georgia in 2025 in our baseline scenario, up from 5.1mn in 2024, assuming political instability affects only 1Q25, with conditions normalizing thereafter. In a pessimistic scenario, G&T does not expect a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, as tourists from the Middle East and Asian countries are expected to continue growing, having already shown growth during the turbulent year of 2024. Additionally, possible reopening of the Azeri land border is upside for tourism. G&T projects tourism revenues at $4.5bn in 2025, up from $4.4bn in 2024.

1738754223

The Company has completed the GEL 73.4 million Buyback Programme. Since the launch of the Buyback Programme the Company has purchased 475,433 ordinary shares.All the treasury shares purchased in the Buyback Programme have now been cancelled.The above Total Voting Rights (44,351,550) figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine whether they are required to notify their interest in Bank of Georgia Group PLC under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.The programme will commence shortly and end no later than the Company's Annual General Meeting 2025 (expected to be in May 2025) and the shares will be purchased in the open market. The purpose of the buyback is to reduce the Group's share capital, and the cancellation of the treasury shares repurchased will be executed on a monthly basis. The Programme will be conducted within certain pre-set parameters, and in accordance with the general authority to repurchase shares granted at the 2024 Annual General Meeting, Chapter 9 of the FCA UK 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 maximum number of shares that may be repurchased under the programme is 4,336,154. The Company has appointed Cavendish Capital Markets Limited ("Cavendish") to manage the Programme. During any closed periods the Company and its directors have no power to invoke any changes to the Programme and it will be executed at the sole discretion of Cavendish.

1738753998

As of Geostat, prices increased mainly in the subgroups of outpatient medical services (4.8%) and medical products, equipment and devices (4.5%). Hospital services increased by 0.2%.As for the comparison of prices compared to the previous month, according to Geostat, prices in the group increased by 1.1%.Prices increased in the subgroups: Medical products, equipment and devices - 1.5%, Ambulatory medical services - 1.4%, Hospital service prices did not change. In addition, in January 2025, compared to the previous month, the inflation rate in Georgia was 0.4%, and the annual inflation rate was 2%.

1738669352

"With its latest repressive actions, the ruling elite continues to widen the divide with the Georgian people and their European aspirations," the statement reads.The Latvian Foreign Ministry expressed its support for the Georgian people in their pursuit of freedom and democracy."Full support to Georgians in their pursuit for freedom and democracy," the ministry declared. Deeply concerned by another violent show of force in #Georgia against peaceful protesters and journalists over the weekend.With the latest repressive actions the ruling elite continues widening their split from the people of Georgia and their European aspirations.Full support… — Latvian MFA 🇱🇻 | #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 (@Latvian_MFA) February 3, 2025

1738669176

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Minister and the Ambassador reviewed the friendly relations between Georgia and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the positive dynamics of high-level visits. They also discussed cooperation across various sectors.Both the Minister and the Ambassador expressed optimism that the Coordination Council of Saudi Arabia will soon commence its work, enhancing the partnership between the two countries.The two sides agreed that bilateral political consultations will continue, business ties will further strengthen, and cooperation in multiple sectors will deepen.

1738668763

This transaction seeks to enable local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and mid-cap companies to invest in growth, improve competitiveness, and implement greener and sustainable business practices. At least 20% of the loan will be directed toward green investments, and part of the financing will be made available in local currency to protect the MSMEs against currency risks.Hovhannes Toroyan, Ameriabank’s CFO, commented: “We are pleased to partner with the European Investment Bank to reaffirm our commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Armenia. This collaboration will provide local businesses with affordable funding, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute significantly to Armenia’s economic growth. As the largest lender in the Armenian economy, with a solid portfolio in green and sustainable financing, we are confident in our ability to foster a more sustainable and inclusive economic future for Armenia.”Teresa Czerwińska, EIB vice-president overseeing EIB operations in Armenia, commented: “This operation is a milestone, constituting a significant step forward in our commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic resilience, in line with both the European Union and Armenia’s priorities.”Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, ommented: “With this support to the Armenian MSMEs, we are delivering on our commitment to further support Armenian private sector and contribute to addressing the pressing need for access to finance including in local currency. This assistance is part of the European Investment Plan (EIP) for Armenia which is a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering economic growth, sustainable development, and prosperity in the country.”Archil Gachechiladze, Bank of Georgia Group PLC’s CEO, commented: “This transaction marks another step in promoting Armenia’s dynamic, high-growth economy. As a leading banking franchise in the country, Ameriabank has actively secured funding from IFIs to empower businesses and drive positive social and environmental impact in the country. I extend my gratitude to the EIB and Ameriabank teams for their effective collaboration.”Bank of Georgia Group PLC (the “Group”) announces that its banking subsidiary in Armenia, Ameriabank CJSC (the “Bank”), has signed a US$ 200 million loan agreement with International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. Half of this loan will be allocated to climate finance projects, a quarter to MSMEs, and another quarter to women-led MSMEs.

1738660288

The sector will contribute 570 million from the 2024 profit to the 2025 budget. The Bank of Georgia will contribute the most, up to 270 million, while TBC - up to 220 million. In total, the contribution of the two systemic banks is more than 85%.Banks, as you know, will pay taxes at an increased rate of 20% compared to last year. The consolidated net profit for 2024 is 3.097 billion GEL, and profit before tax exceeds 3.656 billion GEL.The sector is the main contributor to the budget and banks, like other companies, are required to pay profits 4 times a year (there is no restriction on filling the balance sheet ahead of schedule). According to the Tax Code, the deadline for submitting the 2024 tax return is April 1, 2025, with the profit tax distributed in 4 installments (25%+25%+25%+25%) to be paid no later than 15/05; 15/07; 15/09 and 15/12.The cumulative figure for profitable banks (13) is 3.1 billion GEL. Silkbank, which has not paid profit tax to the budget for 6 years, and 3 digital banks (Paysera Hash Bank, Pave Bank), for which 2025 is the first budget year and they will not contribute anything yet, are at a loss.Sanctioned VTB, which has suspended operations after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will pay into the budget from its profits, along with other banks. The Russian bank's subsidiary's profit (before taxes) is 8.450 million GEL.

1738584177