80% of dissatisfied borrowers in MFOs complain about pawnshop conditions

According to the agency, in the economic free zone, inspections of 29 companies by international audit companies Bureau Veritas and SGS revealed no violations.During this period, state control was implemented in 88 companies, which involves determining compliance of the wine technological process in enterprises with the requirements defined by Georgian legislation.Moreover, out of 127 samples taken, violations were found in 4 samples from 4 companies."Laboratory studies continue on certain portions of the samples," the National Wine Agency reports.For the purpose of organoleptic testing of export alcoholic beverages, 64 tastings were conducted. Out of 2931 samples submitted for tasting, 2822 were evaluated positively, while 109 samples were evaluated negatively. Organoleptic testing of samples is conducted for color and transparency, typicality, presence of diseases, aroma, taste, and harmony.

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In the first quarter of 2025 a price increase compared to the previous quarter was registered both in flats (2.2 percent) and detached houses (1.8 percent) segments.Compared to the first quarter of 2024, the prices increased in both segments, for flats by 10.9 percent and for detached houses by 13.5 percent.

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The discussion centered on ensuring the sustainability and stability of the banking and financial systems in both countries. The parties also highlighted the importance of strengthening financial ties among the countries along the Middle Corridor.The meeting included a review of the 2025–2026 bilateral cooperation roadmap, developed under the framework of the previously signed Memorandum of Understanding. The roadmap outlines plans for knowledge exchange and collaboration on a wide range of topics, including financial technologies, payment systems, regulation of virtual asset service providers, balance of payments, monetary and macroprudential policy, capital market convergence, banknote issuance, and risk management.Governor Suleimenov emphasized the significance of enhancing bilateral cooperation and expressed his commitment to fostering a more productive and effective partnership.

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These memorandums mark a major step forward in strengthening Georgia-China business relations. The agreement with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development focuses on supporting regional cooperation, facilitating Georgian-Chinese projects, and enhancing the country’s role as a connector within the Middle Corridor. Meanwhile, the memorandum with CCCME aims to deepen trade ties, promote joint projects between businesses in both countries, encourage participation in exhibitions, and stimulate direct investment and cooperation in various sectors.As part of the event, a dedicated meeting was held with representatives of the business sector interested in cooperation with China. The discussion took place in a Q&A format, during which participants shared their ideas, expressed specific interests, and outlined their needs regarding project implementation, partnership formats, and financial support mechanisms.The Association emphasized that it is ready to work individually with each interested company to support the initiation and development of successful cooperation.The Georgia-China Regional Cooperation Association acts as a vital platform for facilitating partnerships, offering tailored support for market entry, project development, and business growth. Its representative offices in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shandong Province provide businesses with fast-track access to consultations, local expertise, and reliable partner sourcing.Additionally, the Association has already partnered with Basisbank and BB Leasing, further strengthening its support network for Georgian and Chinese companies looking to finance and implement collaborative projects.Speaking at the event, Vakhtang Chakhnashvili, a chairman of the GCRC, stated:"These two memorandums—signed with both Georgia’s Ministry of Economy and CCCME—represent a strategic alignment of interests and a shared vision for regional growth. Our mission is to connect businesses across borders and help them build strong, result-oriented partnerships. By combining government support, business networks, and financial infrastructure, we are creating the ideal environment for long-term cooperation and mutual success."The event brought together representatives from key industries including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, machinery, automotive and trade. The meeting highlighted the Association’s growing role in bilateral cooperation and outlined future collaboration opportunities between Georgian and Chinese business communities.

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In January-March 2025 the share of the top ten trading partners by domestic exports in the total domestic exports of Georgia amounted to 67.4 percent. The top partners were Russia (USD 122.0 million), Türkiye (USD 66.9 million) and China (USD 47.5 million).In January-March 2025 Precious metal ores and concentrates reclaimed the first place in the list of top domestic export items, equaling USD 53.0 million, or 8.3 percent of total domestic exports. The domestic exports Wine of fresh grapes totaled USD 49.6 million and their share in the total domestic exports amounted to 7.7 percent. The domestic exports of Spirituous beverages occupied the third place, standing at USD 45.4 million and constituting 7.1 percent of the total domestic exports.

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The exports equaled 1.4 billion (5.7 percent higher), while the imports stood at USD 4.2 billion (20.1 percent higher). The negative trade balance was USD 2.8 million in January-March 2025 and its share in external trade turnover constituted 50.1%.In January-March 2025 the share of the top ten trading partners by exports in the total exports of Georgia amounted to 78.1 percent. The top partners were Kyrgyzstan (USD 298.6 million), Kazakhstan (USD 176.2 million) and Azerbaijan (USD 140.3 million).In January-March 2025 the share of the top ten trading partners by imports in the total imports of Georgia amounted to 73.2 percent. The top partners were the USA (USD 654.4 million), Türkiye (USD 587.3 million) and Russia (USD 512.9 million).In January-March 2025 the share of the top ten trading partners in the total external trade turnover of Georgia amounted to 70.0 percent. The top trading partners were USA (USD 669.2 million), Türkiye (USD 663.3 million) and Russia (USD 642.8 million).In January-March 2025 motor cars claimed the first place in the list of top export items, equaling USD 500.7 million with 35.7 percent of total exports. The exports of spirituous beverages totaled USD 54.7 million and their share in the total exports amounted to 3.9 percent. The exports of precious metal ores and concentrates occupied the third place standing at USD 53.0 million and constituting 3.8 percent of the total exports.The top import commodities in January-March 2025 were motor cars, whose imports equaled USD 622.2 million (14.8 percent of the total imports). The paintings, drawings and pastels (executed entirely by hand) followed in the list with USD 481.1 million (11.4 percent of imports). The petroleum and petroleum oils were third in the top import commodity list with USD 301.5 million (7.1 percent of imports).

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The prices for mining and quarrying increased by 0.8 percent compared to February 2025, resulting in a 0.05 percentage point contribution to the overall monthly PPI change. In the same period, the prices for manufactured products increased by 0.9 percent, contributing 0.7 percentage points to the monthly index change. Within the group, a noteworthy price increase was registered for food products (2.4 percent) and basic metals (4.6 percent). Besides, theprices decreased for electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning by 0.2 percent, contributing -0.02 percentage points to the monthly index change. The prices increased for water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation services by 0.3 percent.The annual PPI rate was mainly affected by price changes for the following products: Mining and quarrying: the prices were 22.3 percent higher, contributing 1.29 percentage points to the overall annual index change. Within the group, the prices were higher for the subgroup of metal ores (29.4 percent); Manufactured products: the prices increased by 4.3 percent, contributing 3.5 percentage points to the overall annual index increase. There was a notable increase in the prices for the following subgroups: food products (4.5 percent) and beverages (6.7 percent); Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning: the annual price increase amounted to 6.6 percent, which contributed 0.71 percentage points to the annual index change; Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation services: the annual price increase amounted to 1.8 percent, which contributed 0.05 percentage points to the annual index growth.

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Lion Finance Group (BGEO LN) shares closed at GBP 53.80/share (+3.76% w/w and -6.60% m/m). More than 92k shares traded in the range of GBP 52.45 - 55.20/share. Average daily traded volume was 46k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of BGEO shares traded was at 0.21% of its capitalization.TBC Bank Group (TBCG LN) closed the week at GBP 42.80/share (+4.90% w/w and -4.89% m/m). More than 256k shares changed hands in the range of GBP 41.50 - 43.60/share. Average daily traded volume was 97k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of TBCG shares traded was at 0.45% of its capitalization.Georgia Capital (CGEO LN) shares closed at GBP 13.92/share (+6.10% w/w and -10.19% m/m). More than 281k shares traded in the range of GBP 13.26 - 13.98/share. Average daily traded volume was 74k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of CGEO shares traded was at 0.71% of its capitalization. 

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