NBG President met with EBRD Board Director

The average export price of hazelnuts also increased by 13% during the reporting period and amounted to 6.29 USD per kilogram.Georgian hazelnuts are mainly exported to the markets of the European Union, namely Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Poland and the Czech Republic. In addition, hazelnuts were exported to Armenia, China, Turkey, Israel, Russia, Algeria, and Morocco.

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In terms of international travel revenue in the first quarter of 2025, a high percentage increase was recorded from Azerbaijan - 19.8% and from Saudi Arabia - 12.3%. At the same time, according to statistics, travel revenue from Israel stands out with a high growth rate, which in the first quarter of 2025 showed a 73.7% increase compared to the same period of the previous year and amounted to $114.2 million.The share of EU countries in international travel revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was determined at 12.5% ​​and amounted to $103.2 million.Travel revenue from Russia is characterized by a decreasing trend - in the first quarter of 2025, travel revenue from Russia to Georgia decreased by 17.2%.Georgia's tourism revenue in the first quarter of 2025 is distributed as follows: Azerbaijan  -  USD 48.6 million Belarus - USD  15.9 million Turkey – USD 107.1 million Iran – USD  27.2 million Israel – USD 114.2 million Russia – USD 141.8 million Saudi Arabia – USD 8.7 million Armenia – USD 28.2 million Ukraine – USD 33.7 million European Union – USD 103.2 million Other countries – USD 197.4 million

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The meeting was organized by the investment bank J.P. Morgan and was attended by about 15 investors. Among them were such well-known companies as: Danske Bank, Morgan Stanley, Shiprock Capital Management, Eaton Vance Corp and others.In a presentation format, the National Bank Governor introduced the latest indicators of the Georgian economy to international investors, spoke about the stable macroeconomic environment and solid fundamental factors, on the basis of which the country is coping with all external challenges.“Our task is to make Georgia’s attractive investment environment clearer to new prospective investors and attract them to the country. And to once again introduce our vision to existing investors and make them want to invest more,” said Natia Turnava.The NBG President drew attention to the International Monetary Fund’s report, according to which Georgia is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. “The growth rate of GDP per capita and low inflation, along with high economic growth, create an attractive environment for potential investors,” said Natia Turnava.

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During the meeting, the Georgian officials highlighted the country’s strong and stable economic performance, characterized by low inflation and robust growth. They emphasized that Georgia’s price stability is the result of a consistent monetary policy.Natia Turnava spoke about the country's economic resilience, noting that the Georgian economy remains resilient to external shocks. She underscored the NBG's long-term strategy of accumulating international reserves and ensuring the effective management of reserve assets. As of April 2025, the NBG holds international reserves exceeding USD 4.4 billion.The discussion also highlighted the stability and profitability of the Georgian banking sector, underpinned by strong capital and liquidity buffers.On his part, Alejandro Hajdenberg reaffirmed the Fund’s support for Georgia across various areas.The meeting was also attended by NBG Vice Governors Ekaterine Mikabadze and Ekaterine Galdava; Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Vakhtang Tsintsadze; Deputy Ministers of Finance Giorgi Kakauridze and Ekaterine Guntsadze; and Head of the NBG’s Financial Markets Department, Aleksandre Khazaradze.

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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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