According to Geostat, the national statistics service of Georgia, in February 2019, compared to the same period of 2018, the pace of GDP growth was at 4.6%. At the same time, according to Geostat, the average real growth in January-February constituted 4.1%. In February 2019, as compared to the same …
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GDP Growth in 2018 Exceeded Initial Forecast
According to preliminary indicators, real growth in GDP in 2018, as compared to 2017, made up 4.7%, while the deflator changed by 3.6%. 2018 GDP volume in current prices constituted 41,077.5 million GEL, up 8.5% year on year. As for specific fields in the total GDP structure, trading and industry …
Read More »Negative Trade Balance Sees a 5 Year Low
CIS Countries Expand Exports Ratio in Georgia’s Foreign Trade Turnover amid Slowdown with EU Countries. In January-February 2019, Georgia’s foreign trade turnover made up 1,739.8 million USD, up 3.6% year on year, including exports, which constituted 505 million USD, up 13.2%, and imports were marked at 1,234.8 million USD, up …
Read More »Bekauri should Quit if Tariffs Rise in Communications Sector: New Cartel Collusion between Magti and Silknet
The Oligopoly in the communications sector has demonstrated its negative effects again – last week, two major players released statement on raising tariffs. Surprisingly, both companies raised tariffs simultaneously for the same services. In economics, this move is called cartel collusion, and in all normal countries similar manipulations are severely …
Read More »NGO’s Ungrounded Position: Pension Reform Sued at Court
On July 27, 2018, the Parliament of Georgia adopted a law on contributory superannuation in a third hearing, and 79 votes. The basic part of the law came into force on January 1, 2019. As a result, citizens under 40 years of age are obliged to pay pension taxes to …
Read More »The Nature of the Georgian Economy in 2018
The past year should be appraised as a positive period for Georgian economy, against the background of problems in previous years. First of all, we should mention an about 5% economic growth, however, more optimistic forecasts were released in the middle of 2018. Namely, International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast 5,5% …
Read More »International Monetary Fund Warning Against Monopolies in Pharmaceutical and Banking Sectors
Georgia should show caution to prevent anti-competition practices as a result of high concentration in distinct economic sectors (including banking and medical services), the report by International Monetary Fund (IMF) “Caucasus and Central Asia: Employment of Region’s Growth Potential” reads. According to the document, competition is of crucial importance in …
Read More »Negative Trade Deficit Hits Historic High
In January-September 2018 Georgia’s foreign trade turnover made up 9 124.8 million USD, up 20.8% year on year, including exports totaled 2 448.1 million USD, up 25.7% year on year; imports amounted to 6 676.7 million USD, up 19.1%. Georgia’s negative trade balance in January-September 2018 constituted 228.6 million USD (46.3% of total …
Read More »Competitive Capacity of Georgian Economy Slightly Improved
Georgia Gains One Position in Global Competitiveness Rating and Comes up with Three Leading Countries in Eurasia Region According to the 2018 Global Competitiveness Index, Georgia has gain one position compared to 2017. The report describes competitive capacity of 140 countries. According to this report, Georgia has moved to the …
Read More »Commercial Banks against National Bank – New Regulations to Take Effect in November
With the aim to enforce the responsible crediting framework, the Financial Stability Committee has taken decision to put retail loans regulations into effect on November 1. According to the mentioned decision, financial institutions will be obliged to examine solvency of their clients prior to issuing loans. Moreover, PTI and LTV …
Read More »Staff Cuts and Growing Salaries
The 2019 State Budget Grows Pensions by 20 GEL, as well as Salaries of Policemen, Rescuers and Firefighters. The 2019 state budget is planned to amount to 12 729 700 000 GEL. This is the initial variant of the main financial document of the country that the Government has already submitted to the …
Read More »Georgia is Emerging Europe’s Most Economically-free Country
The Fraser Institute has published the 2018 world economic freedom report, which appraises the 2016 period of World Economic Freedom. The report comprises indicators of 162 countries due to various criteria, including – government size, simplicity in doing business, property rights and judicial system, as well as regulation burden and …
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