MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, participated in the session “Trade, Investment, Sustainable Development under Global Challenges” held within the framework of the Ambassadors’ Conference. The Minister introduced the main economic indicators of 2025 and plans to the representatives of the diplomatic corps.

“In terms of economic growth, our country continues to lead among both regional and European countries. During 2021-2024, the average economic growth was 9,8%, and this year we have already exceeded the forecasts of all international financial institutions, with this year’s average economic growth reaching 7,6%” –  Mariam Kvrivishvili stated.

As the Minister noted, 2025 is ending for Georgia with dignified results, despite being full of challenges and obstacles from an economic standpoint. The Minister focused on regional and global environmental factors, spoke about the stable growth of sectoral directions, and in this regard, emphasized technologies, transport, logistics, energy, tourism, construction trade and agriculture sectors.

According to the Minister, the country’s economic development is based on a diversified policy, which ensures sustainability and reduces dependence on specific countries regarding various sectors. The Minister also spoke about the growth of SMEs productivity, employment and job creation, noting that it is important for the country to gradually begin reducing its dependence on imports.

Mariam Kvrivishvili emphasized that Georgia’s economic success is the result of years of consistent policy and close cooperation with international partners. In her assessment, the support of the diplomatic corps, ambassadors, and partner countries played an important role in strengthening the country’s economic potential.

The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development also spoke extensively about the investment environment in the country and the government’s investment policy. According to Mariam Kvrivishvili’s assessment, the current year is particularly successful because, through united efforts, it was possible to bring a historic volume of investment – 6,6 billion USD, into the country. Kvrivishvili clarified once again that the Eagle Hills project is very important for the country and that there are no risks, which are often the subject of speculation.

“The state has not taken any form of financial obligation nor provided any financial guarantee to the investor. It should be emphasized that in some countries where the same company carries out investments, the state side is burdened with maximum obligations. However, the Georgian project is indeed different in that the state has not entered into any financial or any other type of obligation with the investor” – Mariam Kvrivishvili noted.

The Minister also emphasized that the state will be a co-partner in the joint venture with a 33%-share, which is an additional opportunity for the country’s budget. Mariam Kvrivishvili also noted that the country will have an economic benefit of approximately 11 billion GEL, about 25000 new jobs will be created from the day construction begins, and about 8000 jobs after the project starts operating. In addition, from the start of construction, the budget will receive at least 500 million GEL annually in the form of taxes alone, and after the project is launched into full commercial operation, the state will have a dividend proportional to its 33% share – 200 million GEL annually.

The Minister of Economy also responded to speculations about so-called “Arabization” and noted that the investment has no connection with the increase in migration, nor will there be any connection between the sale of apartments or apartments and the granting of residency rights.

During the session held within the framework of the Ambassadors’ Conference, the Minister also focused on the 2025 results and future plans for the tourism sector and noted that the tourism sector is one of the driving industries for Georgia’s economy – the revenue from the sector for the three quarters of the current year is record-breaking and amounts to 3.6 billion USD. “Georgia’s tourism is quite diversified; the number of tourists coming from Europe, China, Israel, our neighboring countries, as well as the Gulf countries, is growing. With this right balance, we ensure that despite many challenges, the tourism sector is growing” – Mariam Kvrivishvili highlighted.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of air traffic and direct flights and noted that the current year was very successful in this regard since at this point, over 70 airlines operate in Georgia performing direct flights to 120 destinations, which significantly strengthens the country’s international accessibility and tourist attractiveness.

While speaking about next year’s plans, Mariam Kvrivishvili emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation between China and Georgia. At the same time, the Minister thanked the ambassadors for their involvement and efforts in important processes.

Energy is another important sector on which the Minister focused. According to Mariam Kvrivishvili’s assessment, energy is of great importance for the country. According to the Minister, the government has a precisely defined vision and a clear plan to increase installed capacities year by year and for the country to become self-sufficient in terms of electricity generation. Furthermore, as Mariam Kvrivishvili stated, by 2032, the installed capacity in Georgia will increase significantly, providing the opportunity to export surplus generation. According to her, Georgia also continues to be a transit country in the energy sector.

The Minister also emphasized the Black Sea submarine cable project, which, in her assessment, is of great importance both for the development of Georgia’s energy sector and for connecting with the EU energy system. “This is an important project for further strengthening our energy sector, as well as in terms of attracting investment. This is another opportunity to strengthen our competitiveness” – the Minister noted.