Economy of Georgia (country)

Economy of Georgia

TBC Bank in Tbilisi
Currency 1 GEL = 100 tetri
1 January - 31 December
Trade organisations
 WTO, GUAM and others
Statistics
GDP $36.848 billion {2016,PPP}[1]
GDP growth
 2% (2015 forecast) [2] 4.7% (2014) [3] 6.2% (2012) 7.0% (2011) 5.7% (2003-2011 average)[4]
GDP per capita
 $10,018 {2016,PPP}[5]
GDP by sector
 Industry – 17.3%; Trade – 17.3%; Transport & Communication - 10.6%; Agriculture - 9.3%; Construction - 6.2% (2011 preliminary)
-0.9% (2012)
Population below poverty line
 9.2% (2011)
42.0 (2011)
Labour force
 1.959 million (2011)
Labour force by occupation
 Agriculture: 52,2%; Services: 41.3%; Industry: 6.5% (2011)
Unemployment 13.7%[6] (2014)
Main industries
 Manufacturing (Manufacture of food products, beverages and tobacco products), Electricity, Gas and Water supply, Mining and Quarrying, steel, Electrical appliances, Chemicals, Wood products, Wine
15th[7]
External
Exports $3.305 billion (2012 est.)
Export goods
 Motor cars, Ferro-alloys, Mineral or chemical fertilizers, Nut, Ferrous, Gold, Copper ores, Spirituous beverages, Wine of fresh grapes
Main export partners
  Azerbaijan 19%
 Armenia 10.1%
 Russia 9.6%
 Turkey 8.4%
 United States 7.3%
 Bulgaria 5.7%
 Ukraine 4.9% (2014)[8]
Imports $6.628 billion (2012 est.)
Import goods
 petroleum oils, Motor cars, Gases, Medicament, Wheat, Telephones, Sugar, Cigarettes, Automatic data processing machines
Main import partners
  Turkey 20.1%
 China 8.5%
 Azerbaijan 7.4%
 Russia 6.7%
 Ukraine 6.4%
 Germany 5.4%
 Japan 4.3% (2014)[9]
FDI stock
 $980.6 million (2011 preliminary)
$13.36 billion (31 December 2012)[10]
Public finances
29.0% of GDP (2011)
Revenues $6.870 billion (2011)
Expenses $7.081 billion (2011)
Economic aid ODA $626.0 million USD (2010)
Standard & Poor's:[11]
BB- (Domestic)
BB- (Foreign)
BB (T&C Assessment)
Outlook: Stable[12]
Moody's:[13]
Ba3
Outlook: Stable
Fitch:[14]
BB-
Outlook: Stable
Foreign reserves
 US$2.818 billion (2011)[15]
Main data source: CIA World Fact Book
All values, unless otherwise stated, are in US dollars.
Evolution of GDP per capita (PPP) in Georgia and other former Soviet Union countries between 1994-2014 and future projections for 2015-2020.

Georgia's main economic activities include cultivation of agricultural products such as grapes, citrus fruits, and hazelnuts; mining of manganese, copper, and gold; and producing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, metals, machinery, and chemicals in small-scale industries. The country imports nearly all its needed supplies of natural gas and oil products. It has sizeable hydropower capacity that now provides most of its energy needs. Georgia has overcome the chronic energy shortages and gas supply interruptions of the past by renovating hydropower plants and by increasingly relying on natural gas imports from Azerbaijan instead of from Russia.[16] Despite the severe damage the economy of Georgia suffered due to civil strife in the 1990s, Georgia, with the help of the IMF and World Bank, has made substantial economic gains since 2000, achieving robust GDP growth and curtailing inflation.

GDP growth, spurred by gains in the industrial and service sectors, remained in the 9–12% range in 2005–07. In 2006 and in 2008, the World Bank named Georgia the top reformer in the world.[17]

International money transfers from Georgian migrant workers, working mostly in Russia, accounted for approximately 7% of the Georgian GDP in 2007.[18] In 2010, money transfers surpassed the FDI as a source of hard currency influx into the economy.[19]

History

Before the 20th century Georgia had a largely agrarian economy.

Georgia's modern economy has traditionally revolved around Black Sea tourism, cultivation of citrus fruits, tea and grapes; mining of manganese and copper; and the output of a large industrial sector producing wine, metals, machinery, chemicals, and textiles.

Like many post-Soviet countries, Georgia went through a period of sharp economic decline during the 1990s, with high inflation and large budget-deficits, due to persistent tax evasion. In 1996 Georgia's budget deficit rose to as much as 6.2%. During that period international financial institutions played a critical role in Georgia's budgetary calculations. Multilateral and bilateral grants and loans totaled 116.4 million lari in 1997; they totaled 182.8 million lari in 1998.

Economic recovery had been hampered by the separatist disputes in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, resistance to reform on the part of some corrupt and reactionary factions, and the Asian financial crisis of 1997. Under the leadership of President Shevardnadze (in office 1995-2003), the government nonetheless made some progress on basic market reforms: it liberalized all prices and most trade, introduced a stable national currency (the lari), and massively downsized government.

During the late 1990s more than 10,500 small enterprises had been privatized, and although privatization of medium- and large-sized firms had been slow, more than 1,200 medium - and large-sized companies had been set up as joint stock companies. A law and a decree establishing the legal basis and procedures for state property privatization reduced the number of companies controlled by the state.

The United States began assisting Georgia in the process of reform soon after the country gained independence from Soviet Union. Gradually, the focus shifted from humanitarian to technical and institution-building programs. Provision of legal and technical advisors was complemented by training opportunities for parliamentarians, law enforcement officials, and economic advisers.

Recent macroeconomic performance

Over the last few years Georgian economy has been one of the fastest in the FSU. Since 2003's Rose Revolution, the new Government of Georgia implemented broad and comprehensive reforms, that touched every aspect of the country’s life. Economic reforms were addressed to liberalization of the economy and provision of sustainable economic growth, based on the private sector development. Establishment of an attractive business environment led to significant inflow of Foreign Direct Investment in the country, facilitating high economic growth rates.

In 2013, Georgia ranked in the top ten countries internationally in the Emerging Market Energy Security Growth Prosperity Index,[20] according to an article published by CISTRAN Finance news. The index identifies emerging nations that have strong growth potential based on energy reserves and GDP.[21]

Based on the economic reforms, Georgian economy has been diversified showing an upward tendency with average 10% of annual GDP real growth in 2004-2007 and reached the highest level – 12.3 percent in 2007. In overall, during 2004-2007 the economy of Georgia expanded by 35%.[22]

Due to reforms and liberalization of economy policy Georgia shows exceptional resilience to external shocks – the war with Russia in 2008 and global financial crisis. Despite this, in 2008 Georgia economy grew by 2.3%. After a slight slowdown of economy in 2009 (-3.8%) country recovered shortly with 6.3% GDP real growth 2010. In 2011 GDP real growth reached 7.0%. Unemployment rate for 2010 constituted 16.3% and it was decreased from 16.9% in 2009.[22]

In 2013 the annual inflation rate in Georgia equaled 2.4%.[23] It has been decreased significantly after 11.2% in 2010.[24] Growth of inflation rate was the result of increasing food prices in the world and essential share of the inflation fluctuations came on variability of food prices, as far as the share of food is relatively high in consumer basket of Georgia.

In 2011, IMF estimated current account balance of Georgia was -1.489 BN USD.[25] Georgia has moderate deficits among the European and Transcaucasian Post-Soviet states:

Rank Country Current account balance
as a percentage of GDP (2010)[26] 		2011 IMF estimates[27]
1 Azerbaijan 27.662 22.664
2 Russia 4.807 5.518
3 Ukraine -2.091 -3.893
4 Armenia -13.873 -11.697
5 Belarus -15.522 -13.442
6 Lithuania 1.835 -1.860
7 Moldova -8.300 -9.897
8 Estonia 3.565 2.424
9 Georgia -9.618 -11.700
10 Latvia -22.938 -8.320

Deficits in current account have been more than offset by strong foreign capital inflows,[28] allowing the Georgian currency to appreciate.[29]

The government has managed to preserve financial stability thanks to the considerable aid provided by the US and international institutions. EBRD analysts believe that substantial international financial support and remittances from workers living abroad will cover the current account deficit in the medium term.[30] IMF positively evaluated government’s economic policy.

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014* l 2014* ll
GDP at current prices, mil. GEL 19074.9 17986.0 20743.4 24344.0 26167.3 26847.4 6307.2 7162.8
GDP at constant 2003 prices, mil. GEL 12555.3 12085.5 1235.0 13757.2 14637.7 15123.7 3504.1 3919.4
GDP real growth, percent 2.6 -3.7 6.2 7.2 6.4 3.3 7.2 5.2
GDP deflator, percent 9.4 -2.0 8.6 9.5 1.0 -0.7 1.9 4.0
GDP per capita (at current prices), GEL 4352.9 4101.3 4675.7 5447.1 5818.1 5987.6 1404.6 1595.1
GDP per capita (at current prices), USD 2921.1 2455.2 2623.0 3230.7 3523.4 3599.6 802.9 905.0
GDP at current prices, mil. USD 12800.5 10767.1 11636.5 14438.5 15846.8 16139.9 3605.3 4064.1

[31]

Foreign direct investment in Georgia

Large inflows of Foreign direct investment (FDI) have been a driving factor behind a rapid economic growth in Georgia since 2003.[32]

An attractive and liberal investment environment and equal approach to local and foreign investors makes the country an attractive destination for FDI.

Stable economic development, liberal and free market oriented economic policy, 6 taxes only and reduced tax rates, reduced number of licenses and permissions, dramatically simplified administrative procedures, preferential trade regimes with foreign countries, advantageous geographic location, well developed, integrated and multimodal transport infrastructure, educated, skilled and competitive workforce presents a solid ground for successful business in Georgia.

From 2003 to 2011, FDI in Georgia amounted to 8 511.5 million USD. The highest volume of FDI – 2,015.0 million USD was reached in 2007, with 69.3% yearly growth.[33] High rate of investment was maintained until 2008. In 2009, FDI inflows were characterized by decreasing trend. The main reasons of decreasing were external shocks - Russian-Georgian war and the influences of global financial crisis.

• In 2009-2011 the largest share of FDI felt on Industry sector (31.2) amounted to 765 billion USD, real estate sector (15.8%) amounting to 389 billion USD.[33]

The table below shows FDI stock as a percentage of GDP in selected FSU countries.[34] For statistical purposes, FDI is defined as a foreign company owning 10% or more of the ordinary shares of an incorporated firm or its equivalent for an unincorporated firm.[35]

Rank Country FDI stock as a percentage of GDP (2010)
1 Estonia 85,6
2 Georgia 67,1
3 Kazakhstan 61,1
4 Ukraine 42,5
5 Russian Federation 28,7
6 Armenia 18,5
7 Belarus 18,3

Foreign direct investment in the country of Georgia by year.

Year Amount (mln USD)
2000 131.2
2001 109.8
2002 167.3
2003 340
2004 499.1
2005 449.7
2006 1100
2007 2010
2008 1500
2009 658.4
2010 814[36]
2011 1111[37]
2012 865[38]
2013 914 [39]
2014 1750 [40]

International money transfers

Money transferred from abroad to Georgia in 2011 amounted to a record high of USD 1.26 billion, up 20.5% from 2010, according to figures released by Georgia’s central bank. Money transfers from Russia, which has been the largest source of remittances for Georgia for many years already, stood at USD 655.2 million in 2011.[41]

Among other largest sources of remittances for Georgia are: Greece with USD 144.6 million in 2011, followed by Italy - USD 109.1 million; the United States – USD 75.5 million; Ukraine - USD 52.4 million; Spain - USD 30.9 million; Turkey - USD 27.6 million; Kazakhstan - USD 26.1 million; the UK - USD 14.6 million; Israel - USD 14.3 million; India - USD 13.2 million and Germany - USD 12.9 million.[41]

Institutional reforms

Under the Saakashvili administration, Georgia undertook a number of profound institutional reforms aimed at modernizing the economy and improving business climate. Kakha Bendukidze (1956-2014) was one of the most notable team members during his governance, coordinating the Ministry of Economical Reforms of Georgia. Implemented institutional reforms created an effective, professional and transparent public sector, motivated to protect the principles of democracy. Due to the economic deregulation policy, number of state regulated spheres sharply decreased, as well as regulation procedures were simplified.

Georgia succeeded in fighting against corruption, that was the one of the main obstacles for development. Success of Georgia is recognized by different rating agencies. According to the Transparency International, Georgia is the top country in the post-Soviet region in terms of fighting corruption. According to the Corruption Perception Index published by Transparency International, Georgia ranked 50th in 2014[42] (up from 113rd in 2004).[43] "Global Corruption Barometer 2010" ranks Georgia the first among world countries in the term of decrease corruption level.[44] According to International Finance Corporation Business Perception Survey 2012 only 0.11% of surveyed (1 respondent out of 920) named corruption as a problem in relations with public organizations.[45]

Georgia has the most liberal tax jurisdiction in Europe. The number of taxes is decreased from 21 to only 6, tax rates were reduced also. In addition, significant procedural and institutional reforms was implemented - simplified system of tax disputes was established, tax administration system was streamlined and most of taxes currently are paid on-line.

Due to the customs reform customs procedures were dramatically simplified. Customs tariffs reform significantly simplified and sharply reduced the costs connected to the foreign trade. Number of import tariffs was abolished on approximately 90% of products and only 3 tariff rates exist instead of previous 16. Currently 86% of tariff lines are duty-free compared to 26% in 2005. Modern Customs Clearance Zones were established and customs clearness procedures could be made starting from 15 minutes only.

Modernization of system of licenses and permits resulted in decrease of number of licenses and permits and simplification of related administrative procedures.

Privatization of state property – Starting from 2004, provision of transparent privatization policy was one of the important reforms of the Government of Georgia, that was addressed to denationalization of the remained state property in order to attract foreign investments, increase and develop the private sector and effective use of country’s resources.

Liberal labour legislation simplified the relations between employers and employees. As a result of the reform, ”Heritage Foundation” and other analytical centers named Georgian Labour Code as one of the most liberal in the world, because it significantly reduced hiring and firing expenses.

Georgia offers the most simplified procedures for registration of business, property, for getting different documentations via “One-Stop-Shops”, where the most procedures could be done on-line. Doing Business 2012 report (WB) places Georgia 16th in terms of Ease of Doing Business index (up from 112 in 2006), naming Georgia as the top reformer amongst the 174 countries over the last 5 years. Georgia is amongst the leaders in other ratings, namely, registering property – first place; Dealing Construction Permits - 4th place, Starting a Business - 7th place; Getting Credits - 8th place.[46]

Licensing regulation

Due to the reform of the system of licenses and permits, the number licenses and permits was reduced by 90%. Currently, licenses and permits are only used in the production of highly risky goods and services; also usage of natural resources and specific activities. The procedures of issuing licenses and permits were significantly simplified, the “One-Stop Shop” and “Silence is Consent” principles were introduced which implies that if person is not notified with argumentation rejection about issuance of license in limited framework, the license is considered as issued from the relevant body.

The procedures for getting a construction permits was dramatically simplified and it requires just 3 procedures. The time for getting the construction permits was sharply reduced. According to Doing Business 2012 (WB) Georgia is the best performer in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region and places on 4-th position in the world. The number of procedures and days, the cost (% of income per capita) is much more lower, than in ECA region and OECD countries.

Things have changed after new Law on Issuance of Licenses and Permits was introduced in 2005. The approval process for building a warehouse in Georgia is now more efficient than in all EU countries except Denmark.

Tax collection

Since January, 2011 the new Tax Code came into force. It unifies the old Tax and Customs Codes. The new Tax Code increased confidence towards the Georgian tax system and enhanced trust in the Georgian tax authorities, by improving communication between taxpayers and the tax authorities, by protecting the taxpayers’ rights, by making administration more efficient, and by harmonizing the Georgian laws with the best international tax practices and EU directives.

Only 6 taxes exist in Georgia with law tax rates: Income Tax (personal income tax) 20%; Profit Tax (corporate tax) – 15%; Value Added Tax – 18%; Excise - varies; Property Tax up to 1% of the self-assessed value of property; Customs Tax – 0%; 5%; 12%. In addition, significant procedural and institutional reforms were performed, simplified tax dispute settlement, streamlined tax administration decreased the time and cost of paying taxes. Georgia made paying taxes easier for firms by simplifying the reporting for value added tax and introducing electronic filling and payment of taxes.[47]

Number of import tariffs was abolished on approximately 90% of products and only 3 tariff rates (0%, 5%, 12%) exist instead of previous 16. Georgia sets Import Taxes on only several kinds of agricultural and manufactured goods . In addition, there are no quantitative restrictions (quotas) on imports and exports.[47]

Labour regulation

With unemployment around 16% and many jobs in the informal sector, Georgia undertook a far-reaching reform of labour regulation. The new Labour Code was adopted on 17 December 2010. The new law eases restrictions on the duration of term contracts and the number of overtime hours and discards the premium required for overtime work. It also eliminates the requirement to notify and get permission from the labour union to fire a redundant worker. The new law provides for 1 month’s severance pay at least, replacing complex rules under which required notice periods depended on seniority and the manager had to write long explanations to labor unions and the relevant ministry. In general, new regulation makes Georgian labor market much more flexible.

Coupled with the fact that Georgia also reduced the social security contributions paid on wages by businesses from 31% to 20% in 2005, and abolished them entirely starting January 2008, these changes make Georgia the sixth easiest place to employ workers globally.

Judicial procedure

Reducing corruption in courts was one of the chief priorities of the new government. Since 2004, when the Saakashvili administration came in, seven judges have been detained for taking bribes and 15 brought before the criminal courts. In 2005 alone the judicial disciplinary council reviewed cases against 99 judges, about 40% of the judiciary, and 12 judges were dismissed. At the same time judges’ salaries were increased fourfold, to reduce dependence on bribe money.

According to Global Property Guide index, Georgia currently holds 40 points out of 100.[48] That stands for "The court system is highly inefficient, and delays are so long that they deter the use of the court system. Corruption is present, and the judiciary is influenced by other branches of government. Expropriation is possible." [49] Some unsatisfied responses concerning the judiciary system may be found among Georgian websites, though its genuineness is controversial.

Unemployment

Unemployment has been a persistent problem in Georgia ever since the country gained independence in 1991. According to National Statistics Office (Georgia) unemployment rate stood at 15,1% in 2011 and it has been decreased from 16.3% in 2010.[50] In 2014 the unemployment rate decreased to 13.7%

Nearly a half of Georgia's population lives in rural areas, where low-intensity self-sufficient farming provides the principal source of livelihood.[51] Georgian statistics service puts individual persons into the category of self-employed workers. As of 2007 416,900 persons were listed as self-employed in agriculture.[52] For large families, heads of households are typically described as "individual entrepreneurs", members of the family that help to cultivate land are classified as "unpaid family business workers". The use of this methodology produces relatively low unemployment rates for rural areas rather in urban areas and in Tbilisi.[53]

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Active population (labour force), thousand persons 2023.9 2021.8 1965.3 1917.8 1991.8 1944.9 1959.3 2029.1 2003.9
Employed, thousand persons 1744.6 1747.3 1704.3 1601.9 1656.1 1628.1 1664.2 1724.0 1712.1
Unemployed, thousand persons 279.3 274.5 261.0 315.8 335.6 316.9 295.1 305.1 291.8
Unemployment rate, percentage 13.8 13.6 13.3 16.5 16.9 15.1 15.1 15.0 14.6

[54]

Structure of the economy

Energy

Inguri hydropower plant, completed in 1987, provides 46 percent of Georgia's electricity

In recent years Georgia has fully deregulated its electricity sector, and now there is free and open access to the market.

Georgia has a sizable hydroelectric capacity, a factor that has become an increasingly important component of its energy supplies and policies. The country’s topography and abundance of hydro resources give it serious potential to dominate hydroelectric markets in the Caucasus region. The Georgian Ministry of Energy estimates that there are around 26,000 rivers within Georgian territory, with approximately 300 of those rivers being significant in terms of energy production. The Ministry also claims that current projects for hydroelectric power plants total around 2.4 billion USD.[55] Alexander Khetaguri, the former Georgian Minister of Energy, proposed new hydroelectric projects worth well over 22,000 megawatts of capacity, which would cost over 40 billion USD and would be privately funded. These projects alone would transform Georgia into the world’s second-largest hydropower producer.[56]

In 2007, Georgia generated 8.34 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity while consuming 8.15 billion kWh.[57] Most of Georgia's electricity generation comes from hydroelectric facilities. In 2005, the country generated 6.17 billion kWh of hydropower, or 86% of total electricity generation.[58] In 2006 rapid growth in hydroelectricity output (by 27%) was matched by equally strong growth in thermal electricity (by 28%).[59] Since then the share of hydropower has grown even bigger, when Inguri power plant reached full capacity in November 2007.[60] In addition to state-owned Inguri, which has an installed capacity of 1,300 megawatts, Georgia's hydroelectric infrastructure consists of many small private plants.[61]

In recent years, Georgia became a major exporter of electricity in the region, exporting 1.3 billion KWh in 2010. Hydropower stations of Georgia produce 80-85% of the electricity utilized within the country, the remaining 15-20% is produced by thermal power stations. According to Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, so far Georgia has been exploiting only 18% of its hydro resource potential.[62]

Georgia's reliance on hydropower leaves the country vulnerable to climatic fluctuations, which requires imports to meet seasonal shortages, but also opens the possibility of exports during wetter conditions. Georgia still has the potential to increase hydro-generated power, through refurbishing existing facilities, as well as constructing new hydropower plants.

One of the more difficult realities facing many of the former Soviet republics was the loss of Soviet-subsidized fuel and utility transfers. Prior to 2004, Georgia's transmission network was in critical condition, with electricity blackouts being common throughout the country. In response to mounting pressures, the Georgian government initiated a series of legislative reforms in 1998 and 1999 to begin to develop the power sector and electricity markets. While measures were taken to unbundle and liberalize the energy sector, a new law was drafted and Georgia’s independent regulatory authority, the Georgian National Energy Regulatory Commission (GNERC), was formed. In addition to providing government subsidies, the GNERC was able to increase the prices of electricity and natural gas in Georgia to buffer the costs of recovery from the state’s reform process.[63] Following these reforms, distribution has been increasingly more reliable, approaching consistent 24-hour-a-day services. Investments in infrastructure have been made as well. Currently, a privately owned Energo-Pro Georgia controls 62.5% of the electricity distribution market.[64]

Graphical depiction ofGeorgia's product exports in 28 color-coded categories.

Georgia has transmission lines that connect its power grid to Russia, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan. In July 2008 Georgia began exporting electricity to Russia through the Kavkasioni power line.[65] Later in 2009, Georgian Energy Minister Alexander Khetaguri incited scandal for a business deal struck with the Russian energy company, Inter RAO, to jointly manage the Georgian Inguri hydropower plant for 10 years.[66] Khetaguri’s proposal would entail a cash flow of around 9 million USD into Georgia for use of the plant. Tensions ran high, however, as the Inguri hydropower plant provides nearly 40 to 50 percent of the country’s electricity and is located at the administrative border of the Russian-occupied Abkhazia region.[67]

Georgian Natural gas consumption stood at 1.8 billion cubic meters in 2007. Natural gas used to be supplied to Georgia by Russia. In recent years, however, Georgia has been able to eliminate its dependency on imports from Russia, thanks to increased hydroelectricity production, and the availability of natural gas sources from Azerbaijan. In addition, all Russian gas exports to Armenia pass through the Georgian pipeline system. Georgia takes 10% of that gas as a transit fee.[68]

Georgia is a partner country of the EU INOGATE energy programme, which has four key topics: enhancing energy security, convergence of member state energy markets on the basis of EU internal energy market principles, supporting sustainable energy development, and attracting investment for energy projects of common and regional interest.[69]

Agriculture

Currently, about 55% of the total labor force is employed in agriculture, though much of this is subsistence farming.[70]

Georgian agricultural production is beginning to recover following the devastation caused by the civil unrest and the necessary restructuring following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Livestock production is beginning to rebound, although it continues to be confronted by minor and sporadic disease outbreaks. Domestic grain production is increasing, and government invests in improvement of infrastructure improvements to ensure appropriate distribution and revenues to farmers. Tea, hazelnut and citrus production have suffered greatly as a result of the conflict in Abkhazia, a crucial area for planting the latter crops.

Approximately 7% of the Georgian GDP (2011) is generated by the agrarian sector.

Viticulture and winemaking are the most important fields of Georgia’s agriculture. Over 450 species of local vine are bred in Georgia, and the country is considered as one of the oldest places of producing top-quality wines in the world. Russia was traditionally the biggest export market for Georgian wine. This, however, changed in 2006, when Russia banned imports of wine and mineral water from Georgia, preceded by statements of Georgian governmental officials about low quality requirements of the Russian market.[71] Since then Georgian wine producers have struggled to maintain output and break into new markets.

In 2011 Georgia sold wine in total amount of 54 mln USD in 48 countries and alcoholic beverages in total amount of 68 mln USD in 32 countries. Vines and alcoholic beverages are in the top 10 export commodity’s list with 2,5% and 3.1% share respectively.[72] According to National Wine Agency of Georgia export of Georgian wine is increasing. 2011 wine export is 109% higher than 2007 exports. According to 2012 information, Georgia trades wine with 43 countries, selling over 23 million bottles. Biggest export partners for Georgia in wine industry are Ukraine (47.3% of wine export), Kazakhstan (18.9%) and Belarus (6.9%).[73] In 2011 export of vines, mineral waters and alcoholic beverages exceeded export of all years after 2006. Georgia is rich with spring waters and production of mineral waters is one of the main spheres of industry. Export of mineral waters in 2011 amounted to 48 mln USD in 35 countries. Share of mineral water in total export is 2.1%.[72] Food processing industry is developing align with the primary agricultural production and export of processed products is increasing year by year. Export of nuts constituted about 6% of Georgian export (2011) and is among 10 top export commodity list with total amount of 130 mln USD. Nuts was exported in 53 countries.[72]

Rural population as a percentage of total population in Georgia was 48.2% in 2011 and decreased to 46.3% in 2014.[74]

Tourism

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Georgian economy, which has high potential for further development. During recent years the number of visitors to Georgia increased significantly contributing to the growth of other tourism related sectors. In 2011, more, about 3 million visitors visited Georgia 40 percent more, than in 2010.[75] To foster the development of the tourism sector the Government of Georgia invests heavily in the development of the transportation and basic infrastructure, renovation and development of tourism destinations, which is a stimulus for the private investment generation. In 2011, total output of tourism related services production increased by 77% compared to 2006 and constituted 7.1% of total output of economy.[76]

The following table shows top five countries for incoming tourism in Georgia.[77]

TOP five - Country 2013 - Incoming 2014 - Incoming Percentage change
Turkey 1 248 748 1 109 032 -11.19%
Azerbaijan 789 918 974 313 23.34%
Armenia 940 187 939 312 -0.09%
Russia 597 606 639 985 7.09%
Ukraine 93 968 113 785 21.09%
Other 429 269 411 168 -4.22%
Total 4 099 696 4 187 595 2.14%

Logistics

Georgia is one of the key members in international TRACECA programme due to its important geographical and political location. Since it is situated right in between of Europe and Asia, the country is supposed to become a busy transitional hub of a modern Silk Road in the near future. On March 11 of 2015, Georgian media declared that the Chinese and Georgian companies have reached an agreement in Beijing concerning the developing of the deep-water port at Anaklia, which existence is crucial for the TRACECA route.[78] The port will be constructed on a plot of over 1,000 hectares and have access to a deep sea canyon.[79]

First train containing 82 containers and 41 platforms came from China to Baku, Azerbaijan on July 28. It is planned to launch a first carriage using this way through Georgia to Istanbul in September 2015.[80]

Re-exportation of vehicles which is one of the income sources for Georgia has lowered much during 2014-2015 stagnation, most noticeably to Azerbaijan: it became 5.1 times less (on 10 337 cars) comparing to the previous year.[81]

Human Development Index of Georgia

Human Development Index is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and income indices used to rank countries into four tiers of human development. Georgia’s HDI value for 2012 is 0.745—in the high human development category—positioning the country at 72 out of 187 countries and territories. The rank is shared with Dominica, Lebanon and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Between 2005 and 2012, Georgia’s HDI value increased from 0.713 to 0.745, an increase of 5 percent or average annual increase of about 0.6 percent. The rank of Georgia’s HDI for 2011 based on data available in 2012 and methods used in 2012 was– 75 out of 187 countries. In the 2011 HDR, Georgia was ranked 75 out of 187 countries. However, it is misleading to compare values and rankings with those of previously published reports, because the underlying data and methods have changed.[82]

Life expectancy at birth Expected years of schooling Mean years of schooling GNI per capita (2005 PPP$) HDI value
1980 69.7 12.9 N/A 6849 N/A
1985 70 12.9 N/A 8136 N/A
1990 70.5 12.9 N/A 6134 N/A
1995 70.7 10.9 N/A 1684 N/A
2000 71.8 11.7 N/A 2064 N/A
2005 72.8 12.5 12.1 3650 0.713
2010 73.5 13.2 12.1 4460 0.735
2011 73.7 13.2 12.1 4727 0.740
2012 73.9 13.2 12.1 5005 0.745

See also

Further reading

References

  1. ↑ "The World Bank DataBank - Create Widgets or Advanced Reports and Share". Archived from the original on 2014-01-26.
  2. ↑ http://interfax.com.ua/news/economic/272128.html
  3. ↑ http://worldcrisis.ru/crisis/1802297
  4. ↑ "GeoStat.Ge". Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  5. ↑ "The World Bank DataBank - Create Widgets or Advanced Reports and Share". Archived from the original on 2014-01-26.
  6. ↑ BPN. "2014 წელს საქართველოში უმუშევრობის დონე შემცირდება - bpn". BPN.
  7. ↑ "Doing Business in Georgia 2013". World Bank. Retrieved 2012-10-22.
  8. ↑ "Export Partners of Georgia". CIA World Factbook. 2014. Retrieved 2016-01-23.
  9. ↑ "Import Partners of Georgia". CIA World Factbook. 2014. Retrieved 2016-01-23.
  10. ↑ "External Debt of Georgia". CIA World Factbook. 2012. Retrieved 2013-07-19.
  11. ↑ "Sovereigns rating list". Standard & Poor's. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  12. ↑ "S& - Ratings Sovereigns Rating List - Americas". Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  13. ↑ "PBC_124089". Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  14. ↑ Fitch ratings, updated 15/12/2011
  15. ↑ "National Bank Of Georgia". nbg.ge.
  16. ↑ "The World Factbook". Central Intelligence Agency.
  17. ↑ Doing Business: Georgia is This Year's Top Reformer, The World Bank Group
  18. ↑ dgriswold@nato-pa.int. "NATO PA - 170 ESCEW 07 E rev 2 - ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL TRANSITION IN GEORGIA". Nato-pa.int. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  19. ↑ Archived December 21, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
  20. ↑ "Indexes". Bisignis Institute.
  21. ↑ Barron, Lisa (December 17, 2013). "Emerging market growth index published by Bisignis Institute". CISTRAN Finance (Chicago, Ill.). Retrieved January 3, 2014.
  22. 1 2 "GeoStat.Ge". Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  23. ↑ "National Bank Of Georgiaინფორმაცია თქვენთვის".
  24. ↑ "GeoStat.Ge". Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  25. ↑ "Report for Selected Countries and Subjects". imf.org.
  26. ↑ IMF, World Economic Outlook Database, April 2012
  27. ↑ IMF, World Economic Outlook Database, April 2012
  28. ↑ IMF, Transcript of a Conference Call on Georgia Request for Standby Arrangement September 15, 2008
  29. ↑ "National Bank Of Georgia". nbg.ge.
  30. ↑ EBRD, Georgia economic overview
  31. ↑ "National Statistics Office of Georgia".
  32. ↑ "Statement at the Conclusion of a IMF Mission to Georgia". IMF. 2007-09-13. Retrieved 2008-09-22.
  33. 1 2 "GeoStat.Ge". Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  34. ↑ "unctad.org - Country Fact Sheets 2014". Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  35. ↑ International Monetary Fund (IMF), 1993. Balance of Payments Manual, fifth edition (Washington, DC).
  36. ↑ Прямые иностранные инвестиции в Грузию в 2010 году составили 814 млн. долларов 24.08.2011 Грузия-Online
  37. ↑ Прямые иностранные инвестиции в Грузию в 2011г. выросли на 37% 16.08.2012 // RBC.ru
  38. ↑ Грузинская экономика в 2012-2013 годах: цифры и тенденции // ИА REGNUM
  39. ↑ http://sputnik-georgia.ru/economy/20140317/216451370.html
  40. ↑ http://www.apsny.ge/2015/eco/1439852233.php
  41. 1 2 "National Bank Of Georgia". Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  42. ↑ Corruption Perceptions Index 2014. Transparency International.
  43. ↑ Corruption Perceptions Index 2004. Transparency International.
  44. ↑ Global Corruption Barometer 2010
  45. ↑ Georgia Business Perception Survey 2012. International Finance Corporation. pdf
  46. ↑ "Doing Business 2012 - Doing Business in a More Transparent World - World Bank Group". doingbusiness.org.
  47. 1 2 Georgia_Pocket_Tax_Book, Ministry of Finance
  48. ↑ http://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Asia/Georgia/property-rights-index
  49. ↑ http://www.heritage.org/index/property-rights
  50. ↑ "GeoStat.Ge". Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  51. ↑ Rural poverty in Georgia
  52. ↑ Government press release on unemployment in 2007
  53. ↑ "GeoStat.Ge". Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  54. ↑ http://geostat.ge/index.php?action=page&p_id=146&lang=eng. Missing or empty |title= (help); External link in |website= (help);
  55. ↑ Projected Hydropower Plants in Georgia http://www.minenergy.gov.ge/index.php?m=305
  56. ↑ Georgia Looks to Tap Hydropower Potential http://main.omanobserver.om/node/25098
  57. ↑ "The World Factbook". cia.gov.
  58. ↑ "International Energy Annual 2005nbxn". Energy Information Administration. 2007-09-13. Retrieved 2008-09-22.
  59. ↑ "Georgia". Infoplease.com. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  60. ↑ Russia and Georgia: economy as a battlefield en.rian.ru
  61. ↑ , Ministry of Energy of Georgia
  62. ↑ Dmitry Bondarenko (2011-02-08). "Турция и Грузия покроются дамбами и ГЭС" [Turkey and Georgia will be covered with dams and hydroelectric plants]. Economicheskiye Izvestiya. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
  63. ↑ Revisiting Reform http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/2003/12/3219271/revisiting-reform-energy-sector-lessons-georgia
  64. ↑ New foreign investors are entering the Georgian market, caucaz.com
  65. ↑ Inter RAO UES begins importing energy from Georgia en.rian.ru
  66. ↑ Georgia’s Energy Minister Is Assailed for Deal With Russia http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/14/world/europe/14georgia.html
  67. ↑ Managing Enguri: A Russian Hydropower Play? http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insightb/articles/eav011609e.shtml
  68. ↑ en.rian.ru
  69. ↑ "INOGATE". inogate.org.
  70. ↑ Main Indicators of Agriculture Development investingeorgia.org
  71. ↑ Archived March 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.
  72. 1 2 3 "GeoStat.Ge". Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  73. ↑ "::N W A:::".
  74. ↑ "GeoStat.Ge". Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  75. ↑ Arrivals of non-resident visitors at national borders of Georgia by country of citizenship
  76. ↑ Total Output of Production in Tourism
  77. ↑ http://stats.georgia.travel/Default.aspx
  78. ↑ http://www.jamestown.org/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=43699&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=228#.VdyeFyV6TMw
  79. ↑ http://cbw.ge/economy/seven-companies-are-selected-to-build-anaklia-port/
  80. ↑ http://bizzone.info/transportation/2015/1440444961.php
  81. ↑ http://minval.az/news/123478492
  82. ↑ "GEO.pdf" (PDF).

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Economy of Asia
During 2008 unless otherwise stated
Population: 4 billion
GDP (PPP) (US$): US$24.077 trillion (2009)
GDP (Currency) (US$): $16.774 trillion (2009)
GDP/capita (PPP) (US$): $7,041 (2009)
GDP/capita (Currency) (US$): $4,629 (2009)
Annual growth of
per capita GDP:		 7.5% (2010)
Income of top 10%:
Millionaires (US$): 3 million (0.06%)
Unemployment: 3.8% (2010 est.)
Estimated female
income:
*Most numbers are from the IMF. All GDP figures are in US$.
See also: Economy of the world – Economy of Africa – Economy of Asia – Economy of Europe – Economy of North America – Economy of Oceania – Economy of South America
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