Georgia’s Economic Growth in Focus on Business Today

One of the recent episodes of Business Today examined Georgia’s economy — not just through official statistics but also through the lens of business reality. Hosted by Ana Tskhovrebova, the discussion highlighted growing turnover and production, which the Ministry of Economy presented as proof of the government’s consistent and effective economic policies.

Government’s Optimism vs. Business Reality

Deputy Minister of Economy Irakli Nadareishvili underscored that the highest growth was recorded in priority sectors, notably information and communications, where output grew by nearly 56%. For the Ministry, these figures confirm the strength of state policy.

Yet the discussion raised a different question: how much of this success is truly the result of policy, and how much reflects external factors — such as the migration of IT specialists and companies to Georgia? Behind the attractive numbers, many businesses see a different reality. Official messaging highlights stability, a strong currency, rising employment, and higher salaries, but the business sector’s perception does not align with this optimism.

Uncertainty in the Bigger Picture

Resan Kikava, General Director of Expo Georgia, emphasized that businesses are concerned with the “big picture” – where the country is headed, its course, and what kind of nation we are building, with what type of policies, economy, and international partnerships. From this perspective, businesses make their long-term decisions as well. If the future of the country is clear and appealing to them, naturally, their willingness to invest is much stronger than it would be under such uncertainty. In his words, the current environment leaves companies in absolute uncertainty: on the one hand, the government claims Georgia is moving toward EU integration, while on the other, contradictory steps are being taken. This ambiguity makes it difficult for businesses to plan or commit to long-term investments.

Economists also questioned the credibility of labor market data and official growth figures, suggesting they do not fully reflect real economic activity. In some sectors, demand for certain products has already declined significantly, further challenging the optimistic narrative.

IT Sector: Opportunities and Challenges

The IT field was also a key topic. Shorena Kopaleishvili, Chairperson of the Association of Georgian Virtual Zone Persons, noted that policies encouraging the inflow of foreign IT specialists — for example, residency permits requiring just two years of experience — are unlikely to attract the highly qualified professionals the country needs. She emphasized the importance of nurturing local talent and ensuring genuine long-term stability in the sector.

Final Note: A Warning for IT Companies

While the government highlights statistics to promote a picture of steady growth, businesses must carefully read between the lines. For IT companies in particular, the signals should not be ignored: there is a real risk that companies may soon face renewed audits and revisions due to the inconsistency between reality and the facts. This possibility underscores the need for companies to prepare and factor these risks into their strategies, rather than relying solely on the official narrative of uninterrupted growth.