Georgia’s Minister of Finance, Lasha Khutsishvili, participated in the Georgia Ministerial Keynote Interview held within the Central and Eastern Europe Forum in Vienna, Austria.

During the discussion, the Minister reviewed Georgia’s macroeconomic environment and key fiscal indicators.

According to Khutsishvili, Georgia’s economic growth significantly exceeds that of European countries, reflecting the country’s economic structure, fiscal priorities, and the reforms implemented in recent years. He noted that, based on the results of the past five years, Georgia ranks among the fastest-growing economies globally.

The Minister emphasized that Georgia’s economy has demonstrated strong resilience to various external shocks while maintaining sound macroeconomic fundamentals. Over the past five years average annual GDP growth stood at 9.3%; real GDP growth reached 56%; GDP per capita increased to USD 5,000–10,000; budget deficit declined from 9% to 1.4%; state debt fell from 60% to 34% of GDP, and current account deficit decreased from 10% to 3%.

According to Khutsishvili, these achievements are underpinned by structural reforms, including prudent fiscal and monetary policies that have ensured macroeconomic stability and strengthened private-sector confidence.

The Ministry of Finance noted that the main drivers of economic growth include the tourism sector, which has generated nearly 50% more revenue than in the pre-pandemic period, as well as the financial sector, information and communication technologies, education, construction, and logistics.

“These sectors have attracted the majority of foreign direct investment. Annual foreign direct investment inflows amount to around 6% of GDP, which is significantly higher than the global and European Union averages,” Khutsishvili stated.

The Minister also highlighted the strategic importance of EMAAR Group’s USD 6.6 billion investment, describing it as a major contribution to Georgia’s long-term development.

According to Khutsishvili, recent reforms have also led to a notable increase in reinvestment by both local and foreign companies. He added that approximately 80% of foreign direct investment originates from the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“I believe these facts and figures clearly demonstrate how the Georgian economy is developing, even amid a challenging geopolitical environment,” the Minister concluded.