Let’s start with the IMF. Indeed, this week was very active for the International Monetary Fund in Georgia, since Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund visited the country to get the onsite idea of how the economy is doing in Georgia and what are some macroeconomic challenges and opportunities facing the country. Mr. Azour had intensive meetings with all stakeholders, including government, National Bank of Georgia, private sector, business media and students.
What we know from the official reporting is that Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with Jihad Azour of the IMF and the meeting focused on the close cooperation between Georgia and the Fund, with a special emphasis on the new program recently approved by the IMF, especially in light of the situation in the region.
The parties discussed the country's economic situation and macroeconomic parameters, underlining that Georgia maintains positive dynamics, with the average economic growth in January-May reaching 11.2%.
Irakli Garibashvili highlighted specific directions prioritized by the Georgian government, including the importance of energy independence, reinforcing infrastructure, ensuring food safety, and implementing structural reforms.
The Prime Minister thanked Jihad Azour for support and the work carried out by the IMF for the benefit of Georgia.
Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department, IMF