The Deputy Minister of Economy said domestic exports had “consistently increased“ since June, with an overall 4.1% increase between January and September contributing to a “record” total volume of USD 4.8 billion.

“Exports increased by 17% year-on-year in September alone, amounting to USD 615.6 million”, - added Vakhtang Tsintsadze.

He attributed the trend to “active” participation of businesses and the private sector, while expressing optimism about the country’s economic growth. As the Deputy Minister underlined, Government’s support for competitiveness of small and medium enterprises through state programmes, coupled with the “beneficial” free trade agreements with the EU, China, Turkey, the UAE, and other countries, which he said collectively represented a market of 2.3 billion consumers.

“We will continue to actively work towards liberalising trade markets. Additionally, we will increase and expand state support programmes aimed at promoting small and medium-sized entrepreneurship”, - added Tsintsadze.