This paper discusses key findings of the Second Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for Georgia. All quantitative performance criteria (PCs) for end-December 2004 were met, but the indicative target on reserve money growth was exceeded, mainly because of large...

The government of Georgia moved forcefully to counter the economic impact of the August 2008 conflict with Russia and global financial crisis. Monetary and prudential policy easing was, however, unable to prevent a sharp credit squeeze. The economy is recovering at a solid pace, with real GDP...

During the twin crises of 2008–09 Georgia’s foreign exchange reserves have been exposed to a number of external and internal drains. Its exports declined by 21 percent from peak to trough. Bank deposits declined by more than 20 percent in late 2008–early 2009, while deposit dollarization...

The centerpiece of the program is fiscal consolidation, to put Georgia on a path to fiscal sustainability, establish the ability of the government to meet its commitments, and underpin efforts to resolve the large external debt burden. Expenditure restraint should be complemented by reforms to...

This paper reviews economic developments in Georgia during 1990–96. Following the implementation of tight financial policies and the liberalization of prices, trade, and the exchange system, growth resumed in 1995 and accelerated in 1996, against the background of a stable exchange rate and...

In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country

The staff report for the First Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility on Georgia highlights economic developments and policies. Growth has remained robust and inflation subdued against the backdrop of steady remonetization. Rapid growth in fiscal...

This paper provides an overview of recent economic developments in Georgia. The country has made significant, but incomplete, progress toward establishing the rule of law. The rapid accumulation of wage and social transfers arrears is one of the factors of the worsening poverty. The banking...

Real GDP growth in Georgia has been slow since the Russian crisis, but there are signs of more vigorous growth, despite weak external demand. The paper discusses administrative corruption, state capture, influence, and tax policy formulation. The trends of total social expenditure in relation to...

This report reviews Georgia's performance under the two IMF-supported programs, covering the period 1996–2003. It also discusses the key challenges that Georgia faces in realizing the goals of its recently finalized Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Program (EDPRP). Georgia has...