![](https://iset-pi.ge/site_images/date.png)
Recently, Geostat has released its preliminary estimate of real GDP growth for the third quarter of 2018. The Q3 growth rate now stands at 4.0%, which is 3.2% below the ISET-PI’s last forecasted value. As a result, the estimated real GDP growth for the first nine months of 2018 amounted to 4.9%. ISET-PI revised its forecast of real GDP growth for the fourth quarter of 2018 to 3.7% - down from 6.4% in October.
![](https://iset-pi.ge/site_images/date.png)
On November 9, ISET hosted the presentation of the South Caucasus Regional Trade Study, which was carried out by the Private Sector Development Research Center (PSDRC) through an SDC-funded project, “Facilitation of Trade in the South Caucasus”, implemented by the UNDP.
![](https://iset-pi.ge/site_images/date.png)
As part of its MA in Economics program, ISET has launched a new Concentration in Modern Data Analysis (MDA), which is aimed at providing young professionals with expertise in data (including big data) management and analysis using modern analytical tools.
![](https://iset-pi.ge/site_images/date.png)
After a generation deficit of August, Georgia continues to exhibit a decreasing trend in power generation; compared to August, total electricity generation has decreased by 14% in September 2018. Georgian power plants generated 849 mln. kWh of electricity, while consumption of electricity on the local market was 955 mln. kWh.
![](https://iset-pi.ge/site_images/date.png)
In October 2018, Georgian power plants generated 783 mln. kWh of electricity. This represents a 5% decrease in total generation, compared to the previous year (in 2017, total generation in October was 828 mln. kWh). The decrease in generation on a yearly basis comes from and decrease in hydropower (-1%) and thermal power generation (-17%), more than offsetting the increase in WPP generation (+4%).