In August 2015, domestic production in Georgia increased by 2.3% annually – a figure that is expected to retain stability around this year’s overall trend. Consumer price inflation reached its highest value in two years (5.4%). The August 2015 increase in electricity tariffs and the growing number of tourist arrivals put additional upward pressure on consumer price inflation.

The project analyzes the connection between knowledge gaps and production outcomes and structural and social change in Georgian agriculture. The potential impact of agricultural extension and training efforts as well as capital relief measures are estimated econometrically, and recommendations are given whom to target with these policy interventions.

We are excited to announce the official establishment of the ISET Alumni Association. The association will serve our growing network of distinguished alumni and help the entire ISET family to enhance their professional networks, and to catalyze initiatives among Georgia’s best and brightest young economists.

In October 2015, the average cost of cooking one standard portion of Imeretian Khachapuri climbed to 3.61GEL, which is 4.5% higher m/m (compared to September 2015), and 7.9% higher y/y (compared to the same month of the previous year, October 2014).

Agricultural Policy Research Center and Energy and Environment Policy Research Center are working on a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on draft Law on Irrigation/Drainage and methodology for irrigation/drainage tariff calculation in Georgia. Report will make recommendations on different policy options for developing an efficient system of Irrigation and Drainage services in the country.