In December 2014, Khachapuri Index returned to its upward seasonal trend and reached 3.66GEL. This is 9.4% higher compared to the previous month (November 2014) and 2.4% higher compared to December 2013 (y/y). The main contributors to y/y Khachapuri Index inflation were flour (16.4%), milk (7.2%), yeast (5.1%), butter (3.2%), and cheese (0.7%), while the price of eggs dropped (-6.4%).
Based on the November data, the growth forecast for the last quarter of 2014 was revised upward from 3.6% to 3.9%. The second forecast for the first quarter of 2015 increased from the initial 3.2% to 3.7%.
The study assesses a possible impact of USAID-funded agricultural projects in Georgia on U.S. commodity production and U.S. jobs and workers rights. USAID's yearly obligation requires confirmation that USAID-funded activities do not impact U.S. jobs and workers rights and do not result in increased competition of Georgian products with similar commodities produced in the U.S.
Green policies might stimulate growth in Georgia through various effects, depending on the sector they target. For example, monetizing emission reductions has a high potential for success and could be marketed to other countries as a sustainable solution to automotive emission.
Exporting the seeds of the Nordmann fir – a very popular species grown for Christmas trees – is a thriving and fiercely competitive Georgian industry, perhaps the only one in which Georgia has a near-monopoly of the European market. According to an industry expert, more than 80% of all Christmas trees sold in Europe have their origin in Racha (Tlugi and Ambrolauri) and Borjomi forests.