In a compelling retrospective, the ISET Policy Institute held a policy roundtable showcasing their recent research on 'What Georgia Could Gain from Free Trade Agreements with the USA, South Korea, and India.' The event took place on January 26, at the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel.

Geostat has released its rapid estimate of real GDP growth for October 2023. The estimated growth stands at 6.2%, while the average real GDP growth for January- October 2023 reached 6.9%.

The global recovery from both the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine is progressing slowly and unevenly. While there was initial economic resilience earlier in the year, marked by a rebound in reopening and efforts to reduce inflation, it is premature to feel reassured. Economic activity has yet to fully return to pre-pandemic levels, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies, and regional disparities are widening.

In an online international panel discussion hosted on December 22 at 2 PM, the ISET Policy Institute delved into the economic implications of Georgia being granted EU candidate status. The event, titled 'What economic benefits should Georgia expect after receiving EU candidate status?' sought to address the question that has captured broad professional and public interest since the historic decision on December 14.

As Georgia advances on its path toward European Union (EU) candidacy, the anticipated economic benefits, increased foreign investment, and alignment with European standards present a promising trajectory, worthy of further attention within the following article. The granting of European Union candidate status is a significant political signal, one which represents an initial step towards acknowledging that a candidate country is on the path towards eventual EU membership.