Georgia continues to maintain a high pace of economic development. During the first eight months of 2026, the average rate of economic growth amounted to 7.6 percent, – this was stated by Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze while delivering a speech at the COP17 Leaders’ Summit.

According to the Prime Minister, the government’s priority is to ensure that the results of economic growth are also reflected on the population of rural and mountainous regions.

“Georgia continues to maintain a high pace of economic development. During the first eight months of 2026, the average rate of economic growth amounted to 7.6 percent. The World Bank has recently raised Georgia’s economic growth forecast for 2026 to 7 percent. According to the same organization’s forecast, in 2026–2028 Georgia will achieve the highest rate of economic growth among European countries.

Our priority is to ensure that the results of economic growth are also reflected on the population of rural and mountainous regions, whose sources of livelihood are directly dependent on natural resources. That is precisely why we are turning protected areas, forest restoration and sustainable tourism into a driving force of local development, so that the protection of nature creates jobs and new opportunities not only in large cities, but also beyond them.

Achieving long-term results also requires cooperation beyond borders. Common ecosystems in the South Caucasus create an important foundation for deepening regional partnership and sustainable development. Georgia is ready, through close cooperation with neighboring countries, to protect our common natural heritage,” – stated the Prime Minister.