AGP Executive Report

Fuel & Sanctions Watch: Repsol says it has stopped selling petrol to Georgia’s Solidus after the importer confirmed fuel shipments into occupied Abkhazia, adding that Solidus decides where the purchased products go—while Georgian officials and opposition trade accusations over whether the supplies help Russia bypass sanctions. Abkhazia Market Pressure: Abkhazia’s de facto energy minister says fuel prices will rise amid shortages tied to “alternative channels,” with Solidus’s owner arguing the delivery prevented a bigger crisis. FDI Snapshot: Georgia revised 2025 foreign direct investment to $1.9bn (+19.3% vs 2024), with Azerbaijan the second-largest investor ($214.4m) and top sectors including finance, real estate, trade, manufacturing, transport, and energy. Energy Corridor Talk: Georgia and Azerbaijan discussed next steps in strategic partnership, including energy and transport links, with renewed focus on electricity transit and the Middle Corridor. Tech & Education: Georgia’s blueberry exports jumped 55% to 9,900 tons (May 1–Aug 10), while a U.S. law school story highlights AI course requirements—useful context for how tech training is spreading. Urban & Tourism Culture: “Vera” was named “Brooklyn of Tbilisi,” spotlighting the neighborhood’s independent creative scene.

Abkhazia Fuel Shock: Georgian opposition and activists are accusing Georgian Dream-linked figures of using “alternative channels” to supply fuel to Russian-occupied Abkhazia, with claims the shipments effectively help Russia bypass sanctions; the Abkhaz “energy minister” says alternative fuel prices have jumped to 110 rubles per liter amid shortages, while Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze says the latest delivery was arranged by private business under Georgia’s occupied-territories law. EU Sanctions Watch: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says a major Russia sanctions expansion is set for autumn, potentially increasing listings by about one third beyond the 21st package adopted in July. FDI Update: Georgia’s foreign direct investment reached $1.9 billion in 2025, up 19.3% year-on-year, led by the financial/insurance sector and major inflows from the UK, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. Energy & Connectivity Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Georgia discussed next steps in their strategic partnership, including energy and transport cooperation tied to the Middle Corridor and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars rail plans. Regional Energy Ambitions: Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan is being positioned as a future export energy hub, with new industrial and power projects and a push to sell electricity beyond domestic demand.

Fuel Politics in Abkhazia: Georgia-linked private fuel deliveries to occupied Abkhazia are sparking fresh backlash as residents report higher prices and continued shortages, while officials argue shipments were handled under occupied-territories law. Energy & Trade Corridors: Armenia and Georgia are set to expand electricity exchange capacity to 1,050 MW, with a new KfW-backed transmission push aimed at boosting regional power flows. Regional Connectivity Push: Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev used a Nakhchivan visit to pitch long-term development built around logistics, industry, tourism and the TRIPP connectivity vision. Sanctions & Supply Chains: Repsol says Solidus bought fuel for Abkhazia from its Connect network, but claims it wasn’t involved in downstream sales planning. Georgian Industry & Logistics: Georgia’s blueberry exports rose 55% to 9,900 tons, while reports also highlight broader Middle Corridor momentum across Caspian ports and transit routes. Sports & Training: FIVB ran volleyball coaching courses in Tbilisi, bringing local and international coaches into new training cycles.

Fuel Supply Accountability in Abkhazia: Repsol says fuel shipped to occupied Abkhazia was purchased from its Connect network, but adds that Solidus LLC handled onward sales without coordinating with Repsol, pointing to Solidus permits and saying no further deliveries are planned. Energy Prices and Shortages: Abkhazia’s residents report gasoline shortages and rising costs, with the local energy ministry citing higher procurement expenses and Telegram users questioning whether prices reflect profit. Power Trade Upgrade: Armenia approved a KfW-backed “Caucasus Transmission Network IV” plan with Georgia, targeting electricity exchange capacity rising from 200 MW to 350 MW initially and up to 1,050 MW. Oil Hub Ambitions for Ceyhan: With Hormuz risks lifting interest in alternatives, Türkiye’s Ceyhan is pitched as a “Rotterdam” for storage, trading and pricing, supported by BTC and Iraq-Türkiye routes. Georgian Fuel Deliveries to Abkhazia: Georgian officials and media coverage continue to track who supplied petrol to Abkhazia amid shortages, keeping sanctions and supply-chain questions in focus. Agriculture Exports: Georgia’s blueberry exports reportedly jumped 55% to 9,900 tons, underscoring continued growth in food industry trade.

Energy Corridor Deal: Armenia has approved a KfW-backed “Caucasus Transmission Network IV” draft, aiming to raise Armenia–Georgia electricity exchange capacity from 200 MW to 350 MW initially and up to 1,050 MW, with new HVDC converter infrastructure near the border. Fuel Supply & Sanctions Risk: Georgian officials and media report fuel deliveries to occupied Abkhazia, with claims the scheme may have been designed to help Russia bypass sanctions—while Abkhaz residents question whether shortages and queues are truly easing. Regional Logistics: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are coordinating Caspian port operations to strengthen the Middle Corridor as an integrated logistics system, focused on faster, more predictable cargo flows. Agribusiness Exports: Georgia’s blueberry exports rose 55% to 9,900 tons, with the agriculture ministry citing export distribution by destination. Retail Tech Expansion: AS Watson is expanding its NCR Voyix commerce platform partnership across Europe and Asia, including deployments in multiple markets. Sports Development in Tbilisi: The FIVB ran volleyball coaches courses in Tbilisi, bringing together local and international coaches to upgrade training capacity.

Energy & Power Trade: Armenia approved a KfW-backed “Caucasus Transmission Network IV” loan, aiming to boost Armenia–Georgia electricity exchange capacity to 1,050 MW via new HVDC converter infrastructure. Fuel & Sanctions Watch: A Georgian company says it legally shipped about 300 tonnes of petrol to Abkhazia under an extended permit, after earlier reports sparked debate over possible Russia-linked use. Real Estate & Business Climate: A state property near Tbilisi’s Freedom Square sold at auction for GEL 34.81 million, with the buyer required to launch a commercial/business operation and invest at least GEL 5 million. Transport & Logistics: Coverage highlights Azerbaijan’s rising cargo transit volumes and the push to integrate Middle Corridor logistics across ports, rail and customs—relevant for regional trade routes that include Georgia. Industry Training: The FIVB ran volleyball coaches courses in Tbilisi, bringing together local and international coaches for Level I training. Media Freedom: Sinatle marked its first anniversary with the “The Lights Must Stay On” campaign supporting independent online outlets under mounting state pressure.

Abkhazia Fuel Supply: A Georgian company, Solidus, says it legally shipped about 300 tonnes of petrol to occupied Abkhazia for Gali-area stations, after earlier reports sparked claims of a sanctions-bypass scheme. Energy Corridor Watch: Armenia approved a KfW-backed “Caucasus Transmission Network IV” plan that would raise Armenia–Georgia electricity exchange capacity to 1,050 MW, with new HVDC converter infrastructure near the border. Automotive Business: BYD appointed Vasif Aliyev as sales director for the Caucasus, coordinating brand sales across Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia with local importers. Regional Trade Politics: Armenia’s parliament discussed export pressure on the Russian market, with lawmakers linking Russian restrictions to political undertones and energy infrastructure delays. Sanctions & Crypto: Binance will stop processing transactions involving HTX and 10 other crypto platforms from Aug. 23, citing new sanctions and regulatory restrictions. Local Privatization: A state-owned property near Tbilisi’s Freedom Square sold at auction for GEL 34.81 million, with the buyer required to launch a commercial use and invest at least GEL 5 million. Media Pressure: Sinatle marked its first anniversary supporting independent online outlets under growing state pressure, including last year’s “lights out” fundraising push.

Energy & Transit: Kazakhstan boosted July oil shipments to the BTC pipeline via Aktau port, sending 155,000 tons—up 11.5% year-on-year—highlighting the Trans-Caspian route’s growing role for Central Asian crude into Georgia and Türkiye. Sanctions & Re-exports: A new EU report says petroleum products derived from Russian crude doubled via intermediaries in July, with Georgia listed among key hubs (5 shipments), underscoring how regional logistics can keep Russian fuel flowing into Europe. Occupied Abkhazia Fuel: Georgian businessman Solidus says it imported about 300 tons of fuel into occupied Abkhazia via the Enguri Bridge for Gali residents and local gas stations, while PM Irakli Kobakhidze claims Georgian businesses supplied petrol under Georgian law. Agribusiness Exports: Georgia’s blueberry exports rose 55% to 9,900 tons (May 1–Aug 10), with Russia taking over 9,000 tons; export value hit $63.3m. Regional Power Projects: Armenia approved a €120m KfW loan for the Armenia-Georgia high-voltage transmission network, aiming to connect power systems with 1,050 MW capacity. Business & Trade Links: Israel’s ambassador to Georgia says 50–60% of Israel’s oil imports from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan transit through Georgia, tying Tbilisi’s logistics role to regional stability.

Energy & Trade Corridors: Georgia is in talks with Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Bulgaria to create an overland electricity transit corridor, with Georgia also aiming to export its own power and support local businesses. Agriculture Exports: Georgia’s blueberry exports jumped 55% to 9,900 tons (May 1–Aug 10), worth $63.3m, led by Russia (9,010 tons) with the EU second (498 tons). Occupied Territories Fuel Supply: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze says petrol reached occupied Abkhazia via Georgian business, not the government, with Solidus claiming about 300 tons delivered across the Enguri bridge for Gali gas stations. Regional Power Infrastructure: Armenia approved a €120m KfW loan for the Caucasus Power Transmission Network, including a new Armenia–Georgia high-voltage link. Logistics & Digital Infrastructure: Analysts discuss the Trans-Caspian Sumgayit–Aktau fiber-optic line as part of the Middle Corridor’s digital push, with Georgia and regional partners positioning for data and freight services.

Agri-Exports Watch: Georgia’s fruit-and-veg juice exports hit 47 countries in Jan–July, with the US taking 24% and Australia 21%, while Russia (12%), Germany (11%) and Israel (7%) follow. Blueberry Boom: Georgia exported 9.9k tons of blueberries worth $63.3m from May 1 to Aug 10, up 55% in volume and 47% in value year-on-year, with Russia still the top buyer (9,010 tons). Energy & Industry Links: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye and Bulgaria are discussing a new overland electricity transit corridor, with Georgia positioned as a regional energy hub that can also export its own power. Tbilisi Construction Find: Renovation at Tbilisi’s Melik-Azaryants building uncovered previously hidden underground levels tied to the site’s early 1900s advanced utilities and deep reinforced foundations. Food Safety: Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to potential Salmonella contamination. Data Center Signals: Georgia’s opposition is pressing for transparency over fuel deliveries to occupied Abkhazia, while separate local reporting highlights how data-center plans are being negotiated with generator and job-creation conditions.

Road & Transit: Georgia will reconstruct the Stepantsminda–Gveleti road section to the Darial Tunnel area, including a new 2-kilometer bridge, to stabilize Armenia–Russia land transit; the project is budgeted at 215.5 million lari and targeted for 2027 completion. Energy & Power Reliability: A new analysis questions Georgia’s energy system resilience after three nationwide blackouts in 12 days, pointing to unclear backup capacity and how tariff-funded investment may not be translating into safeguards. Fuel Supply in Occupied Abkhazia: PM Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed fuel was delivered to occupied Abkhazia from Georgia proper by “business,” amid shortages and queues; the opposition is demanding the company name. Regional Energy Exports: Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev says electricity exports to Europe must run through Georgia and Türkiye, with a Black Sea Energy Cable feasibility study already done. Industry & Business: Silknet has started construction of a Tier-3 data center in Tbilisi, signaling continued growth in Georgia’s digital infrastructure. Trade Risk (Wine): EPRC warns Georgian wine exports to Russia remain overly concentrated, creating both economic and political leverage risks.

Data & Telecom: Silknet has started construction of Georgia’s first Tier-3 certified commercial data centre in Tbilisi, targeting 2 MW capacity for cloud, AI and enterprise services, with operations expected in 2027. Logistics & Trade: Freight rates to Russia and Central Asia are up 10–15%, with carriers citing security risks, fuel shortages and tighter controls inside Russia; further increases may follow. Crypto & Finance: Georgia’s Finance Ministry investigative service detained the head of a crypto firm over illegal virtual-asset conversion and unregistered activity, seizing cash, cards and crypto; US sanctions also hit a Georgia-registered crypto company tied to Iran’s IRGC. Energy & Regional Transit: Kazakhstan is rerouting some crude exports after Caspian Pipeline Consortium intake limits, with options including routes via Azerbaijan and the Baku–Supsa corridor. Construction & Tourism: Pontus and Rotana plan Rotana’s first ski resort worldwide in Gudauri, a four-season, five-star project aimed at year-round visitors. Industry Security: Romania destroyed two Gerbera-type drones near the Neptun Deep offshore gas project in the Black Sea, underscoring ongoing risks to regional shipping and energy work.

Energy & Infrastructure: Kazakhstan is weighing extra crude export routes via Azerbaijan and Georgia, including Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Supsa, after July Caspian Pipeline Consortium intake limits pushed some volumes to Aktau and overland corridors. Tourism & Construction: Pontus and Rotana will build Rotana’s first ski resort worldwide in Gudauri—Caucasus Mandili—aiming for year-round visitors and linking into Rotana’s global booking network. Agribusiness & Manufacturing Spotlight: Georgia’s “Coolest Thing Made in Georgia” contest crowned an electric school bus maker Blue Bird, while TifTuf drought-tolerant grass placed second, underscoring local engineering and ag innovation. Public Sector & Agriculture: Georgia’s environment and agriculture minister introduced a new director for the State Laboratory of Agriculture, signaling management changes and “new approaches.” Civic Life: Pro-European protesters in Tbilisi marked the 2008 Shindisi killings for a 622nd day, keeping Euro-Atlantic demands and prisoner release on the agenda. Security & Tech: Romania destroyed two drifting drones near the Neptun Deep Black Sea gas project, highlighting ongoing risks around energy shipping lanes.

Digital Infrastructure: Silknet broke ground on Georgia’s first Tier III certified commercial data center in Tbilisi, targeting 2MW for cloud, AI and enterprise services, with operations planned for 2027. Energy & Transit: Kazakhstan says it rerouted some crude exports after temporary Caspian Pipeline Consortium intake limits, with options now including BTC, Caspian routes via Azerbaijan, and Baku-Supsa—while noting BTC already moves about 1.2m tons annually. Regional Logistics: Central Asia’s presidents expanded a Caspian-spanning cooperation forum, formalizing coordination across transport, energy and logistics for the Middle Corridor. Agriculture Governance: Georgia’s environment and agriculture minister introduced Levan Jgharkava as the new director of the State Laboratory of Agriculture, promising “new approaches” and continuity for the outgoing director. Business & Tech Marketing: Alpaca launched Mentionify, a generative engine optimization platform, alongside an employee stock option plan. Industry & Services: PUSEN USA partnered with MedWish MedWorks to donate single-use endoscopy equipment worth $6.1m to expand urologic care access. Public Safety: A Georgia man, Norman Dixson, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for dogfighting and fraudulently using pandemic relief funds.

Digital Infrastructure: Silknet broke ground in Tbilisi on Georgia’s first Tier III certified commercial data center, targeting 2MW capacity for cloud, AI and enterprise services, with operations expected in 2027. Urban Development: DMG Group announced the €1bn-scale redevelopment of Tbilisi’s Laguna Vere and the former Silk and Tobacco factories, including restored landmark space, new green areas and adaptive reuse of industrial sites. Energy & Transit: Kazakhstan is weighing new oil export routes via Azerbaijan, including Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Supsa, as CPC disruptions and Black Sea risks push it to diversify away from Novorossiysk. Regional Trade Pressure: India’s Russian crude imports hit a record 2.8m bpd in July, underscoring how sanctions and tariff threats are reshaping energy flows that also affect Georgia’s wider transit role. Industry & Skills: RMG’s Summer School expanded to include international students for the first time, pairing internships with Georgian universities and a mineral exploration master’s program. Local Wildlife & Tourism: Tbilisi Zoo opened a new Caucasus exhibition section in test mode, with an official autumn opening planned.

Tbilisi Zoo Upgrade: The new Caucasus exhibition section at Tbilisi Zoo opened in test mode on Aug. 9, with an autumn official launch planned; landscaping is still ongoing, and visitors are asked to stick to marked paths as a café and children’s educational center are built. Power & Grid Accountability: Georgian authorities say they will publish detailed findings on the causes of recent nationwide blackouts after the State Security Service finishes its investigation, following three major outages in two weeks including Enguri HPP test-related disruptions. Energy Transit Pressure (CPC/Black Sea): Kazakhstan is weighing backup oil export routes as Caspian Pipeline Consortium disruptions and Black Sea security risks keep tanker loading intermittent; options mentioned include BTC and Baku-Supsa, while Ukraine agreed safer passage for certain non-Russian CPC-linked tankers after US intervention. Regional Fuel Strain (Abkhazia): Abkhazia faces a reported fuel shortage with long queues and purchase limits, with residents describing how the situation is hitting daily work and seasonal farming logistics. Trade & Shipping Risk (Turkey/Straits): Turkey temporarily delayed or withheld some transit permits through the Dardanelles for vessels bound for Novorossiysk amid Black Sea attack concerns, though officials later said traffic is proceeding smoothly as temporary security measures. Aquaculture Trade Shift: Russia sharply increased imports of farmed trout from Georgia to a record $1.6m in June, making Georgia a key supplier after bans hit Armenian trout.