AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Watch: Georgia’s National Food Agency says it’s still investigating norovirus-linked gastroenteritis among children in Tbilisi kindergartens, after inspecting 70 facilities and collecting 502 samples; early lab checks found no violations in 39 samples, with results due in stages. Energy & Trade Connectivity: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in New York, highlighting Türkiye as Georgia’s largest trading partner and stressing transport and energy cooperation, including the fully operational Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway. Black Sea Shipping Politics: Türkiye is pushing a new Black Sea security plan with protected civilian lanes and says Georgia could join, raising questions for Georgia’s role in regional logistics and security. Regional Industry Risk: Reports also point to continued pressure on global oil shipping routes amid Middle East escalation, with attacks on energy infrastructure and tankers adding uncertainty for fuel supply chains.

Energy & Transport: Uzbekistan is weighing participation in a rail link connecting Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan to Türkiye, with access to Turkish ports Samsun and Istanbul, while also studying logistics upgrades via Georgia’s Anaklia and Poti; the plan targets higher freight volumes and investment by 2030. Black Sea Shipping Risk: A ports association warns Ukrainian ports and the Black Sea are being hit hard by attacks, with hundreds of vessels damaged—raising costs and insurance pressure for regional trade. Power & Infrastructure: Georgia’s Namakhvani HPP dispute with ENKA is headed to US courts after a Georgia court ordered a major payout, keeping the country’s energy buildout and financing questions in focus. Food Safety in Georgia: Tbilisi kindergarten menus temporarily removed dairy products after suspected poisoning cases; authorities launched investigations and lab testing, with dairy set to return once results are known. Education & Public Services: Parents protest after a Tbilisi school closes just days into the academic year, citing building disrepair and alleged political motives. Investment & Real Estate: Eric Trump says Trump Tower Tbilisi will bring “Western standards” while preserving local design, positioning the project as a magnet for further international investment. Trade & Consumer Exports: Busan plans a Caucasus consumer goods mission to Baku and Tbilisi, aiming to open new buyers for Korean cosmetics, food, and household products.

Real Estate & Investment: Eric Trump says the Trump Tower Tbilisi project will bring “Western standards” while keeping Georgian design adapted to local traditions, and frames the $2B development as a magnet for further international investors. Trade & Industry: Georgia’s exports to Iran jumped 746.8% in Jan–Aug 2026 to $161.9M, led by passenger cars (7,360 units; $129.2M) plus ferroalloys. Energy & Power: Georgia plans to increase electricity production 2.5 times by 2036, as officials discuss growth in power generation. Public Health (Childcare): Georgia’s NCDC says norovirus is the likely cause of mass illness among children in Tbilisi kindergartens, with most cases recovering and hygiene guidance issued. Urban Development & Protest: A Freedom Square protest targets “Arab cities” plans, including a Krtsanisi Forest Park-linked project tied to Emirati Eagle Hills. Logistics & Transport: Azerbaijan Railways data shows nearly 3M tons of cargo entered Azerbaijan from Russia by rail in 8 months of 2026, with Georgia among key contributors. Export Diversification: Busan targets the Caucasus as a new export bridgehead, sending a consumer-goods trade mission to Baku and Tbilisi in early November.

Public Health: Georgia’s National Center for Disease Control says mass illness among children at Tbilisi kindergartens was “with a high degree of probability” caused by norovirus, with most cases recovering and hygiene and hydration stressed while lab work continues. Civic Tension: A protest is underway in Tbilisi’s Freedom Square against “Arab cities” investment plans, including a project on the Krtsanisi Forest Park territory, with traffic restrictions and police presence reported. Energy & Trade: Turkey has proposed a more targeted Black Sea shipping deal to Ukraine and Russia, aiming for safer commercial corridors along Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia and Turkey and an end to strikes on grain facilities—an issue tied to rising risks for regional logistics. Regional Politics: Russia-backed South Ossetia elected Marat Kambolov president after processing 99% of protocols, while Georgia condemned the move as cementing de facto annexation. Energy Links: Azerbaijan’s “Contract of the Century” anniversary highlights how Caspian oil development reshaped its economy and integration—relevant context for today’s regional energy cooperation.

Public Health: Georgia’s NCDC says most Tbilisi kindergarten intoxication cases were likely caused by norovirus, with investigations ongoing and officials stressing a favorable course as children recover. Education & Infrastructure: Batumi opened a new public school for 1,400 students, with authorities pointing to continued investment in regional education facilities. Energy & Industry: Georgia is pushing major power-generation growth, including plans to increase electricity production 2.5 times by 2036, while the Namakhvani HPP dispute with ENKA continues in US court. Real Estate & Investment: Trump Tower Tbilisi held a high-profile global launch event for a flagship roughly $2B Downtown Tbilisi project, signaling continued appetite for large-scale development in the capital. Regional Trade & Logistics: The Middle Corridor’s push is again in focus, with Bulgaria’s Burgas port and EU attention framed as a way to boost China-Europe cargo flows via Georgia. Geopolitics: Russia-backed South Ossetia elected Marat Kambolov, deepening Moscow ties and drawing renewed criticism from Tbilisi.

South Caucasus Energy & Power: Georgia says it will increase electricity production 2.5 times by 2036, as officials frame the plan around faster generation growth and regional energy cooperation. Hydropower Dispute: Georgia’s court fight with ENKA over the Namakhvani HPP project continues in US proceedings, with a US court ordering Georgia to pay more than $400m plus interest. Black Sea Shipping Security: Turkey has proposed a more targeted ceasefire-style memorandum to protect civilian shipping in the Black Sea, including safer corridors along Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia and Turkey, plus a ban on strikes on grain facilities. Middle Corridor Logistics: Burgas port officials and TITR partners discussed how EU focus on the Middle Corridor could boost China-Europe cargo flows, with MF Port Burgas highlighting infrastructure and operational readiness. Food Industry Exports: Georgian ready-made sauces (adjika, tkemali, satsebeli) hit a new export record in early 2026, with Russia the top buyer. Public Health & Food Safety: Tbilisi authorities report mass kindergarten poisoning symptoms at 20 sites, with investigations launched by the National Food Agency and the Investigation Service. Education Infrastructure: A new Batumi public school opened for 1,400 students, adding to Adjara’s push to expand education facilities.

Middle Corridor & Ports: MF Port Burgas hosted a TITR delegation meeting with partners from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye, Poland and Bulgaria, pitching Burgas terminals’ capacity and arguing EU focus on the Middle Corridor could boost China-Europe cargo flows. Education & Construction: Batumi opened a new N21 public school for 1,400 students, with Adjara officials saying four new schools were added this year and seven more are planned for next year. Energy Strategy: Georgia says it wants to raise electricity production 2.5 times by 2036, citing new HPPs, wind and solar projects, grid upgrades, 250 MW storage, and a planned Black Sea undersea cable and “Green Corridor.” Shipping Risk: London marine insurers widened the Black Sea high-risk zone as attacks on commercial shipping surge, raising war-risk premium requirements. Food Processing Exports: Georgia’s ready-made sauce exports rose 6% in Jan–Aug 2026 to $2.3m, led by adjika, tkemali and satsebeli, with Russia the top buyer. Real Estate Launch: Trump Tower Tbilisi held a global debut celebration for the roughly $2bn Downtown Tbilisi development. Public Health Probe: Authorities launched investigations into suspected poisoning cases involving children at 20 Tbilisi kindergartens.

Trump Tower Tbilisi Launch: The $2B Trump Tower Tbilisi project made its global debut with a high-profile launch celebration above Tbilisi, signaling a major new mixed-use push beside Central Park. Economic Growth Watch: Geostat reports Georgia’s Q2 2026 GDP grew 6.9% year-on-year, with manufacturing up 7.3% while construction and agriculture contracted. Energy Expansion Plan: Georgia says it aims to boost electricity production 2.5x by 2036, adding new HPPs, wind and solar, plus storage and major grid upgrades, including a planned Black Sea undersea cable. Food Exports: Georgia’s ready-made sauce exports hit a new record in early 2026, with Russia the top buyer; peach and nectarine exports also near season-end with Russia again leading destinations. Public Health Probe: Investigators launched into suspected mass intoxication at 20 Tbilisi kindergartens, with 55 children and a teacher seeking medical care. Consumer Protection Cooperation: Azerbaijan was elected to ICPEN’s 2026/27 advisory group, with Georgia also listed among members.

Food Safety Shock in Tbilisi: Georgia’s Finance Ministry Investigation Service and the National Food Agency launched probes after 55 children and one teacher showed signs of intoxication across 20 kindergartens; searches hit four kindergartens and three food suppliers, and officials suspect a bacterial infection tied to kindergarten food while medical care continues and some kindergartens temporarily suspended classes. Anti-Corruption Court Case: Tbilisi City Court sentenced former State Security Service chief Grigol Liluashvili to 13 years for accepting bribes on an especially large scale, including allegations tied to protecting a scam call center. Aviation & Infrastructure Push: Singapore’s Changi Airports International says it’s interested in investing in and managing the new Vaziani international airport near Tbilisi, a $1.2B plan targeting 20M passengers annually by 2031. Real Estate & Investment Spotlight: Trump Tower Tbilisi held a high-profile global launch for its roughly $2B Downtown Tbilisi development, with international partners and media in attendance. Consumer Protection Cooperation: Azerbaijan was elected to ICPEN’s 2026/27 advisory group, with Georgia also represented—signaling continued regional focus on consumer enforcement practices.

Aviation & Investment: Singapore’s Changi Airports International says it’s interested in investing in and managing Georgia’s new Vaziani international airport, a $1.2B plan to turn a former military airfield near Tbilisi into a major passenger and cargo hub targeting 20M travelers a year by 2031. Energy & Courts: Georgia faces major fallout from the Namakhvani HPP fight: a US court ordered Tbilisi to pay ENKA more than $400M (plus interest) after the project was terminated amid long-running local protests. Power Strategy: Georgian officials unveiled a 10-year energy vision aiming to grow power generation 2.5 times by 2036 and push “self-sufficiency,” renewables, and grid upgrades, alongside Black Sea and Middle Corridor connectivity. Real Estate & Finance: Trump Tower Tbilisi officially launched as a $2B, 62-story, 280m landmark in Downtown Tbilisi, with TBC partners and international developers/investors backing the project. Education Reform: New school rules start this September, including uniforms for grades 1–6, phone/smartwatch storage, and broader grading and textbook standardization. Local Industry & Jobs: Georgia’s economy ministry highlighted US cooperation priorities with a focus on trade, energy, transport/logistics, and the Middle Corridor. Legal & Labor: A federal judge awarded $105K to former hearing-aid company workers in an unpaid wages case. Culture & Film: Batumi International Art-House Film Festival gears up for its 25th edition with a major Georgian slate and new juries, including a Youth Jury and a critics’ jury.

Real Estate & Investment: Trump Tower Tbilisi officially kicked off in Tbilisi with Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze in attendance, as the $2B Downtown Tbilisi mixed-use project takes shape (six towers planned, with Trump Tower targeted at ~280m and 65 floors). Food Safety & Regulation: Georgia’s National Food Agency suspended production at two Tbilisi food establishments after inspections found critical hygiene and labeling violations, including unregistered operations. Energy Cooperation: Georgia says it’s advancing a large-scale green corridor with Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Bulgaria and Romania, highlighting the strategic Baku–Supsa oil pipeline deal and Black Sea submarine cable plans. Regional Trade & Logistics: The EU pledged up to €12bn to support the Middle Corridor, aiming to diversify routes and cut transit times by 2030—an important signal for Georgia’s transport role. Legal & Governance: Former Georgian State Security Service chief Grigol Liluashvili was sentenced to 13 years for corruption-related charges. Agriculture & Food Production: Egg production in Azerbaijan rose to 1.625 billion eggs in H1 2026, with some output exported—useful context for regional food industry competition.

Sanctions & tariffs: The US House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, boosting President Trump’s power to impose sanctions and up to 100% tariffs on countries buying major Russian oil and gas. EU-facing diplomacy: Georgian FM Maka Botchorishvili told Euronews that Europe’s security and enlargement plans must factor in the South Caucasus, stressing the Middle Corridor’s role in connectivity. Energy & investment talks: PM Irakli Kobakhidze met China’s DBH Group to discuss energy and renewables projects, while Georgia’s Economy Minister met Azerbaijan’s PASHA Holding to expand investment and trade. Major court case: Former State Security Service chief Grigol Liluashvili was sentenced to 13 years for multiple bribery schemes. Construction & trade corridors: Georgia said it will appeal a US court order requiring payment to ENKA over the Namakhvani hydropower project, as the Middle Corridor continues to be framed as a growth engine. Local business & mobility: FSTA Rent Car expanded cross-border car rental to Turkey, adding another link for regional travel. Cost of living snapshot: A Tbilisi street poll found many residents tie “a normal life” to monthly budgets far above the subsistence minimum.

Major Investment Push: Georgia’s government unveiled the $2 billion “Trump Tower Tbilisi” plan: a 62-story, 280-meter tower (about 600,000 sq m total for the Downtown Tbilisi complex) slated for completion by 2031, with construction jobs and tourism benefits highlighted. Energy & Trade Corridor: Regional officials say the Middle Corridor can become an “economic development belt,” with forecasts of big gains for Azerbaijan–Georgia trade and EU links if customs and logistics reforms move fast. Legal Fallout for Power Projects: A US court ordered Georgia to pay ENKA over $400 million after losing the Namakhvani HPP arbitration, with interest likely to push the final figure higher. Local Social Services: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said a new rehabilitation center for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy will be built in Gldani, with land allocated by city hall. Governance & Funding Scrutiny: Transparency International Georgia reports Georgian Dream received GEL 2.4m in donations from Adjara in Jan–Aug 2026, 41% of total donations for that period. Regional Energy Diplomacy: Turkish and Azerbaijani leaders coordinated on “coming decades” projects, stressing Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan and the Southern Gas Corridor plus green power routes.

Caucasus Geopolitics: A new analysis compares Armenia and Georgia’s “lawfare” tactics, arguing Armenia is pushing toward the EU while Georgia turns away from Europe and back toward Russia. Energy & Transport: Azerbaijan and Türkiye say they’re coordinating “coming decades” energy projects, including green power exports to Europe via the Black Sea, a Nakhchivan–Türkiye cable, and continued emphasis on the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway and Middle Corridor. Georgia Investment & Real Estate: Tbilisi hosted a presentation for the Trump Tower project, pegged at $2 billion and 600,000 sq m, with a 62-story, 280m tower planned for completion in 2031. Black Sea Logistics: KazTransOil’s Batumi Oil Terminal hit its highest monthly throughput since 2017, with January–August 2026 cargo up 3% year-on-year to 1.251m tons. Regional Industry Signals: Armenia reported sharp declines in gold exports and petroleum product imports in H1 2026, while noting growth in jewelry output. Tech & Security (Georgia-linked): Safetrust showcased Aliro credentials and interoperability at GSX 2026 in Atlanta, highlighting access-control compatibility for broader deployments.

Energy & Infrastructure: UAE’s XRG has completed its purchase of an equity stake in Azerbaijan’s Southern Gas Corridor CJSC, gaining exposure to the 3,500-km gas network that runs through Georgia and Türkiye to Southern Europe, with capacity up to 26 bcm/year. Automotive & Retail: BYD officially enters Georgia via a partnership with GT Group, opening the first authorized showroom in Tbilisi and setting up warranty-backed sales, service, and a planned charging network. Construction & Transport: Tbilisi city council signed a 288m lari contract with the Turkish EYE consortium to design and build a 7.5 km tram line from Didi Dighomi to Didube metro, using ADB procurement rules and targeting completion within four years. Consumer & Business Climate: Tbilisi hosted the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) conference, with Georgia’s Competition and Consumer Protection Agency highlighted for its international role. Labor Market: Geostat reports Georgia’s average monthly nominal salary rose 8% to 2,389.3 GEL in Q2, led by information/communication and financial services. Public Safety: An explosion at Tbilisi’s Nova production site caused facade damage after a CO₂ reservoir incident; no injuries were reported. Tourism Rules: Mandatory tourist health/accident insurance is still being misunderstood by visitors, despite being in force since 1 January. Branding & Real Estate: Plans for Trump Tower Tbilisi continue to draw attention, with an estimated $2bn investment and a luxury sales push.

Transport & Trade: Georgia logged “decade-high” freight momentum in Jan–Aug 2026, with ports and terminals handling 13.7m tons (+24%), container volumes hitting 554,174 TEU (+9%), rail freight rising to 9.7m tons (+11%), and air cargo up to 29,300 tons (+30%), reinforcing the Middle Corridor’s role. Ports & Shipping: A regional logistics push is underway across the Caspian–Black Sea link, with experts pointing to Baku’s late-2026 dredging plans and wider port/rail/hinterland upgrades as the key to unlocking vessel capacity. Energy & Legal Risk: A U.S. judge ordered Georgia to pay Enka Renewables nearly $350m plus interest after Georgia sought to pause enforcement of an arbitral award tied to a halted hydro project. Construction & Investment: Tbilisi’s Trump Tower is set to be presented next week by Eric Trump, with the full Downtown Tbilisi complex pegged at about $2bn and the central tower alone above $200m. Infrastructure Scrutiny: Reports say parts of Tbilisi’s Rike Tubes are being dismantled and sold as recycled materials, raising questions about how the city’s permits are being followed. Regional Politics: South Ossetia’s presidential vote is scheduled for Sept. 18, with polling stations prepared in Russia, while the border with Georgia remains a live issue.