The Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili chaired a meeting of the Economic Council. This was held to discuss the various planned projects of the country as well as those that have already been implemented.
It is to be specifically mentioned that during the meeting, all the members discussed performance indicators for the combined budget for 2023. It was highlighted that, compared to planned figures, revenues were 102.2%, tax revenues were 101.7%, privatisation was 124.3%, taxes were 100.3%, capital expenses were 101.2%, and the combined budget deficit to GDP was 2.5% for the year.
Speaking on the occasion the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure , Irakli Karseladze, has underscored that the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of has spent the state budget amount of 102.5%, i.e. 83.3 million GEL excess and the cost of the state budget of Ministry amounted to 3 434.8 million GEL, which is 3 351.4 million GEL higher than the plan.
As per the Minister, they have spent 354.4 million GEL more financial resources on the development of infrastructure projects compared to last year, which is the highest indicator in the history of the Ministry.
Irakli Karseladze also noted that the agencies under the Ministry exceeded the plans of 2023 and spent the development of infrastructure projects across the country which includes Department of Road – 2 018.8 million GEL (104% of the plan); SIP Georgian Municipal Development Fund – 839.0 million GEL (100% of the plan); LLC “United Water Supply Company of Georgia” – 521.1 million GEL (of the plan 100%); LLC “Solid Waste Management Company” – 43.0 million GEL (101% of the plan).
Council members also discussed the issue of citrus exports. It was noted that 33 800 tons of citrus are exported outside the country at this stage during the citrus season across the various parts of the country. As of today, the process of receiving and exporting is underway. So far, the company has processed 9,900 tons of non-standard citrus. Subsidy amounted to 2 474 000 GEL is also given. As noted at the council meeting, the process continues, and another 3-5 thousand tons are planned to be recycled.
The issue of electricity subsidies for socially vulnerable families was discussed to provide them with more assistance. It was noted during the meeting that electricity subsidies for households with less than 150,000 rating points would continue in 2024 in the single database of socially vulnerable families.
At the same time the Minister of Refugees, Labor, Health and Social Protection Zurab Azarashvili stated that although at the end of 2023, the decision of SEMEC reduced the electricity tariff for household users by 3,0 tetri, the subsidy for socially vulnerable families remains in force.
According to the minister in the year of 2024, socially vulnerable families will be financed up to 12.5 tetri, according to rating points. Up to 250,000 families will benefit from this relief.
