Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has the country’s ambition to become a regional centre for finance, trade, logistics and technology, citing economic growth, foreign investment and its strategic location between Europe and Asia. Speaking at the second Tbilisi Financial Summit on 27 October, Kobakhidze emphasized that preliminary data showed economic growth of 7.6% in the first eight months of 2026, following average annual growth of 9.3% between 2021 and 2025.

Kobakhidze attributed the expansion partly to higher-productivity sectors, particularly exports of information and communication technology (ICT) services. The prime minister also discussed the growing role of foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in the financial sector, where international capital could increase competitiveness and support the introduction of new technologies. “Alongside these positive macroeconomic trends, it is important to highlight the growing role of foreign direct investment in the development of Georgia’s economy, particularly in the financial sector,” Kobakhidze noted, adding that the sector had taken a leading position in attracting foreign investment to the country. According to Kobakhidze, “Georgia's strategic location, infrastructure, macroeconomic stability, and favorable investment environment provide a solid foundation for Georgia to develop into a regional hub for trade, logistics, finance, and technological innovation.”

The summit, held on 27-28 October, brought together representatives of central banks, international financial institutions, financial technology companies and other organisations. Around 800 participants from more than 50 countries attended the event, which was organised jointly by Georgia’s National Bank, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, and Singapore-based Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN).

Kobakhidze welcomed GFTN’s participation, saying international cooperation could help Georgia strengthen its position in financial technology and connect regional markets. Discussions at the summit covered financial and economic connectivity, digital assets, payment systems, open banking, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The government presented these areas as opportunities to attract investment, support technological innovation and develop Georgia’s role as a regional financial and logistics centre.