The Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that it was "absolutely realistic" for the country’s domestic economic growth rate to exceed 10 percent this year, during a press briefing at the Administration of the Government.

Reflecting on past performance, Kobakhidze emphasized the positive economic trajectory, noting a nine percent growth recorded in the previous year, which he considered a strong indicator of the nation’s progress. He expressed confidence that Georgia could achieve at least the same result this year, pointing out that the 2023 growth rate of 7.8 percent surpassed that of the previous year. He also highlighted the strong economic performance typically seen in January and outlined plans to continue enhancing economic activities throughout the year. "Therefore, it is absolutely realistic for this year's growth rate to exceed 10 percent," he stated.

Although the preliminary budget forecast projects a growth rate of six percent, Kobakhidze underscored that past performance had consistently exceeded preliminary estimates, including those from the International Monetary Fund. He suggested that a growth rate above nine percent remains achievable, though the final outcome would depend on various external factors, including regional developments.

The Prime Minister also addressed claims from the "radical opposition" about an impending economic disaster, dismissing these predictions as unsubstantiated. He pointed out that opposition members had consistently forecasted economic risks since 2020, yet Georgia's economy had expanded by ₾40 billion ($14.14 billion) over the past four years. Looking ahead, Kobakhidze set a goal of adding another ₾40 billion to the domestic economy, targeting a gross domestic product (GDP) of at least ₾130 billion ($45.94 billion) by 2028.

"No matter what these people say, we will continue to look after the development of our country," he concluded.

The World Bank, in its latest report, projected Georgia to have the highest average economic growth in the Europe and Central Asia region, with a rate of 6.7 percent from 2024 to 2026. The Bank revised its 2024 growth forecast for Georgia to nine percent, a significant increase of 3.8 percentage points compared to earlier projections. The growth forecast for 2025 was also raised to six percent, while the 2026 forecast remains at five percent.

Kobakhidze credited his government’s "correct" economic policies and effective management, as well as the maintenance of peace in the country, for the optimistic 2024 growth projection.