Georgian exports increase

On July 26 Prime Minister Nika Gilauri proudly stated that for the first time Georgian ezport exceeded USD 1 billion during the first six months of 2011. Topping exports was the re-export of automobiles (23%), then products included ferro alloys, fertilizers, gold, scrap metal and other products. Gilauri mentioned that the major problem Georgia faces is how to increase exports. However, some opposition figures question the Prime Minister’s enthusiasm, mentioning that one quarter of income from exports is based on re-exporting cars and that Georgia does not produce cars at all. The opposition also pointed out that most of the products exported from Georgia are raw materials and not manufactured products. It goes without saying that exports normally refers to final products and not raw materials.