• Last week’s business news presented a Weekly update from the Chief Economist, highlighting robust macroeconomic indicators, albeit with the Georgian lari exhibiting a modest strengthening trend.

Net foreign exchange inflows for January, while higher than the previous month, have shown a decline. Notably, despite the recent months’ dip, a slight improvement in the migration rate and a recovery in ferroalloy exports have been observed. However, stronger imports across various categories indicate heightened economic activity. In this context, employment figures have demonstrated improvement. Geostat reports a decrease in the unemployment rate from 16.1% to 15.3% in the 4th quarter of 2023 compared to the same period the previous year, with the number of employed individuals rising by 67.5 thousand to 1.37 million, albeit with partial consideration for migrants.

The foreign exchange market exhibits positive sentiments, evident in the currency composition of deposits. Additionally, the National Bank of Georgia has resumed net foreign exchange purchases in December-January, albeit in a moderate volume. Nevertheless, the exchange rate of the lari remains noteworthy, still slightly stronger than its long-term trend.

For the complete publication, please refer to the following link: Weekly Update from the Chief Economist

• Pepperboy, a pioneer of pan-Asian cuisine in Georgia since 2018, is set to expand in Tbilisi through a partnership with TBC Bank.

The restaurant, known for its diverse and innovative pan-Asian menu, faced challenges during the pandemic but is now ready to re-enter the market.

Founded by Tina Khapava, Pepperboy offers a unique culinary experience by combining dishes from various Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, Thailand, China, and more. The restaurant’s founders, during the pandemic, took the opportunity to update the concept, menu, and design while seeking investment for the reopening.

The revamped Pepperboy now features a diverse bar and mixology concept, providing guests with a wide range of gastronomic experiences. The restaurant’s philosophy remains unchanged, emphasizing distinctive culinary and mixological solutions, friendly service, and a unique environment.

Tina Khapava expresses the team’s commitment to continuous improvement, aiming to make every guest’s visit a pleasant and unforgettable experience. The goal is to establish Pepperboy as a leader in Georgia’s gastronomic scene, creating a brand that resonates with everyone

Pepperboy’s menu showcases a variety of Asian dishes, with seasonal and inspiring additions. The chef meticulously studies traditional preparation methods and sources ingredients from both Asia and local markets. The restaurant even grows organic salads and rare Asian plants on-site using a sustainable modular farm called “Dots by Spacefarms.”

Beyond the delectable dishes, Pepperboy stands out for its unique interior design. The restaurant comprises two distinct spaces – a monolithic indoor area and an outdoor space integrated with nature, combining Asian elements with the Tbilisi environment.

The diverse clientele of Pepperboy, spanning different ages and activities, shares a common desire to discover new flavors. The restaurant’s collaboration with TBC Bank over the past year has played a crucial role in the business’s expansion plans, aligning with the vision of becoming a favorite destination for those seeking culinary adventures.

• TBC Insurance proudly introduces a novel product catering specifically to distributors – Distribution Vehicle Insurance.

Tailored for entrepreneurs and businesses engaged in the transportation of goods within the borders of Georgia, this insurance offering stands out from conventional auto insurance.

Unlike standard auto insurance policies, our Distribution Auto Insurance comprehensively covers damages incurred by the vehicle, its passengers, and the transported goods. This specialized policy ensures that you receive financial assistance in various scenarios.

The coverage encompasses expenses arising from damages to the distribution vehicle’s body resulting from a range of incidents, including but not limited to traffic accidents, fires, explosions, vandalism, encounters with animals or birds, natural events, falling objects, theft, or robbery. Moreover, the policy extends its protection to compensate for damages to third-party property, as well as injuries to third parties, the driver, passengers of the insured vehicle, and the cargo being transported

For a thorough understanding of the coverage and benefits offered by our Distribution Vehicle Insurance, we invite you to explore detailed information available on the TBC Insurance website. (Hyperlink: https://tbcinsurance.ge/en/personal)

Choose TBC Insurance for a comprehensive and reliable solution to safeguard your distribution operations.

• Diversity in the Working Environment at TBC

TBC has been evolving in tandem with independent Georgia for 32 years, consistently endeavoring to provide employees with a wholesome work environment and boundless opportunities for growth. Here, an understanding prevails about what individuals require to feel at ease and carry out their work with passion and devotion. The working environment at TBC profoundly influences each employee and, consequently, contributes to the company’s success

“TBC provides me with continuous opportunities to learn and grow. Innovation, collaboration, and professional advancement are highly esteemed here,” says product designer Ia Kharabadze.

“Being a part of TBC means being a member of one large team, where you have limitless prospects to develop and explore new avenues,” adds Luka Mirianashvili, TBC data analyst.

TBC places a significant emphasis on caring for and supporting its employees, offering them numerous avenues for personal and career development. In addition to standard health insurance, TBC employees also enjoy life and critical illness insurance. As part of the mental health program, TBC employees benefit from sessions with a psychologist, outdoor exercises, therapeutic workshops, special discounts, opportunities to gain diverse professional experiences, and engaging in sports activities and entertainment meetings.

If you aspire to be a part of a team that fosters healthy relationships, provides a diverse and stimulating environment, and offers ample opportunities for development, consider yourself fortunate – the TBC team is actively seeking new members.

Join TBC and be a part of significant transformations—become a TBC individual.