Lack of support for SMEs

Representatives of Georgia's small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) claim that the state supports and lobbies for big business, facilitating the growth of monopolies.

In 2012, the share of SMEs in the Georgian economy was approximately 15%, which these groups say is decreasing thanks to a lack of government support. The government has acknowledged the importance of these enterprises to the economy and to a growing standard of living, but little policy has been enacted.

Newly established political party Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia, headed by businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, has promised that if it wins the election it will do its best to promote small- and medium-sized business.