Georgia celebrates the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the lari into circulation. To mark this milestone, a large-scale international conference was held in Tbilisi, organized by the National Bank of Georgia [NBG].

Titled “From Trust to Close Cooperation”, the event brought together more than 300 guests from nearly 30 countries. Attendees included central bank leaders from Belgium, Iceland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Montenegro, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Armenia, Israel, India, Saudi Arabia, etc.

Distinguished representatives from major international financial institutions - such as the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund - also participated. Prominent international companies like Gojo & Company, Ant International, and The Global Finance & Technology Network were in attendance, as well as representatives from Georgia’s financial sector and business associations.

The conference was officially opened by the Governor of the NBG, Natia Turnava. President of Georgia, Mikhail Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili also addressed the guests. Renowned economist and Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs also addressed the attendees. Other speakers included representatives from Sorbonne University, the New Committee of Bretton Woods, leading experts from the international financial sector. Panel discussions explored a range of topics, including the global financial system and monetary policy, innovations in the financial sector, emerging challenges, and the evolving role of central banks in fostering regional cooperation.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the NBG has planned various initiatives throughout the year. These include the presentation and release of commemorative “Lari 30” gold, silver, and copper-nickel coins, a special banknote and postage stamp, and updated publications such as a scientific-analytical journal and currency catalogs.

The lari was officially introduced as Georgia’s national currency on September 25, 1995, and declared the sole legal tender on October 2 of the same year. The term “lari” is derived from an old Georgian word meaning “treasure” or “property,” while “tetri,” Georgia’s subunit of currency, is a Georgian monetary term that has been in use since the 13th century.