In 2025, 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.

Titled "From Trust to Close Cooperation," the conference 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, and other nations, alongside members of Georgia’s government and parliament.

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 National Bank of Georgia, Natia Turnava.

“Today, within the framework of this forum, we have gathered not only to celebrate the anniversary of the lari, but also to collectively examine the challenges and opportunities facing the global financial system. Present here are representatives from across our broad region, including nearly the entire geographic span of the Middle Corridor. Strengthening regional cooperation between our financial systems and regulatory authorities is a direct response to contemporary challenges such as global fragmentation and increasing regionalization,” stated the Governor of the National Bank of Georgia.

 

In her speech, the Governor of the National Bank emphasized that the lari is one of the most important symbols of Georgia’s economic independence and statehood, and that its creation was preceded by a centuries-old history of Georgian currency.

"The past three decades have been marked by both achievements and challenges, during which the lari has fulfilled its primary function - to serve as a reliable and stable currency for economic relations and the daily lives of our citizens. Following the restoration of Georgia’s statehood on April 9, 1991, the foundation was laid for the creation of an independent monetary and credit system in the country. It was during this period that official preparatory work began on the design, name, and technical parameters of the Georgian currency. On October 2, 1995, the lari was declared the sole legal tender throughout the territory of Georgia," stated Natia Turnava.

The President of Georgia, Mikhail Kavelashvili; Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze; and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili also addressed the guests, offering congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the lari.

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, and 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 National Bank of Georgia 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. Educational and scientific events will also be held nationwide.

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.