Georgia’s economy grew by 4.4% in the third quarter of 2017, higher than the 2.2% growth recorded year earlier, according to preliminary data released by the state statistics office, Geostat, on Monday.

Real Gross Domestic Product grew 5% year-on-year in September, after 3.8% and 4.3% y/y growth in July and August, respectively.

The estimated annual growth of real GDP stood at 2.7% in 2016, the weakest growth rate since 2009. Georgia’s economy expanded by 2.9% in 2015, lower than 4.6% in 2014, 3.4% in 2013 and 6.4% in 2012.

The Government forecasts 4% economic growth in 2017 and 4.5% in 2018.