GEORGIA'S BANKING SECTOR TRENDS AND IMPACT ON LOCAL ECONOMY DURING THE PANDEMIC AND POST-PANDEMIC PERIOD

The banking sector is a key driver of economic growth in Georgia. The sector has been resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic, with low levels of non-performing loans and strong capital buffers. However, the pandemic has had a negative impact on the local economy, leading to a decline in economic activity and a slowdown in credit growth. The post-pandemic period is expected to be challenging for the banking sector, as it will need to support the recovery of the local economy. The sector will need to focus on providing credit to businesses and households, as well as on developing new products and services to meet the needs of customers.This paper discusses the current trends in the development of the banking sector in Georgia in 2019-2022, in relation to the issues of economic growth and the problems and challenges that the pandemic and post-pandemic periods have shown us.