Translated with AI from the Russian original.

TBC Bank has expanded the availability of its Palm Payment service in Georgia: paying with a palm is now possible at approximately 70 partner establishments. The technology was introduced last week, and its rollout continues in phases. As stated by David Meskhidze, head of the bank’s payment division, user convenience remains the company’s priority.

To process a payment, the system recognizes the unique structural features of the palm. After a one-time registration, they are converted into a digital template stored on secure TBC servers and used during checkout. The customer only needs to hold their hand over a special scanner—no smartphone, bank card, or cash is required. Meanwhile, only one bank account can be linked to one palm, but different accounts can be selected for the right and left hands.

The list of stores and other venues where Palm Payment works is available in the TBC mobile app. To use the technology, partners install separate devices that differ from standard POS terminals, and staff help customers complete their first transaction. For now, the service is running in pilot mode: the bank is collecting feedback from users and businesses to evaluate system performance and improve service quality.

Now on the front page

China becomes Georgia’s second largest trading partner

China becomes Georgia’s second largest trading partner

Trade turnover reached $2.33 billion in nine months, with exports surging by 168.7%.

Georgia to allocate an additional $46 million for Anaklia port construction: total budget to reach $211 million

Georgia to allocate an additional $46 million for Anaklia port construction: total budget to reach $211 million

At the same time, the construction of road and rail infrastructure connecting the port with the country’s transport network is planned.

The sky over Georgia is getting busier: over 302 thousand transit flights operated over the year

The sky over Georgia is getting busier: over 302 thousand transit flights operated over the year

Despite the growth in the number of flights, the national air navigation operator’s revenues decreased by 5.1% due to reduced tariffs for transit aircraft servicing

China Eastern Airlines may increase flights to Georgia amid surging passenger traffic

China Eastern Airlines may increase flights to Georgia amid surging passenger traffic

Aircraft load factor on the Shanghai — Tbilisi route remains high, while passenger traffic between the two countries rose by 36% over nine months

Port of Poti increases container turnover: number of serviced vessels up by nearly a quarter

Port of Poti increases container turnover: number of serviced vessels up by nearly a quarter

In ten months of 2026, the terminal handled 582.5 thousand TEU, and general cargo volume increased by 61%

Every tenth new car in Georgia is now electric: Tesla registrations rose by 154%

Every tenth new car in Georgia is now electric: Tesla registrations rose by 154%

Amid higher excise taxes on car imports, initial registrations fell by 9.4%, while electric vehicle deliveries more than doubled year-over-year

Georgian goods may appear on the major Chinese online platform Meituan

Georgian goods may appear on the major Chinese online platform Meituan

Georgia is discussing new sales channels for national products with one of the largest players in Chinese e-commerce

Chinese cars have taken over the Georgian market: imports hit an all-time high

Chinese cars have taken over the Georgian market: imports hit an all-time high

In nine months, the country purchased 7,443 cars from China worth $71 million, increasing imports by almost 66%.

Georgia earned more than $100 million from gold exports

Georgia earned more than $100 million from gold exports

The rising price of the precious metal allowed the country to earn a quarter more than a year earlier.

Georgia's economy accelerated

Georgia's economy accelerated

In the 9 months of 2026, growth reached 7.4%

Alipay+ enters the Georgian market through Neo Georgian Bank

Alipay+ enters the Georgian market through Neo Georgian Bank

The platform will open access to international QR payments and Asian markets

Production of oil and petroleum products in Georgia jumped 26-fold

Production of oil and petroleum products in Georgia jumped 26-fold

In eight months, output reached 858.5 thousand tons, while exports surged nearly 12-fold