Georgia: The Chairman of the Georgian Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (GCCA), Irakli Lekvinadze, presented the Agency’s report for 2024 at the meeting of the Committee of Field Economy and Economic Policy.
At the hearing, the chairman of the agency reviewed the activities implemented to strengthen competition policy, mechanisms for protecting consumer rights and standards adopted, anti-dumping measures, and ongoing projects. According to him, the agency is actively working towards fair competition in the market and protecting consumer interests.
In 2024 the agency agreed on 18 concentration camps. This indicator is equal to the total number of consents issued in 2020-2023. Most of the unions are noted in the FMCG, construction, and manufacturing sectors. GCCA has also completed two important studies: one revealed unkind competition, and the other – recommendations were made on the online services market.
Irakli Lekvinadze also focused on monitoring markets. According to him, the analysis of the export markets of nuts and blueberries has ended, and the market assessments of pesticides and agrochemicals, as well as computer technology realization, have begun this year.
The interim results of the automotive fuel and FMCG market were presented to the committee. Speaking on anti-dumping measures, he noted that one case was possible to be completed by importers offering fair prices. At the same time, the analysis of possible dumping of imports of steel products (from Russia and Iran) is underway.
According to him, within the framework of the National Strategy for Protection of Consumer Rights, a guide for pricing and adapted materials were prepared for persons with disabilities. An awareness campaign for ethnic minorities and consumers living in the region is actively underway.
Consumer service has increased and in 2024 it has doubled compared to 2023. Consumers have reached 1 million, including GCCA. They were able to get more benefits than GEL.
