Demur Giorkhelidze: “Decision of Ministry of Finance Will Bankrupt Small Entrepreneurs”

From February 1, trading goods cannot be brought to Georgia by hand or by public transport. The deputy minister of finances Rusudan Kemularia said the goods imported to Georgia through violation of custom orders hinder establishment of healthy, competitive business environment in Georgia.

“This process shall be categorically and strictly evaluated by the Ministry of Finances. The trading goods can be imported to Georgia only by trucks,” said Rusudan Kemularia. She added the ministry launched the regulation of the process in the framework of the anti-smuggling activities.

Economy expert Demur Giorkhelidze thinks the prohibition of the import of trading goods by public transport will bankrupt minor traders and relatively big companies (who are in close relation with governmental officials) will get hold of the entire market.

The expert told the MediaNews that small and individual entrepreneurs cannot bring goods by containers and large trucks to Georgia. So, the decision of the ministry of finances will leave tens thousands traders without income.

He added that instead creation working places and support of small or individual entrepreneurs, the government closes all sources for them and assists monopolists to occupy all fields.

Giorkhelidze said the arguments of the Ministry of Finances, as if the imported goods create problems for several foreign brands, are illogical and unjustified. The importers of those foreign brands gave so high prices to the goods that you cannot find similar prices in any other country of the world. And if somebody manages to bring cheap goods, they will definitely face some problems.

“In the country, where employment is a problem, where small and medium business should occupy the dominant place on the market, the ministry of finances makes decision to restrict and bankrupt small and individual entrepreneurs. Now, the business, which fed tens thousands people, will be run by big businessmen. The decision of the Ministry will support appearance of big monopolists on the market that will relatively cause increase in prices,” said Demur Giorkhelidze reported to the MediaNews and added that similar process is going in the business of mini-buses.

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