The EU Integration, and the Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committees deliberated on the report on the implementation of the DCFTA national action plan for 2024 and the action plan for 2025, also covering the Enlargement Report recommendations, introduced by the Deputy Economic and Sustainable Development Minister, Genadi Arveladze within the parliamentary oversight format.

The emphasis was placed on the reforms in the directions as follows: market monitoring, standardization and metrology, accreditation, communications, competition, consumer rights, sanitary and phytosanitary sphere, intellectual property, customs, state procurement etc.

“It is imperative that we elucidate to our population and society the paramount importance of adhering to specific technical regulations. Each regulation is meticulously crafted to enhance the daily routines of citizens across diverse domains, such as labor safety, healthcare, energy efficiency, toy safety, food safety, home appliance safety, medical equipment quality, and fuel quality standards. These regulations are of paramount importance to our citizens in their daily lives. Fulfillment of the Association Agreement commitments facilitates the EU approximation process”, - said Levan Makhashvili, Chairman of the EU Integration Committee.

“In light of the imminent implementation of the DCFTA, we are compelled to implement substantial reforms, including the alignment with EU legislation. This entails the establishment of European standards and the adoption of European practices. The legal approximation covers 68% of the commitments, with the remaining portion being aligned by 2028”, - Genadi Arveladze elucidated.

According to the reporter, the trade turnover with the EU increased by 13.9%, comprising 22% of the total turnover. The agricultural exports also rose by 11%, encompassing products such as wine, alloys, mineral waters, and others.

It is noteworthy that, according to the data for 2024, the number of exporters to the EU increased by 58% compared to 2014.

“The Government aims to implement various measures to enhance the competitiveness of the business sector, particularly small and medium enterprises, and facilitate their adaptation to evolving requirements. The Ministry aims to facilitate the private sector’s access to the EU market and thereby enhance the quality infrastructure. Additionally, the market monitoring reform is being actively implemented”, - he added.

“The trade procedures undertaken hold significant importance for us, as they facilitate the integration process within the EU. The trade turnover with the EU has reached a substantial level of 5 billion USD. The primary component of this turnover, amounting to 4.5 billion USD, is attributed to imports from the EU. Consequently, we are committed to enhancing our trade relations with the EU, achieving a more balanced trade volume. In this regard, Committee is dedicated to facilitating business operations within the legal framework, thereby ensuring their enhanced access to the EU market”, - Chairman of Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee, Shota Berekashvili noted.