Civilnet
By Alexander Pracht
A group of Armenian alcohol producers appealed to domestic and international bodies, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), to urgently address what they describe as a growing crisis in the transit of goods through Georgia, according to a statement published Tuesday by the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia (UMBA).
“Over the past several weeks, the UMBA has received numerous complaints from exporters and freight operators of alcoholic beverages about mounting delays and unexplained obstacles at the Armenian-Georgian border,” the union said in a press release. “Georgian authorities are unjustifiably hindering the transit of Armenian alcoholic products to third countries without offering clear explanations.”
According to the joint appeal signed by eleven companies, dozens of Armenian trucks have been rerouted to the Gezi terminal in Georgia over the past month. There, customs seals have been broken without justification, product samples taken without documentation, and lab test results withheld for weeks, effectively blocking the delivery of goods to foreign buyers.
The companies argue these actions violate international trade rules and WTO standards, warning that the disruption could lead to loss of markets and stall the growth of Armenia’s alcohol industry.
“We call on international organizations and our foreign partners to urge the Georgian government to end this arbitrary blockade and lift restrictions that are obstructing the lawful transit of goods through its territory,” the statement said.
The appeal was sent to Armenia’s National Assembly, the Ministries of Economy and Foreign Affairs, as well as to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the United Nations, the Eurasian Development Bank, the WTO, and the Russian Embassy in Armenia.
Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan addressed the issue on Tuesday, saying a preliminary solution package is expected to be discussed during a visit to Armenia by the Georgian Agriculture Minister later this week.
“We have to find a solution, because the current situation poses a serious threat to our winemakers and brandy producers,” Papoyan told reporters. He added that he plans to hold multiple meetings during the Georgian minister’s visit and stressed, “We will not leave the room until a solution is found.”
When asked for specifics about the Georgian side’s actions, Papoyan declined to elaborate, citing the sensitivity of ongoing negotiations.
Reports of spontaneous inspections and prolonged delays of Armenian trucks carrying alcohol through Georgia into Russia and the Baltics have been circulating for nearly two months, with Armenian exporters saying the uncertainty has caused them significant financial losses.
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