10 Business Associations operating in Georgia appeal the Prime Minister with 7 requests. Business Associations released the statement in response to the current COVID-restrictions, saying that the restrictions must be eased gradually by sectors.
In addition to that, representatives of the private sector offer the government to be active in the vaccination process and say that they are ready for cooperation.
A copy of the statement will be sent to the Interagency Coordinating Council.
The statement of 10 Business Associations reads:
“We consider taking further bold steps today in order to save the country from the severe economic and social crisis. Every week is important for economic opening and over 200,000 people must return their jobs gradually. For this we definitely consider:
1.Delay of the "curfew" by 2 hours. Namely, the restriction must take effect from 23:00 instead of 21:00. This will significantly reduce the pressure on public transport during the peak hours and also, will give a tangible economic result to the business sector.
2.Removal of restrictions on the weekends, which are already allowed to work on weekdays.
This issue is especially critical for the retail sector, which generates 40% of its turnover on weekends.
3.Development of anti-crisis packages for various sectors, which will actually allow individual sectors to be operated promptly. For example, giving some privileges to the shopping malls in terms of property tax breaks in 2021.
4.From February 22, the restaurant/catering business will be allowed to work indoor spaces with the relevant strict regulations, on which the representatives of the industry have developed specific proposals.
5.Opening of mountain resorts from February 22. Despite the winter season is over, hotels and locals will be able to generate minimal incomes to avoid complete collapse and bankruptcy.
6.The Business Ombudsman of Georgia should be elected and appointed in direct consultation with the business sector. In this regard, we are ready to participate in the development of the relevant model, which also means financing the activities of the ombudsman's office by the business sector.
7.Due to high social responsibility, we are ready to assist the government in the vaccine shipment and engage in the vaccination process by raising the financial resources and using relevant business contacts.
