The contract, signed between SICPA Security Solutions Georgia and the state on labeling of non-alcohol drinks, is extended until the end of 2021.
According to Giorgi Jikia, head of SICPA Security Solutions Georgia, the contract was extended because the government failed to meet its obligations.
Under the contract, SICPA has to carry out more than a billion marking per year, which has not fulfilled. So, SICPA was unable to receive the fees provided in the contract.
Another important fact is the state had to pay 5 euros to SICPA for marking per 1000 units, although today it pays much less. This is confirmed by the head of SICPA.
"The state pays little. They pay 5-7 thousand GEL per month, which amounts to 60-70 thousand GEL per year,” said Jikia.
The private sector notes that instead of 5 EUR, the state pays 10 GEL for marking of 1000 units, which is half of the amount provided in the contract. The private sector also says that marking can be made 10 times cheaper than the state pays for it today and the business advises the government to announce a transparent tender.
