Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said the government does not yet know why Russia has temporarily restricted imports of products from several Georgian companies and will investigate the reasons behind the decision.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament, Papuashvili said the restrictions appear to target specific companies rather than Georgian wine and beverages as a whole. Russian media reports say the ban affects certain Georgian wines and non-alcoholic drinks, including Nabeghlavi mineral water.
“We have not heard any official explanation for the decision,” Papuashvili said, adding that the government hopes the restrictions could be reversed once their grounds are clarified. He noted that Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture could seek clarification from Russian authorities.
Addressing Georgia’s dependence on foreign export markets, Papuashvili said economic risks exist in Russia, the EU and other markets. He argued that Georgian businesses should be free to operate where they can achieve the greatest economic benefit, rather than being guided by political considerations.
“We must act in the interests of our people and economic actors. Georgian businesses should operate wherever they have the opportunity to make their business most profitable,” he said.
