Foreign traders are posing an increasing challenge to Georgia’s auto import sector, according to Elguja Jamagidze, director of Roban Motors, who called on the government to introduce regulations to protect local dealers.
Jamagidze said foreign citizens are actively operating businesses in Georgia through various legal arrangements and claimed plans are underway to open a “Dubai-style” car marketplace, which he believes would further weaken the position of Georgian businesses.
He also argued that traders from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have largely replaced Georgian dealers in the re-export market. Jamagidze urged the authorities, including the newly appointed head of the Revenue Service, to meet with industry representatives and address their concerns.
The executive said regulatory action is needed to ensure Georgian businesses remain competitive, warning that without government support, local auto dealers could continue losing market share to foreign operators.
