Georgian auto importers bringing vehicles from the European Union through Turkey are facing border restrictions, according to the Association of Auto Importers and Car Owners. Association head Aleksi Noniadze said the issue mainly affects dealers transporting cars from Bulgaria through Turkish territory.
Noniadze said many vehicles are currently being denied entry at the border, while some are allowed through only after additional fees are paid. The association is working with Georgia’s Foreign Ministry and embassy in Turkey, asking affected importers to provide specific cases and vehicle details to support official action.
He also warned that the sector faces broader challenges, including the possible loss of Georgia’s role as a regional automotive hub. Noniadze said finding new import and export markets could be a solution, but it requires significant financial resources and cooperation between businesses and the government.
According to Noniadze, China’s growing presence in the regional auto market could benefit from Georgia’s weakened position as a transit hub. He said Chinese companies are expanding into Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East, and stressed that state support is needed to protect Georgia’s strategic role in the automotive trade.
