Irakli Lekvinadze, Chairman of the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency, presented the Agency's 2023 report to the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee of the Parliament of Georgia.
Irakli Lekvinadze addressed the committee in detail the activities implemented to strengthen competition policy and protect consumer rights, as well as the obtained results and challenges.
“In 2023, the Agency closed eight investigation cases that involved three cartel topics - fuel, pharmacy, and online ticket markets. Violations were found in all three cases. In two reinvestigations, recommendations were issued to state administrative bodies. In one case, unfair competition was confirmed, while in the other, abuse of a dominant position was not established.
From last year's monitoring, market assessment of the supply/offer of insurance products in the process of realization of banking products was highly relevant. The assessment revealed potential risks of competition restriction. As a result, six mandatory recommendations were provided to the regulator to enhance market transparency and competitiveness.
The effective control of company concentrations is continuing constantly. The implemented concentrations are monitored quarterly using data from the Public Registry, and in case of nonnotification, appropriate proceedings are initiated. In 2023, we approved nine concentrations“.
According to him, in 2023, the first case in the direction of dumping has been revealed. After the study began, the importer made price adjustments that were deemed fair by the local industry, leading to the termination of the investigation.
“Consumer protection measures are active and functioning effectively. Several significant standards have been established. Consumers received direct benefits of up to 500,000 GEL. Eleven traders were fined," stated Irakli Lekvinadze during the committee hearing.
