The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) and the Swedish Consumer Agency have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. The document was signed in Sweden, within the framework of an official study visit, by the Chairman of GCCA, Irakli Lekvinadze, and the Director General of the KOV, Lena Aronsson.
The MoU establishes a framework for enhanced institutional cooperation, with a particular focus on the exchange of experience, expertise, and best practices in the field of consumer protection.
The Chairman’s visit to Sweden is closely linked to GCCA’s forthcoming presidency of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network. The Agency will assume the presidency as of 1 July this year and is set to host a high-level international conference in September, bringing together representatives from more than 80 jurisdictions. ICPEN is a global network of consumer protection authorities dedicated to strengthening cross-border cooperation and ensuring the effective protection of consumer interests worldwide.
In parallel with the signing of the MoU, bilateral meetings were held during the study visit, focusing on the effective implementation of consumer protection policies, addressing current challenges, advancing the regulatory framework, and enhancing enforcement mechanisms. The parties also identified priority areas for future cooperation.
The discussions further covered key issues related to tackling unfair commercial practices. Particular attention was given to product safety supervision, the protection of consumer rights in the tourism and transport sectors, and the regulation of so-called “dark patterns” in the digital environment.
The Embassy of Georgia of Sweden played an active role in facilitating the meetings and supporting the Memorandum signing process.The delegation led by Irakli Lekvinadze included Sergo Sanikidze, Head of the Consumer Rights Protection Department, alongside department representatives Sandro Alapishvili and Nutsa Phutkaradze. The meetings were also attended by Ivliane Dzneladze, representing the Embassy of Georgia of Sweden.
