Irakli Lekvinadze, Chairman of the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA), participated in the Tbilisi Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (Tbilisi RFSD).
As part of the forum's session titled “Labour Market Development and Consumer Rights Protection”, Irakli Lekvinadze delivered a presentation on the reforms undertaken in the area of consumer protection in Georgia, highlighting key achievements as well as current challenges and priorities.
“The Tbilisi Forum, held under the theme „The Role of Peace in Sustainable Socio-Economic Development“, serves as an effective platform for the exchange of ideas, modern approaches, and best practices, as well as for fostering cooperation among cities”- Irakli Lekvinadze stated.
He underscored the significance of the Law of Georgia on the Protection of Consumer Rights, adopted by the Parliament of Georgia in 2022, emphasizing its transformative impact on market practices. According to him, during this period, the Agency adopted a number of significant decisions and established operational standards aimed at enhancing trader conduct in the marketplace and reinforcing the legal protection afforded to consumers.
“Today, consumers are increasingly aware of their rights and more confident in seeking redress when necessary - a trend clearly reflected in a 45% rise in consumer complaints submitted during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
In 2024, the Agency approved 10 operational standards, focusing on key priorities such as regulating discount practices, enhancing consumer awareness, ensuring price transparency in food service establishments, guaranteeing the provision of services in the Georgian language, and strengthening other critical aspects of consumer protection. The Agency maintains active cooperation with the business community, as well as with public and non-governmental organizations. Our primary objective is the timely detection and elimination of unfair commercial practices. Consumer rights must be protected and guaranteed in line with international standards“ - Irakli Lekvinadze stated.
The forum was officially opened by the Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, and featured remarks by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze; the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili; First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Levan Davitashvili; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Bochorishvili.
The event brought together members of the Government of Georgia, mayors and municipal council representatives, alongside local and international experts, members of the business community, academia, and the diplomatic corps.
