On 16 September, within the framework of the High-Level Conference of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN), held in Tbilisi, the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) signed memoranda of understanding with the competent authorities of Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, South Africa, and Latvia. The memoranda establish a framework for deeper cooperation between the respective institutions and for the exchange of experience and best practice in the field of consumer rights protection, with a view to strengthening capacities for the early identification of consumer needs, the exchange of information, and coordinated responses.
The Memorandum of Understanding with the Directorate-General for Consumer Protection, Commerce and Services (DGC) of Portugal was signed by the Chairman of the GCCA, Irakli Lekvinadze, and the Director-General of the DGC, Jorge Seguro Sanches.
The Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs of Spain was signed by the Chairman of the GCCA, Mr. Irakli Lekvinadze, and the Minister of Consumer Affairs of Spain, Pablo Bustinduy Amador.
The Memorandum of Understanding with the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority of Estonia was signed by the Chairman of the GCCA, Irakli Lekvinadze, and the Director-General of the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority, Kristi Talving.
The Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye was signed by the Chairman of the GCCA, Irakli Lekvinadze, and the Director-General of Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance of the Ministry of Trade, Avni Dilber.
The Memorandum of Understanding with the National Consumer Commission of South Africa was signed by the Chairman of the GCCA, Irakli Lekvinadze, and the Acting Commissioner of the National Consumer Commission of South Africa, Mr. Hardin Ratshisusu.
The Memorandum of Understanding with the Consumer Rights Protection Center of Latvia was signed by the Chairman of the GCCA, Irakli Lekvinadze, and the Director of the Consumer Rights Protection Center, Zaiga Liepiņa.
Alongside the signing of the memoranda, the parties held discussions on the effective implementation of consumer protection policy, the challenges currently faced, the development of the regulatory framework, and the improvement of enforcement mechanisms. The meetings also served to identify priority areas for future cooperation.
