Suspension Of Free Trade With Georgia By Russia Not Tragedy, PM's Special Rep Says

Tbilisi, Georgia, July 31



By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:



The suspension of the free trade agreement with Georgia by Russia is not a tragedy for Georgia, Georgian Prime Minister's Special Representative for Relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze told reporters on July 31.



Russian Ministry of Economic Development earlier worked out a draft government resolution to suspend the free trade agreement signed between Russia and Georgia on February 3, 1994.



The suspension of the agreement has been agreed with Russia's Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Economic Development and Ministry of Justice, according to the draft resolution.



Abashidze said that Russia will impose duties on the import of Georgian products in response to the signing of the association agreement between Georgia and EU.



He stressed that apparently, Russia takes these measures to protect its market.



Georgian parliament ratified the association agreement with EU on July 18 and most of the provisions of this agreement, including the section on the deep and comprehensive free trade area (DCFTA) will enter into force on September 1.



Edited by CN