Russia's consumer watchdog inspects Georgian wineries
By Sabina Idayatova
Experts of Russia's consumer watchdog Rospotrebnadzor have arrived
in Georgia and embarked on inspecting a quality laboratory in the
capital Tbilisi.
The head of the National Wine Agency Levan Davitashvili received the delegation.
Davitashvili told reporters that the working group consisting of six people has been divided into three groups and on Tuesday they also began to inspect wine producing facilities.
The experts have made no comment on their observations so far. In accordance with the standing agreement, the experts will make a statement upon their return to Moscow.
Davitashvili also said that during this visit the Russian experts will be unable to inspect all 80 companies which sought to return to the Russian market. They will inspect only 45 companies in Tbilisi and Kakheti.
Earlier, Georgia and Russia agreed to mull resumption of
supplies of Georgian wine and mineral water to the Russian market.
The issue was considered during a Moscow meeting between a Georgian
business delegation and Rospotrebnadzor. Following the meeting,
both sides stated that the embargo on Georgian products could be
lifted in spring.
Rospotrebnadzor banned the import of Georgian mineral water and
wine in spring 2006 following the aggravation of the
Georgian-Russian relations. In late 2012, Russia expressed
willingness to start negotiations on the resumption of Georgian
goods' supply.
It was planned that Rospotrebnadzor experts will conduct an inspection at the Georgian plants on February 11. The Russian side listed 31 companies it planned to inspect. However, Georgia sent the agreed list of plants and itinerary of the trip later than planned. Thus, the Russian experts' check-up was postponed.
Meanwhile, the Center for Russian-Georgian economic cooperation announced setting up the Georgian Wine Exporters Association on Feb.18. It will be tasked with the dissemination of reliable information on Georgian goods in Russia, as well as establishing contacts between Georgian producers and Russian companies and importers.
"There are a lot of factors hindering exports. Individuals and companies often spread incorrect information about Georgia, and, in particular, about contractors, producers, prices and terms of payment, Head of the Center of Economic Cooperation between Georgia and Russia, Georgiy Seturidze, said.
The Georgian Wine Exporters Association intends to work closely with both the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia and its member organizations, and with Rospotrebnadzor and influential Russian organizations defending the rights of consumers.