European Integration

Research Project on Trade with Europe- New Economic School-Georgia

DCFTA allows Georgian entrepreneurs to sell their products in the European market of 440 million customers without tariff barriers and quotas (with rare exceptions) and to offer high quality European products to Georgian consumers.

After the signing of the DCFTA, Georgia continued reforms to meet the requirements set out in the agreement. During this period, trade between the parties continued to develop, but not as fast as Georgian consumers or producers would be fully satisfied.

Although according to the Association Report, the DCFTA part of the agreement was assessed as 100%, it can be said that Georgia cannot fully use its benefits. Seven years after the signing of the DCFTA, although some growth in exports has been observed, no positive revolutionary changes have taken place with EU countries.

The study conducted by NESG aimed to identify the problems that prevent both exporters and importers from successfully operating in the European market. Identifying these bureaucratic or socio-cultural problems will help us to plan the precise activities in the future to encourage trade with Europe. Also, such a study allows to prepare the right recommendations for both entrepreneurs and government agencies, which will help the country achieve its goal of developing trade with Europe.

59 companies and business associations (International Chamber of Commerce, Georgian Farmers Association) participated in the study. They were sent questionnaires consisting of 75-75 questions to each exporter and importers.

The full version of the study can be found at the link below:

https://nes-g.org/ka/researchs-ge/2022-02-05-10-14-39#_Toc94960987