Letter from the Georgian National Competition Agency

N 02/2323 2323-01-2-202309011006 01/09/2023 Dear Ms. Kristi Talving, On behalf of the Georgian National Competition Agency (GNCA), I would like to express our respect to you and your agency. We value the significance of enhancing collaboration and exchanging experience between our agencies. Such cooperation is crucial in achieving our common goals and objectives. We are excited to inform you that Georgia has taken a significant step towards protecting consumer rights. In particular, On 29 March 2022, the Parliament of Georgia adopted the Law of Georgia "on the Protection of Consumer Rights". The law was prepared in line with the requirements of the Association Agreement between Georgia and the European Union. To implement the law, from 1 August 2022, the Consumer Rights Protection Department started operating within the GNCA system, an independent legal entity of public law responsible for implementing competition and consumer rights protection policy in Georgia. Since establishing the Consumer Rights Protection Department, the GNCA has not only been actively enforcing consumer rights but has also engaged in various initiatives to implement the law and raise awareness among the business sector and consumers. These efforts have included drafting the Rules and Procedure for Case Investigation, organizing the International Consumer Rights Protection Week, conducting meetings with stakeholders and international partners, and working closely with national regulatory bodies. While acknowledging the importance of sharing international experience and best practices to enhance the GNCA's capacity, our primary focus is creating an enabling environment for consumer protection. At this stage, the National Competition Agency of Georgia plans to apply for the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) membership. We understand that ICPEN provides a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, and collaborating with international counterparts. By actively participating in ICPEN, we seek to leverage global expertise to strengthen our consumer protection mechanisms and develop robust strategies tailored to the specific needs of Georgian consumers. ICPEN recommended contacting member states to assist the Georgian National Competition Agency to become at first partner and then member of the ICPEN. According to Article 7 (b) of the Memorandum on the Establishment and Operation of ICPEN, organizations can be considered for Partnership status once at least five member organizations nominate them. As such, we kindly request your organization to be one of the five members who would recommend us for membership in ICPEN. Your support in this endeavour would be greatly appreciated, as it signifies a strong commitment to consumer protection and enhances collaboration among our agencies. By joining ICPEN, we can collectively work towards protecting consumer rights on a global scale. We remain hopeful that with your help, the GNCA will soon become a valuable member of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network. If you require any additional information or have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to the possibility of partnering with your esteemed organization and contributing to the mission of ICPEN. Thank you for considering our request. Sincerely, Irakli Lekvinadze Chairman Georgian National Competition Agency Saatja: Sergo Sanikidze <[email protected]> Saadetud: 01.09.2023 14:27 Adressaat: <[email protected]>; TTJA <[email protected]>; Anu Võlma <[email protected]> Koopia: Irakli Lekvinadze <[email protected]>; Lile Meskhi <[email protected]> Teema: Letter from the Georgian National Competition Agency Manused: image001.jpg; Estonia.pdf Hello, I hope this email finds you well. I'm reaching out on behalf of the Georgian National Competition Agency (GNCA). Attached, please find a letter from Mr. Irakli Lekvinadze, Chairman of the GNCA. Could you kindly confirm once you've received it? Thank you. Sincerely, Sergo Sanikidze Head of Consumer Rights Protection Department Phone: +995 555400106 Email: [email protected] Address: 154 Aghmashenebeli Str., Tbilisi, Georgia Website: www.gnca.gov.ge