Company-level Survey on Non-tariff Measures (NTMs) in Georgia and Armenia

PMCG is conducting a company-level survey on non-tariff measures (NTMs) in Georgia and Armenia. The project is being conducted in six countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine) and is organized by the ITC and the UN.

The purpose of this project is to assist Georgia and Armenia to better understand the obstacles hindering trade experienced by businesses when complying with NTMs. The pertinent company-level survey in two countries aims to identify the most prevalent obstacles to trade in businesses’ daily operations. Moreover, the survey covers trade in both goods and services.

NTMs have become a major impediment to international trade and market access, and are of particular concern to exporters and importers in developing countries. Moreover, NTMs or trade regulations influence exports and imports of both goods and services. Relatedly, exporting companies seeking access to foreign markets and importing companies alike need to comply with requirements and regulations that vary across products, countries, and sometimes partner companies.

Objectives of the Company-level Survey on Non-tariff Measures (NTMs) 

• Systematically capture the business perceptions on burdensome NTMs and related trade obstacles in great detail;
• Identify the key regulatory and procedural obstacles to trade (either domestic or foreign) facing businesses when exporting or importing goods; and
• Highlight those NTMs experienced by companies including clear impediments to their exporting or importing processes.

Components

PMCG is conducting the following activities to meet the project goals:

• Phone screen interviews to identify whether companies have experienced burdensome regulations related to trade in goods or services, and capturing pertinent information, including on the characteristics of the company;
• Face-to-face interviews to gather detailed information on the types of burdensome measures; and
• Obtaining raw data obtained through both of the aforementioned interview methods.

As a result of the project, a database containing details from the company-level survey on NTMs is being developed.

“The NTM survey in Georgia represents the first attempt to comprehensively study burdensome regulations and procedural obstacles encountered by exporters and importers of goods and services. The results of the study enable government officials, industry experts, and other stakeholders to understand challenges faced by Georgian businesses in international trade. The study also provides recommendations aimed at mitigating problems related to non-tariff trade barriers which will further boost the capacity of Georgian exporters and importers,” stated Tengiz Tsekvava, Team Leader of the project.