H.E. Dimitry Kumsishvili, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Georgia met with producers and importers of tobacco in Georgia.

Discussions were related to the amendments suggested to the taxation system in Georgia for 2017.
It was noted at the meeting that most effective use of the available fiscal resources is important for the achievement of the aims and goals laid out in the Four Point Reform Agenda of the Government of Georgia (GOG). They include additional revenue collection from certain commodities, including tobacco through an increased excise tax rate.

It was also noted that tobacco is one of the largest imported commodity in Georgia. It leads to the annual outflow of over 100 MLN USD from Georgia. World Health Organization (WHO) and various studies indicate that almost 40% of the country’s population are smokers.

Parties expressed their opinions on the anticipated consequences of the tax initiative in the sector.