ABOLITION OF ROAD TAX AIMED AT PROMOTING BUSINESS TIES WITH ARMENIA
By Christina Tashkevich

The Messenger, Georgia
April 26 2006

Georgian and Armenian ministers agree that their countries economic
potential remains unrealized.

Armenian-bound vehicles will soon no longer be required to pay an
entry tax at the border.

All types of transport entering Armenia from Georgia will no longer
have to pay a tax, the countries agreed.

Previously, owners of public and cargo vehicles needed to pay between
USD 200-280, while owners of other cars USD 18-20 to pass from Georgian
territory to Armenia.

The Minister of Economic Development Irakli Chogovadze and the Armenian
Minister of Transport Andranik Manukian signed an agreement Tuesday
abolishing this border tax dubbing it an “impulse” for business
development.

Manukian said that the Armenian government decided to abolish the tax
after Georgia abolished its taxes on transport entering its territory
from every country it borders starting in January 2006.

Minister Chogovadze noted Tuesday that all barriers which exist
for businesses should be eliminated, calling the road tax one such
barrier. “Everything that hinders business is bad, and the elimination
of these barriers will be an impulse for businesses,” he said.

Manukian added that transport communications contribute to the
development of business and the country’s overall economy. “Everyone
was eagerly awaiting this decision and such agreements always lead
to better things,” he said Tuesday.

The agreement will be enforced after the parliaments of both countries
ratify it.

Minister Chogovadze noted that the two countries have a great potential
for economic relations, much of which stands unrealized.

The development of Georgian-Armenian relations will be further
intensified after representatives from the two countries participate
in a business forum this June, Minister Chogovadze said.