Study of Economic Relations Between Georgia and Armenia

At first glance it may seem that trade between the Georgian region of Samtskhe-Javakheti and the neighboring Armenian region of Shirak should provide a natural basis for development in both regions. However, the main border crossing point in Samtskhe Javakheti is under-utilized and trade is not creating stimulation for growth in either region.

The research, funded by UNDP and carried out by CRRC, focuses on the challenges of cross-border economic cooperation development between Samtskhe Javakheti and Shirak. It addresses the following questions: why is so little trade taking place over the main Ninotsminda checkpoint? What legislative and procedural changes could make this trade easier? Particularly, in light of the large changes in physical infrastructure, legislation and development, in what areas are opportunities likely to open up for cooperation in the future?

The report highlights some of the prospects for cross-border trade development which are embedded in the strong cultural connections between the two regions, seasonal differences and the quality of harvest. Thus, better customs procedures and transport infrastructure should create considerable opportunities for improvements in trade in the future. Recommendations concern both the physical condition of the checkpoints as well as the logistics.

One of the main limitations of the research is its focus only on the Georgian side of the border. In order to identify the areas for the development of cross-border trade, clear understanding of the differences in the two markets is necessary. Thus, a similar study of the market in Shirak could make the results far more powerful.

See the full report here!

Snapshot: Border Crossing Armenia-Georgia

Earlier this morning some observations that in themselves can almost serve as indicators:

• Number of trucks waiting on Armenian customs, headed towards Georgia: 51
• Number of interlocutors who had any idea what the reason for the actual problem was: 0
• Number of types of uniforms worn by officials on the Armenian side: 5 (probably more)
• Number of officials, or people acting as officials, wearing no recognisable uniform on the Armenian side: 6 (likely more)

If you want to get a first class fake $20 bill, pay your $30 Armenian visa with a $50 banknote. I have now twice seen the friendly Armenian official returning a fake 20$ bill as change for the 50$ he received. Visually, the bill is almost perfect. The only significant difference is in its feel. (Recently, it was claimed that large-scale production of counterfeit currency can be traced to South Ossetia)