United Democrats Support Creation of Free Trade Zone

(Tbilisi. April 9, 2003. Civil Georgia) – At the meeting on April 8 the members of the opposition Parliamentary faction United Democrats expressed readiness to support the draft law considering creation of free trade zones in Georgia.

The Revival faction of the Parliament, backed by the leader of the Adjara Autonomous Republic Aslan Abashidze introduced the draft law on ?Special Economic Zones? (SEZ) that has been a subject of major dispute.

The initiative on free trade area was first discussed by the Parliament in 1997, but rejected following the strong objection of the central government.

Some observers say there was a political trade-off struck between the Revival faction and the United Democrats. The Revival supported a proposal to increase the minimal salary, in return of the United Democrats votes for the SEZ draft.

Related Story:
Adjara Hopes to Get a Special Economic Zone