Car importers and dealers are starting a protest near the Rustavi car market.
Modern.az reports, citing local media, that they will protest the government's decision to ban the import of cars older than 6 years into Georgia.
The Georgian authorities link their decisions to environmental problems. The import of old cars will only be allowed for re-export purposes.
The protest action is planned to gather on Saturday at 15:00.
Lasha Darbaiseli, head of the Car Importers Association, called the protest a "complete shock" and a "complete disaster". The association estimates that at least 50% of car importers will leave the market as a result of the government's decision.
"This means unemployment and job losses. Not only for car importers, but also for those working in car repair shops and those importing spare parts... Where will these people go?", Darbaiseli said.
It should be recalled that the Rustavi car market is the largest market in this field in the Caucasus. Azerbaijani buyers usually acquire European, US, and Japanese cars from this market.
