05.05.2017

Today, a discussion on the problems that exist in the customs sector was held in the scope of “Evidence-based Advocacy for Reforms” project.

“We know that a significant portion of the problems associated with business are related to customs sector, which are due to introduction of the value added tax on the border in 2004, from the problem of determining prices arose, and later we faced a lot of problems,” Mr. Karen Vardanyan, Executive Director of the Union of Information Technology Enterprises said in his opening speech.

Ms Diana Sarumova, President of European Business Association, noted that it is important for businesses to make clear and understandable some legislative provisions, for example, specify what changes have occurred in the field of dual-use goods. “We have had a number of meetings, where the problem of the lists was discussed. They are not transparent and clear. Also we have proposed, if a decision is taken and the item can be of dual use, to carry out expertize more quickly. Currently it takes about 25 days, we offered to do it in 3-5 days. In addition to reduce the costs as Georgia currently applies,” Ms Diana Sarumova, President of European Business Association said turning to SRC representatives.

Speaking about the project, Mr. Karen Zadoyan, President of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association said that it is pursuing several objectives. The priority is identifying corruption risks in public procurement system, taxation and customs sectors. In addition, the hindering problems that affect the entrepreneurs and businesses in the whole should be disclosed, which further would be solved on the institutional levels. “In the scope of the project we provide advice to small and medium businesses in the marzes, in Kapan, Gyumri, Vanadzor and Gavar, trying to raise the issues in this way as well,” ALA President said.

In terms of identifying the problems he considered the “BizProtect” Platform as a priority. “This platform provides a unique possibility to ensure the anonymity of business, present the corruption risks and problems. Businesses representatives need to spread it, so that it is really useful, and not be considered in the range of the platforms which closed after the project implementation. We have a serious purpose, to keep it operational, strengthen it and realize changes in the sector through the platform; that is, to make it a driving force,” Mr. Zadoyan stressed.

This Project is implemented in the framework of "Support to SME Development in Armenia" project, which is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.  It is implemented in the framework of GIZ ''Private Sector Development in South Caucasus'' Programme. "Support to SME Development in Armenia" project is a part of ''the EU for Business'' and ''the EU for Innovation'' initiatives of the European Union.

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