Issue 1, 2013 February-March - Investor.ge

AmCham Georgia has been hard atwork in 2013, working within its committeesand cooperating with the newgovernment to introduce policy changesthat will improve conditions for businessesand investors.Plans for a new labor code, change tothe tax laws, and a new anti-monopolylaw have created new opportunities forAmCham to work for pro-business lawsand better policy.The Chamber, through its CommercialLaw and Tax Committee (CLT), hasbeen actively following the developmentof a new anti-trust draft law. Boardmember Ketti Kvartskhava, a partnerat BLC, has analyzed the proposed lawand,AmCham has been working withmembers to craft suggestions for theauthor of the law on how to improve thecurrent version.In addition, the CLT Committeehas been working with the head of theRevenue Service, Lasha Khutsishvili,on issues related to charging VAT; themediation program; the timing of interestdeductions; the Alternative Tax Audit;production losses; and several otherissues of major concern to the businesscommunity. The committee also agreedto raise issues regarding tax free reorganizationwith the Revenue Service.A review of the meeting with the Headof the Revenue Service was sent to allmembers. To learn more, or to participatein the discussion, please contact theAmCham office.Board member Robin McCone,PWC, has also been working with theCLT Committee to analyze and commenton proposed amendments to thetax code regarding tax-free corporatere-organization (a big issue for lawyersand accountants, and their clients) andreforming the administrative appealsprocess for tax cases.Additionally, committee membershave discussed issues and statementsmade by the Coalition for a Transparentand Independent Judiciary (of whichAmCham is a member), including thelaw on common courts, jury trials incorruption cases, and issues concerningpolitical prisoners.The Chamber has also been activelyworking with the Ministry of Justice asit prepares a new draft labor code. Withassistance from AmCham’s Labor Committee–especially Board member LashaGogiberidze – the Chamber has been ableto engage the ministry in a productivedialogue, cooperating to amend proposedchanges that could harm Georgia’s businessclimate.AmCham, along with other businessassociations, has been proactive aboutmaking suggestions and discussingpotential problems with the ministry.The government has been extremelyreceptive to suggestions from the businesscommunity and the Chamber looksforward to continuing to work with theministry, through its Labor Committeeand other venues, to produce a progressiveand effective new labor code. Formore information, or to participate inthe process, please contact Kote Koridze,k.koridze@amcham.ge.