New Year has a bad start for Armenian tradesmen

PanARMENIAN.Net - In response to the indignation of local businessmen, customs authorities said they are not to blame for the rise in prices.

“Actually, Turkish Ministry of Transport and Communications hardened control over vehicle transportation to Armenia, with Georgian authorities having imposed transit payment. 34% increase of fuel cost starting 2011 aggravated the situation further,” RailVneshTrans manager for vehicle transportation, Ashot Mirakyan explained in a conversation with PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

“Also, 5-8% increase in Russia-Armenia transportation tariffs is under way,” he added. “Situation with China-Armenia transportation remains stable, cargo being transported in containers.”

The State Revenue Committee said it’s not responsible for the transportation tariffs.

As to the new tax legislation of Georgia, according to which customs offices will charge 18% VAT for all cargos with Import mark, the Committee said cargo with Export or Transit mark are tax exempt. However, if a part of cargo is for import, while a part of it is for export, the cargo is considered to be an imported one, thus, a tax will be charged for it.

Meanwhile, Yerevan city administration has banned street trade. According to the statement issued by the Mayor’s Office, the ban aims to protect customers from low-quality products that can cause poisoning.

“The trade in unsanitary conditions arouses justified discontent of the residents, whose complaints to the Mayor’s Office grow more frequent,” the statement said.

The employees of Yerevan fairs have gone on strike to protest the double increase in daily tax from $4 to $8.

The problem persists: the Armenian authorities again failed to secure consistent implementation of programs aimed at improvement of living conditions of the population. Huge supermarkets oust street trade and small shops. Thus, creation of a civilized trade leaves a large number of breadwinners unemployed.