Mr. Sergo Gelashvili “Ponto Star” Company 28 June 2004 Conference

1. Role of the Private Sector in Supporting Implementation of Universal Salt Iodization Policy in Georgia Mr. Sergo Gelashvili “Ponto Star” Company 28 June 2004 Conference “ Enhancing Partnership for Elimination of Iodine Deficiency in Georgia’

2. 1st Working Day of the Conference - June 25 Salt Importer Companies “Ponto Star” “GEOSOL” (Jimmy 96) • 95% Share Imported Salt Supplies on Local Market

3. Key Recommendations and Discussions Points Legislation and Administrative Basis: - VAT Excemption Policy on Iodized Salt Determining factor contributing to remarkable increase of Iodized Salt import in Georgia • Recommendation for Adopting the Draft Law Banning import and sale of non-iodized salt other than in cases defined by the legislation

4. Key Recommendations and Discussions Points Quality Control at Customs and Sale Levels • Import/Sale – with no notable constraints, except for insignificant delays at customs clearance levels (1-2- days) • Quarterly quality control of salt supplies by State Standardization Department – No Constraints/observations • Noting that the interventions undertaken in 2004 in fight against “Smuggling” contributed to substantial reduction of market share and turnover of non-registered salt supplies with no relevant certification • Trade of iodized salt with proper quality certificate from official wholesale facilities notably increased

5. Key Recommendations and Discussions Points Private Sector’s Role in Universal Salt Iodization 1. Coordination 2. Information-education suppoet 3. Quality Control of Iodized Salt – System’s Transparency

6. Salt Importer Companies DECLARATION Committeemen to Universal Salt Iodization in Georgia

7. Declaration of Salt Importer Companies Acknowledging: • The alarming trends of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) in Georgia, having irreversible impact on health and development of the population and the future generation

8. Declaration of Salt Importer Companies Considering • The International Experience – Success Achieved in Prevention of Iodine Deficiency Disorders through Implementing Effective Policies for Universal Salt Iodization

9. Declaration of Salt Importer Companies Recognizing: • The Urgency of enhancing IDD Prevention Interventions among child and adult population in Georgia and the Importance of multi-sectoral partnership in this endeavor

10. Declaration of Salt Importer Companies Affirm our Commitment: • To supporting and ensuring active participation in interventions for Prevention of Iodine Deficiency Disorders and Promotion of Universal Salt Iodization in Georgia, through

11. Declaration of Salt Importer Companies • Partnership with Interagency Coordination Committee/Task Force • Involvement in design and implementation of Information-Education activities • Supporting Quality Control measures at Import, Wholesale & Retail levels

12. Declaration of Salt Importer Companies • Importing Only Iodized Salt Supplies to Georgia • Ensuring and protecting quality of imported Iodized Salt supplies, and • Mobilization other Private Sector Representatives for Universal Salt Iodization – advocacy among Food Producing companies for using iodized salt in food production