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Exports from Armenia may slow down as Upper Lars highway remains clo

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  • Exports from Armenia may slow down as Upper Lars highway remains clo

    Exports from Armenia may slow down as Upper Lars highway remains
    closed - opinions

    18:03 * 22.08.14


    With Russia being the main destination for Armenian exports, the
    blocked Upper Lars highway, which serves as the only transport route
    between the two countries, may affect our export volumes, says an
    economist.

    "As we are not given a chance to find more modern and higher-level
    partners, I think we must at least strengthen the already established
    relations," Vardan Bostanjyan told Tert.am.

    The economist attributed the situation of Armenia to what he
    sentimentally described as a "bad lack", warning in the meantime
    against sticking to the concept. "Let us, of course, refrain from
    applying that approach and admit that these are our conditions. It's
    another matter that those in government do not quite understand the
    things and fail to take any possible measures," he added.

    Artak Zakaryan, the chairman of the National Assembly's Standing
    Committee on Foreign Relations, said the highway's suspension caused
    by a recent landslide is very likely to produce its negative economic
    impact.

    "The route is of course very important to us, and Georgia is a key
    country in terms of our cargo transportation and telecommunication. It
    is our ally and friend; hence thpre complications caused by disasters
    and slides may create certain obstacles for the economy," he noteed.

    Speaking to Tert.am, the head of the Economy Ministry's Department of
    Trade and Market Regulations, Gagik Kocharyan, pointed out to specific
    figures reflecting the impact of the highway's suspension earlier this
    year.

    He said the export growth, which was 1.4% in the first two quarters of
    this year, could have been much higher if not the landslide (which
    caused the highways suspension in mid-May).

    Kocharyan said the export of drinks is 10% down compared to the same
    period of last year, adding that the country has also transported less
    fruits and vegetables to Russia over the past period.

    "So our export volumes will not grow as much as we had predicted - 10
    to15 percent- but the month's closedown did really have its impact on
    our exports," he noted.

    As for the imports, the official said he doesn't expect a shortage of
    goods in Armenia.

    Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan said at a press conference
    earlier today that exporting companies have not suspended their
    operation due to the highway's closedown.

    "When the highway was closed back in May, we had quite a lot of
    problems over that period, It is a very important route for us," he
    told reporters, expressing hope that the highway would be trafficable
    in about 10-12 days.

    "We have discussed the issue also with the Georgian prime minister,
    and we are hopeful that the highway will remain closed for just so
    many days," the minister added.


    Armenian News - Tert.am




    From: A. Papazian
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