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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
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