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Belarus Ambassador: Membership in EEU gives incentives to Armenia and Belarus
19:57, 08.01.2015
Armenian News-NEWS.am presents an interview with Belarus Ambassador to
Armenia H.E. Stepan Sukhorenko.
How do you assess the level of bilateral relations?
Relations between the states, in political and economic terms, have
been developing steadily over the recent years. In political terms,
there are no problems at all, firstly, we entered a single union of
the CIS, and secondly we are members of the military-political
organization, the CSTO, and finally from January 1 we entered the
common customs area, a single Eurasian Economic Union. At the
international platforms , our positions coincide completely or are
very close. The same is about trade and economy. There has been
recently a certain deceleration, but the reason is clear: the economic
crisis continues, and it is unclear when it will end. Armenia and
Belarus have open economies, and the crisis has a negative impact on
purchasing power of the population. We are exporting to Armenia a wide
range of goods, including heavy equipment, agricultural equipment,
buses, tractors, light industry products. We have also increased the
exports of meat and dairy products, as well as high quality vodka.
Armenian brandy, juices are known in Belarus. We are also importing
jams. I am pleased to note that there are no serious obstacles to the
development of relations. Joining the Eurasian Union is an additional
impetus for economic development. There will be certain barriers for
the competitors, and additional incentives for the participants of the
common market. We expect significant growth in turnover dynamics.
What is the extent of trade turnover volume?
The trade turnover volume has increased 16 times over ten years. In
2012 the trade turnover was close to $50 million. Now it is a little
lower for the reasons I have named. We believe it is temporary
reduction, and plan to reach positive dynamics in the near future.
Does the tourist flow correspond to relations between the two countries?
It is not corresponding, but is even lower than it is acceptable. We
have studied Armenia's potential in this sector, and it is very
interesting. There is some data, according to which Armenia is number
one in terms of historic monuments per capita in Europe. Armenian
authorities are trying to make the country more available to tourists.
In the time of developed communication, I do not think that
geographical remoteness of Belarus and Armenia are an insurmountable
obstacle - just three-hour flight. Many Belarusians are traveling to
Australia, Southeast Asia, Thailand. Armenia can present rich history,
given that the country had adopted Christianity long before Kievan
Rus. I am lucky to work in Armenia, now it is the seventh year of my
mission, and I have traveled around the country. Serious work is
needed to promote the historical heritage of the country. They are not
coming, because it is far away or too expensive. They simply do not
know.
Is there any data on the number of Armenians visiting Armenia?
There used to be one Yerevan-Minsk flight per week, then twice a week.
Now we have three flights a week, and plan to open the fourth one.
Passenger flow is very large. There is also a strong Armenian
community in Belarus. We expect that business activeness between our
countries will intensify with the accession to Eurasian Economic
Union.
What can be attractive in Armenia for Belorussian entrepreneurs?
Armenia and Belarus have complementary economies. Our products do not
pose competition to each other, something that is produced in Armenia,
is not produced in Belarus and vice versa. But we believe that in the
new environment, after joining the Eurasian Union and opening a huge
170- millionth market, our potential can be used effectively. I can
name jewelry sector as one of the breakthrough directions. Relevant
work is already under way, there is a certain result. First of all we
are interested in the creation of joint ventures with high added
value. We are also interested in high technology.
In October, a meeting of the Armenian-Belarusian intergovernmental
commission was held, and we discussed the export of the goods produced
by joint Armenian-Belarusian ventures to foreign markets, especially
taking into account Armenia's membership in WTO and the ensuing
preferences. Armenia can supply about 9,000 items of goods to the
European market on preferential terms. We have no such preferences.
This is also a promising area of cooperation. Given the fact that the
Armenian government is implementing a program of modernization of
agriculture, equipment manufactured in Belarus, in all respects -
cost, ease of maintenance, quality - is the most acceptable for
Armenian farmers. We can supply the finished product, but there is a
better option. We are opening a series of assembly plants. As a
result, the unit cost of the product will decrease by 20-30%. There
are many areas of cooperation, especially because there is accumulated
experience of cooperation.
What about cooperation in the defense sector and within CSTO? Are
there any problems? How viable is the organization?
After the collapse of the USSR and creation of the CIS, in the light
of current challenges, there is a need in a military and political
union. This union is the Collective Security Treaty Organization. For
small states like Belarus and Armenia, it is an extremely important
organization, because the CSTO Charter includes, for example,
protection in the face of external aggression. Practice has shown that
both Armenia and Belarus are the most active and consistent members of
the organization. To date, the CSTO has established itself as a
serious organizations not only in the former Soviet space. This is an
authoritative organization in the international arena. As far as I
know, there were negotiations with NATO for cooperation in certain
areas. First of all, it refers to the fight against international
terrorism. The Alliance did not came forward. It is their right. We,
the CSTO, are capable of defending ourselves.
What did you manage to see in Armenia?
Quite a lot, I have traveled from east to west, from north to south. I
saw monuments, attended the opening of Wings of Tatev aerial tramway,
went to Areni cave where ancient shoe was found and traveled to the
south. The country is small, but there is great variety in every
region. For exampl,e a journey from Sevan to Dilijan: you leave the
tunnel and enter another country -- the Armenian "Switzerland".
Wherever you go, you will not be bored. And everywhere you can feel
the breath of antiquity.
What is your favorite dish from Armenian cuisine?
The most important thing is that Armenians do love serving food.
Unless I came to Armenia, I would not have known the taste of real
barbecue. Especially prepared in tonir [Armenian-style underground
oven] . Interesting dish is ishly kyufta. And, of course, fish cooked
over a campfire on the shore of Lake Sevan. The dishes are not
something new, but they are prepared with the national style that
gives a special flavor.
Your wishes to the people of Armenia and Belarus.
Taking into account the current conditions, I would like to wish
Armenia a peaceful sky. To all Armenians, all people around the world.
I wish Armenia could be prosperous, you really deserve this.
Mariam Levina
http://news.am/eng/news/244833.html
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
19:57, 08.01.2015
Armenian News-NEWS.am presents an interview with Belarus Ambassador to
Armenia H.E. Stepan Sukhorenko.
How do you assess the level of bilateral relations?
Relations between the states, in political and economic terms, have
been developing steadily over the recent years. In political terms,
there are no problems at all, firstly, we entered a single union of
the CIS, and secondly we are members of the military-political
organization, the CSTO, and finally from January 1 we entered the
common customs area, a single Eurasian Economic Union. At the
international platforms , our positions coincide completely or are
very close. The same is about trade and economy. There has been
recently a certain deceleration, but the reason is clear: the economic
crisis continues, and it is unclear when it will end. Armenia and
Belarus have open economies, and the crisis has a negative impact on
purchasing power of the population. We are exporting to Armenia a wide
range of goods, including heavy equipment, agricultural equipment,
buses, tractors, light industry products. We have also increased the
exports of meat and dairy products, as well as high quality vodka.
Armenian brandy, juices are known in Belarus. We are also importing
jams. I am pleased to note that there are no serious obstacles to the
development of relations. Joining the Eurasian Union is an additional
impetus for economic development. There will be certain barriers for
the competitors, and additional incentives for the participants of the
common market. We expect significant growth in turnover dynamics.
What is the extent of trade turnover volume?
The trade turnover volume has increased 16 times over ten years. In
2012 the trade turnover was close to $50 million. Now it is a little
lower for the reasons I have named. We believe it is temporary
reduction, and plan to reach positive dynamics in the near future.
Does the tourist flow correspond to relations between the two countries?
It is not corresponding, but is even lower than it is acceptable. We
have studied Armenia's potential in this sector, and it is very
interesting. There is some data, according to which Armenia is number
one in terms of historic monuments per capita in Europe. Armenian
authorities are trying to make the country more available to tourists.
In the time of developed communication, I do not think that
geographical remoteness of Belarus and Armenia are an insurmountable
obstacle - just three-hour flight. Many Belarusians are traveling to
Australia, Southeast Asia, Thailand. Armenia can present rich history,
given that the country had adopted Christianity long before Kievan
Rus. I am lucky to work in Armenia, now it is the seventh year of my
mission, and I have traveled around the country. Serious work is
needed to promote the historical heritage of the country. They are not
coming, because it is far away or too expensive. They simply do not
know.
Is there any data on the number of Armenians visiting Armenia?
There used to be one Yerevan-Minsk flight per week, then twice a week.
Now we have three flights a week, and plan to open the fourth one.
Passenger flow is very large. There is also a strong Armenian
community in Belarus. We expect that business activeness between our
countries will intensify with the accession to Eurasian Economic
Union.
What can be attractive in Armenia for Belorussian entrepreneurs?
Armenia and Belarus have complementary economies. Our products do not
pose competition to each other, something that is produced in Armenia,
is not produced in Belarus and vice versa. But we believe that in the
new environment, after joining the Eurasian Union and opening a huge
170- millionth market, our potential can be used effectively. I can
name jewelry sector as one of the breakthrough directions. Relevant
work is already under way, there is a certain result. First of all we
are interested in the creation of joint ventures with high added
value. We are also interested in high technology.
In October, a meeting of the Armenian-Belarusian intergovernmental
commission was held, and we discussed the export of the goods produced
by joint Armenian-Belarusian ventures to foreign markets, especially
taking into account Armenia's membership in WTO and the ensuing
preferences. Armenia can supply about 9,000 items of goods to the
European market on preferential terms. We have no such preferences.
This is also a promising area of cooperation. Given the fact that the
Armenian government is implementing a program of modernization of
agriculture, equipment manufactured in Belarus, in all respects -
cost, ease of maintenance, quality - is the most acceptable for
Armenian farmers. We can supply the finished product, but there is a
better option. We are opening a series of assembly plants. As a
result, the unit cost of the product will decrease by 20-30%. There
are many areas of cooperation, especially because there is accumulated
experience of cooperation.
What about cooperation in the defense sector and within CSTO? Are
there any problems? How viable is the organization?
After the collapse of the USSR and creation of the CIS, in the light
of current challenges, there is a need in a military and political
union. This union is the Collective Security Treaty Organization. For
small states like Belarus and Armenia, it is an extremely important
organization, because the CSTO Charter includes, for example,
protection in the face of external aggression. Practice has shown that
both Armenia and Belarus are the most active and consistent members of
the organization. To date, the CSTO has established itself as a
serious organizations not only in the former Soviet space. This is an
authoritative organization in the international arena. As far as I
know, there were negotiations with NATO for cooperation in certain
areas. First of all, it refers to the fight against international
terrorism. The Alliance did not came forward. It is their right. We,
the CSTO, are capable of defending ourselves.
What did you manage to see in Armenia?
Quite a lot, I have traveled from east to west, from north to south. I
saw monuments, attended the opening of Wings of Tatev aerial tramway,
went to Areni cave where ancient shoe was found and traveled to the
south. The country is small, but there is great variety in every
region. For exampl,e a journey from Sevan to Dilijan: you leave the
tunnel and enter another country -- the Armenian "Switzerland".
Wherever you go, you will not be bored. And everywhere you can feel
the breath of antiquity.
What is your favorite dish from Armenian cuisine?
The most important thing is that Armenians do love serving food.
Unless I came to Armenia, I would not have known the taste of real
barbecue. Especially prepared in tonir [Armenian-style underground
oven] . Interesting dish is ishly kyufta. And, of course, fish cooked
over a campfire on the shore of Lake Sevan. The dishes are not
something new, but they are prepared with the national style that
gives a special flavor.
Your wishes to the people of Armenia and Belarus.
Taking into account the current conditions, I would like to wish
Armenia a peaceful sky. To all Armenians, all people around the world.
I wish Armenia could be prosperous, you really deserve this.
Mariam Levina
http://news.am/eng/news/244833.html
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress