CONVEYANCE OF GOODS ONLY DETERRENT TO DEVELOPMENT OF ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN ECONOMIC COOPERATION
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Oct 12 2005
YEREVAN, October 12. /ARKA/. Conveyance of goods is the only deterrent
to the development of Armenian-Russian economic cooperation,
RA Minister of Defense, Co-Chairman of the Armenian-Russian
Intergovernmental Commission Serge Sargsyan stated at a
Russian-Armenian business forum that has been opened in Yerevan.
According to him, it is transportation expenses that constitute a
considerable part of the cost of goods. The Minister also expressed the
confidence that only a small part of the potential of Armenian-Russian
cooperation is being used. According to Sargsyan, Russian-Armenian
cooperation has been progressing over the last five years. A 30%
increase in Armenian-Russian trade turnover was recorded in the 1st
half of 2005. “We hope that we have found the right guidelines,
which will promote the trade turnover and investments,” Sargsyan
said. According to him, Armenian and Russian businessmen have mutual
confidence.
Sargsyan also pointed out that business seeks more favorable
conditions. He added that Armenia needs a favorable investment
environment. According to him, Armenia and Russian regions have
lately actively developed their relations. Specifically, Armenian
trade houses have been opened in a number of Russian regions. The
foundation of the House of Moscow has been laid in Yerevan, and the
foundation of the House of Saint Petersburg is to be laid next year.
“Direction ties will allow all potential for bilateral cooperation
to be used,” Sargsyan said. According to him, cultural relations have
played an important role.
Minister Sargsyan also pointed out that the Armenian side has for
a long time been dealing with the problem of the Port Caucasus-Poti
ferry service. According to the Russian side, the lack of commercial
cargoes from Armenia is an obstacle to the development of the ferry
service.