News of Belarus
Sept 19 2012

Ambassador: Belarus, Armenia should intensify trade

19.09.2012 17:19

MINSK, 19 September (BelTA) – Belarus and Armenia should step up
efforts to boost the bilateral trade, Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Armenia to Belarus Armen Khachatryan told reporters
on 19 September, BelTA has learnt.

The diplomat noted that the bilateral trade exceeded $25 million in
January-July 2012. Belarus’ export to Armenia was estimated at $21.7
million, up by 51.4% compared to the same period last year. Armenia’s
export to Belarus stood at $3.5 million, up by 61.6%. Belarus is
Armenia’s third biggest trading partner in the CIS following only
Russia and Ukraine.

`Although the bilateral trade has soared more than 1.5 times over the
last year, I am very unhappy about the figures, because Belarus and
Armenia have tremendous cooperation prospects and we should intensify
our efforts and create mutually beneficial terms, while businessmen
will always find necessary partners,’ the diplomat said.

The ambassador pointed that the two countries are investing much
effort in establishing cooperation in the manufacturing industry.
Belarus and Armenia have developed a substantial legal framework
consisting of over 60 interstate agreements and treaties.
Interregional cooperation is gaining momentum; cultural links are
expanding. The ambassador praised collaboration in foreign policy.

Armen Khachatryan believes that Belarus and Armenia should boost
cooperation in tourism. `I think Armenians will discover many
interesting things about Belarus and Belarusians about Armenia. We
need to find ways to make travels cheaper,’ the diplomat said.

`I am convinced that our cooperation will grow stronger across all the
areas of the bilateral agenda,’ the ambassador said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress