YEREVAN—Armenia will try to increase its volume of exports to Russia in light of Moscow’s new ban on food imports from the west, Armenia’s Economy Minister Karen Chshmaritian said Thursday at a news conference, Arka news agency reports.
He added, however, that the Ministry finds it premature to assess the extent of the advantage that Russia’s trade restrictions will produce for Armenia.
Chshmaritian said that Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian held a special session and instructed the economy and agriculture ministries to provide support to entrepreneurs for increasing their exports to Russia.
The Russian government banned fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, milk and dairy imports from the United States, the European Union, Australia, Canada and Norway last week, RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun.org) reports. Russia thus retaliated against the countries that imposed sanctions on Moscow for its support of rebels in eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea. The ban took effect on August 7 and will last for one year.
Armenian Agriculture Minister Sergo Karapetian said the Russian move opened up new opportunities for Armenian farmers and food-processing companies. “That is an additional opportunity for us which we must use very quickly and occupy that [greater share in the Russian] market,” he told RFE/RL’s Armenian service.
“It’s an unlimited market for us … I think we can double export volumes by the end of this year,” the minister added, listing fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, canned food and soft drinks.
Wow, I’m wondering what our buddy Hratch aka Armenian are going to say regarding Armenia’s strategic relationship to Russia. First it was getting top notch world class military technology for free which is keeping Azerbaijan away, and now we could double our export of food which would be a vital injection of cash to the poverty stricken villages. That must be very painful for our anti Russian buddies.
Give those two clowns some time dear Gurgen, I’m sure they will rear their ugly heads into this article soon enough, and of course as always Asbarez fascists will throw out a red carpet for their comments while grossly censoring out opposing viewpoints and replies. Let the three ring circus start!!!
Once Azerbaidjan will enter the non-existing crappy Custom Union, which will be created only in Russia’s advantage, your beautifull and powerfull “ally”, who sells military technique to the azeri’s, will throw Armenia and Artsakh to the dogs. An ally does not have 2 faces. Try to develop as much as you like, truth to be told, if Russia does not want Armenia to develop, it won’t. Even if i don’t like it, Armenia is under Russia’s influence and will become an oblast eventually. Now you, russophilles, please praise your addoptive country ;)) have a good evening 🙂
Gurgen;
Why is it that you cannot see beyond the tip of your nose. The closer that Armenia allies itself to Russia, the greater the possibility that sanctions will be put on Armenia as well. If you have any clue as to what is going on here, you would know that both the E.U. and the U.S. have already cut back on their economic assistance, there are NGO’s that are already ending there work here and pulling their people out of the country. Are you living in the dark ages?
Russia has been considering repeal of their trade agreement with Georgia, our only land route to Russia. If that happens do you have any conception as to what will happen to prices or goods coming into and going out of Armenia? The only talk that we are aware of regarding maintaining or minimizing tariffs is with regard to food. There is hardly anything here that is not imported, most of which is from the west. Think a little about the economics and the disastrous ramifications that will probably be caused by signing the CU agreement.
Please explain, just what do you think Armenia has received for free? Everything that this country had, has been turned over to the Russians. We are a bankrupt country, we own nothing. We have no control over our, gas, electricity, water, or any other vital interests. We gave it all to the Russians. Yes, I know, we theoretically sold them, but it was in payment for services which the Armenian government couldn’t pay for. Even though we know the answer, the next discussion should be where has all a the money gone?
Gurgen, why don’t you get more detailed, explain the economic advantages and ramifications, pros and cons, about Armenia’s position. Tell me about your friends, the Russians, who are selling weapons to both sides. Tell me about your friends who are profiting on both ends. Please don’t come back and tell us that they are our “Saviors and Protectors”, their interest is in self protection and total control of the region.
For the past 20+ years the Armenian government has sold Armenia to the highest bidder. It’s time to get your head out of the sand and see the light.
Even before, Sargisyan made his 180 degree turn around, I was meeting with one of the Ministry’s, the details are not important, but the conclusion of the meeting is very enlightening. Their final response to me was; “If the Russians say we can do it, we will.” Tell me Gurgen, who is running this country?
I can go on and on, there is so much going on here that no one wants to see, understand, talk about or accept. Unfortunately; Hayastancinery herades chen. Our past three administrations have proven that innumerable times. Payc amen pan kiden!