Russia is preparing Armenia for an economic breakthrough through transport deblockade
In Armenia, it is well regulated that limited economic growth is held back by a transport blockade. Alexey Overchuk, Deputy Chairman of the Commission of the Russian Federation, stated this in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta (RG), published today, September 30.
“Today we are one step away from its removal,” Overchuk said.
The Russian Deputy Prime Minister recalled that the growth of mutual trade and common integration achievements are taking place under the conditions of a long-term transport blockade of Armenia. Therefore, the prospects for overcoming communicative isolation, unblocking economic and commercial ties in industry, will contribute to the development of Armenia and the entire region of the South Caucasus and the capture of countries, including Russia.
“I have already spoken about this: according to well-known estimates, the inflow of Russian investments (into Armenia) can reach five billion dollars. These are primarily projects in the field of energy, transport and logistics, as well as mining and processing industries. Around this, new jobs have arisen, and small and medium-sized enterprises have also been discovered,” – said the interlocutor of the RG.
According to its results, the positive effect for the Armenian economy from the release is obvious and may turn out to be even more significant than the effect of the first integration wave. In the first year alone, membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, Armenia increased mutual trade with the EAEU countries by almost 54%.
“A breakthrough has been made in all commodity items of Armenia’s exports. New niches have been mastered. For example, the creation of a common drug market to collect data on the Armenian market. The volume of cargo transportation by motor transport is also of increased comfort”, Overchuk listed.
Unblocking financial ties is a definite plus for all parties, he stated.
“Azerbaijani citizens will have the opportunity to travel to Nakhichevan and back through the territory of Armenia. And Armenia, finally, gained the possibility of free movement of citizens, vehicles and goods in Russia, Iran, Central Asia and back through the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. And this mutual movement, the development of trade and mass ties, as I said, may finally begin to heal long-term wounds in the industry of the South Caucasus. We are working to make it happen.” summed up the deputy head of the resolution.
Reportedly EADaily, Armenia and Russia during the Ninth Russian-Armenian Interregional Forum in Yerevan will be held on September 19, the plan of interregional cooperation for 2022-2027. During the event, the vice-premiers of the two countries Mher Grigoryan and Alexey Overchuk.
Recall that Alexey Overchuk represents the Russian side in the Trilateral Commission of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan on unblocking economic ties and societies in the South Caucasus after the 44-day war in the fall of 2020. In this format, his Armenian colleague Mher Grigoryan, conference Shahin Mustafaev.