SUGAR PLANT OF SEVAN TO DOUBLE ITS PRODUCTION THIS YEAR

SEVAN, MARCH 31, MOYAN TAPAN. The CJSC Sugar Plant of Sevan, which is
the only company in Armenia that produces granulated sugar, is
planning to produce 5-7 tons of granulated sugar this year, which is
twice the amount produced last year. The company’s director general
Armen Arakelian told NT correspondent that the plant meets 5-7% of the
domestic demand amounting to 100 thousand tons.

According to A. Arakelian, granulated sugar is of strategical
importance, so the state should assist with its production. There are
currently some obstacles, in particular related to the estimation of
customs value and the collection of a 10% customs duty from raw
sugar. A. Arakelian pointed out the necessity of legislative
amendments so that raw sugar imports will not be liable to customs
duties. A. Arakrlian noted that at present, the local sugar beet is
not used in sugar production. It is envisaged to make capital
investments and install equipment to process local raw materials. He
said that in this case the company will provide assistance to farms
for organizing the production of sugar beet.