PRESS RELEASE
Armenian International Policy Research Group
P.O. Box 28179
Washington, DC 20038-9998
Contact: Nicole Vartanian
Tel: 202-487-5212
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
GROUNDBREAKING INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE TO EXPLORE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL
CONSEQUENCES OF OPENING THE ARMENIA-TURKEY BORDER
The border between Armenia and Turkey that was closed in 1993 has
imposed economic and social costs on both countries, while possibly
providing benefits to particular segments of each society. The closed
border is becoming more significant from a geopolitical perspective in
light of the Republic of Turkey’s ongoing campaign to join the
European Union and increased attention to developments in the
transportation network of the south Caucasus region.
To explore the important issue of the closed border and the economic
and social costs and benefits that it has imposed, the Armenian
International Policy Research Group (AIPRG) has organized a conference
entitled `The Economic and Social Consequences of Opening the
Armenia-Turkey Border,’ to be held on January 13-14, 2007, in Yerevan,
Armenia. Co-sponsored by USAID, the Eurasia Foundation, and the UK
Embassy in Armenia, the conference will present findings from six
commissioned studies and nine other papers that aim to provide
policymakers with an understanding of the costs of the current
situation and the economic and social changes that border opening
might bring, as well as ways that benefits could be maximized and
costs be minimized once the border is opened. An international group
of researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders will participate
in the event as both presenters and audience members, hailing from
Argentina, Armenia, Belgium, Cyprus, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, the
United Kingdom, and the United States. A robust discussion of this
regionally and globally important topic is expected.
The conference papers evaluate a range of economic and social
impacts. Several studies explore the effect of the closed border on
transport costs and trade flows. One of these studies proposes a
phased strategy for opening the border that is economically beneficial
and also preserves or enhances security for the two countries, as well
as other countries in the region that will be impacted (Georgia, Iran,
and Russia). Another study evaluates the potential for trade between
Armenia and various Turkish provinces and makes a surprising yet
plausible finding.
Additional findings relate to:
– The impact of the lack of normalized relations between Armenia and
its neighbors on foreign direct investment and military spending. An
end to the regional `cold war’ would lead to a reduction in the level
of external conflict risk, increase the level of foreign direct
investment in Armenia by 50%, and result in a significant reduction in
military spending that could be spent on other important social needs.
– The effect that border opening and relationship normalization could
have on regional migration and expansion of labor market opportunities.
– The sectors of the Armenian economy which might win or lose from
border opening.
– The challenges facing the public and private sectors in managing
border opening.
– The factors affecting Armenian public attitudes towards border
opening, particularly in the northwestern Armenian community of Gyumri.
– The dynamics and outcomes of border opening, with a case study of
the opening of the internal Cyprus border.
Serving as distinguished keynote speaker of the conference is Dr. Gary
Hufbauer, Reginald Jones Senior Fellow at the Institute of
International Economics. Prior to his appointment at IIE,
Dr. Hufbauer served as the Marcus Wallenberg Professor of
International Finance Diplomacy at Georgetown University as well as
Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Trade and Investment
Policy of the U.S. Treasury. He has written extensively on
international trade, investment, and tax issues. The conference will
also present a roundtable discussion on border opening that will bring
together private-sector businesspeople from b ditional information
about the conference and AIPRG is available at
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AIPRG is a non-partisan, non-political association that researches and
encourages the dissemination of discussion of public policy issues in
Armenia and the Diaspora. AIPRG aims to consolidate the existing
Armenia related expertise around the world by bringing together
accomplished researchers and practitioners of economics, political
science, law, and governmental affairs. By way of research and
conferences, AIPRG collaborates with Development Agencies,
International Financial Institutions, the donor community, individual
researchers, and policy practitioners in order to achieve a greater
understanding of the development issues related to Armenia and the
Diaspora. Registered as a 501(c)3 corporation in Washington, AIPRG has
an office in Yerevan and unites over 40 Fellows from around the world.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
