ARMENIAN CCI DISCUSSES TRANSIT OF ARMENIAN EXCISABLE PRODUCTS TO RUSSIA

ARKA
March 20, 2008

YEREVAN, March 20. /ARKA/. Armenian exporters and representatives
of the RF Customs Service discussed problems of transit of Armenian
excisable products to Russia.

Vice-Chief of the RA Customs Committee Gagik Khachatryan pointed
out that, at their meeting with the two countries’ Prime Ministers
several months ago, Armenian exporters raised the problem of export
of excisable products, particularly alcoholic beverages, through the
port of Caucasus.

Khachatryan pointed out that a delegation of the RF Customs Service
came to Armenia to discuss the problem and find a solution.

During the discussion, Grigor Ghazaryan, representative of the Yerevan
Brandy Company, said that the port of Caucasus is currently unable
to serve alcoholic products for further transit to Russia, one of
the points in its working schedule being an obstacle.

"Products are currently supplied through the port of Novorossiysk,
which slows down the entire process because of low capacity of the
ferry service.

The authorization of the customs station of the port of Caucasus to
serve excisable alcoholic products would facilitate the transportation
of products to Russia and reduce the possibility of counterfeits
being supplied to Russia," Ghazaryan said.

Vice-Chief of the RF Federal Customs Service Leonid Shornikov pointed
out that necessary instructions will be issued for the port of Caucasus
to be able to serve excisable products.

"I do not think that there will be a delay," Shornikov said.

Armenian exporters also pointed out cargo accompaniment
problems. Shornikov pointed out that necessary measures are being
taken.

During RF Prime Minister Victor Zubkov’s visit to Armenia on February
6, 2008, the two countries’ customs services were instructed to reveal
illegal supply of excisable alcoholic beverages, mainly brandy.

The Russian delegation came to Armenia to establish efficient
cooperation.

The sides are to sign a protocol on the results of discussions. The
protocol envisages the organization of more efficient control over the
transportation of excisable products, mainly alcoholic beverages.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress