RA PRIME MINISTER TIGRAN SARGSYAN RECEIVED A DELEGATION LED BY EC FOREIGN TRADE GENERAL DIRECTORATE’S BILATERAL TRADE AFFAIRES COORDINATOR EVA SINOVICH

Wed nesday, 18 February 2009

The parties discussed the process of drafting a free trade agreement
under the Free Trade Regime with the European Union, as well as the
possibilities for developing and expanding the cooperation under the
Eastern Partnership Concept of the European Neighborhood Policy.

Ms. Sinovich said that a broad-based and long-term cooperation
framework will be set up between Armenia and other partner States
thanks to the Eastern Partnership Concept. The signing of a free
trade arrangement between the Republic of Armenia and the European
Union was emphasized on either side. Getting a first-hand view of
Armenia’s current status and the preparation of the Agreement were
said to be the main goals behind her fact-finding mission. She thanked
the Armenian authorities for support and cooperation in this matter.

The head of the RA government said to be hopeful that once completed,
this process will give a strong impetus to the reforms underway in
our country.

Ms Sinovich noticed in this connection that the Armenian programs
are quite ambitious as the Government pushes ahead with its policy
of encouraging and facilitating strategic investments, and this is
highly appreciated by all its partners.

At the request20of the guest, Tigran Sargsyan stated the priorities
and the key points of his government’s anti-crisis program which are
aimed at revealing and using Armenia’s competitive assets in each
sector of economy. The Prime Minister assured that the government of
Armenia is open for a dialog with the European Commission regarding
the discussion of future action and cooperation programs.