ARF ASSESSES ECONOMIC IMPACT OF BORDER OPENING
Shushan Stepanyan
important economy politics
hetq.am/en/politics/nranyan/
2009/04/20 | 12:44
"Turkey’s situation and role in the region has never been so important
and at the same time so weak," was the sentiment expressed by Ara
Nranyan, a member of of the ARF parliamentary faction.
Mr. Nranyan stated that that the role of Armenia in the region has also
expanded since it is the only nation that can maintain the regional
balance. "It is clear that Georgia as well as no other nation can
suppress Turkey’s expansionist plans. Armenia has been given the
serious responsibility by the super powers and the international
community to maintain regional peace."
Mr. Nranyan noted that Armenia had specific levers that it shouldn’t
shy away from using. "On the economic side of the equation the ARF
is completing its analysis in which the relative advantages of the
economies of Turkey and Armenia are looked at in detail, as well as
the consequences of the border opening on Armenia. It must be said that
we envisage certain problems that nust be tackled by the government.
He noted the discrepancies that existed in trade tariffs between
Armenia and Turkey according to their membership conditions in the
World Trade Organization. The maximum tariffs that can be slapped on
all goods entering Armenia is 15%, while 50% of goods entering Turkey
have no such restrictions.