OPENING ARMENIAN-TURKISH BORDER WILL CONTRIBUTE TO DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIES OF TWO COUNTRIES, VARDAN AIVAZIAN SAYS

NOYAN TAPAN
SEPTEMBER 9, 2009
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 9, NOYAN TAPAN. Opening the Armenian-Turkish border
will contribute to the development of the economies of both countries
and create new perspectives such as a growth of GDP, an increase in
trade turnover, access to other markets, Chairman of the National
Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Issues Vardan Aivazian stated
at the September 9 press conference. In his words, "there are Turkish
goods in Armenia today, and we can see Armenian goods in markets of
Turkey. These goods are transported by transit routes and sold at
high prices. With the border’s opening, the situation will change,
and volumes of goods exported from Armenia to Turkey will grow".

V. Aivazian said that in order to ensure efficient economic
development after opening the border, Armenia should be prepared to
enter new markets, adding that changes in customs duties and all the
administrative links are necessary with this aim.

In his opinion, there is no need to be afraid of opening the border and
to look for negative aspects in this move. According to him, a wrong
impression has formed that only Armenia will benefit from opening
the border, and by doing so Turkey displays a good will. "This is
an incorrect approach. Turkey has its own interests, and its economy
will also reap benefits," V. Aivazian pointed out.