EBRD: RATIFICATION OF ZURICH PROTOCOLS WOULD IMPROVE ARMENIA’S EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS

Noyan Tapan
Feb 15, 2010

YEREVAN, February 15. /ARKA/. Ratification of Zurich protocols by
Turkish and Armenian parliaments would improve Armenia’s export
competitiveness, EBRD Political Counsellor Franklin Steves said.

"Their ratification by the Turkish and Armenian parliaments would
result in a noticeable improvement in Armenia’s export competitiveness,
as reliable over-ground export routes become accessible and both import
and export prices fall. Strengthening economic ties between Armenia
and Turkey would also significantly strengthen regional security and
ensure sustainable development for the decades ahead."

On October 10, Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers – Edward
Nalbandyan and Ahmet Davutoglu – signed the protocols on establishment
of diplomatic ties and development of bilateral relations.

The protocols will be sent to the two countries’ parliaments for
ratification. After ratification the countries will be able to open
their border.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development said in its
Transition Report, which will be presented in Yerevan on February
16, that high transportation costs and closed borders with Turkey
and Azerbaijan "emphasise the need to improve the competitiveness of
the tradable sector and to diversify and upgrade regional transport
infrastructure".

Armenian-Turkish border was closed in 1993 on Ankara’s initiative.

Turkey has set a number of preconditions for improving its relations
with Armenia.

Ankara demanded Armenia to stop seeking worldwide recognition of
Armenian genocide fact.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress