ARMENIA’S SHORT-TERM TASK IN EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION IS TO INCREASE TRADE WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF BLOC

YEREVAN, March 27. / ARKA /. Armenia’s short-term task in the Eurasian
Economic Union is to increase its trade with other members of the
trade bloc, Karine Minasyan, who represents Armenia at the Eurasian
Economic Commission Board, said at the Moscow Economic Forum 2015.

She said trade between Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan has nearly
doubled since the establishment of the Customs Union although it has
slowed down recently. Now it is Armenia’s turn to feel the effect
of its membership in the trade union, she added, emphasizing the
need to boost trade with Belarus and Kazakhstan, which is between
$10-$20 million.

She said Armenia has a significant agricultural potential as
favorable climatic conditions on one hand allow it to grow more
fruits and vegetables of higher quality than other members of the
Eurasian Economic Union and on the other to actively develop its food
processing industry.

Ms. Minasyan said also Armenian agricultural goods can replace part
of agricultural products from third countries sold in Russia, Belarus
and Kazakhstan. She added that Armenia’s accession to the EEU has
given a strong push to development of green houses in the country.

Also, according to Minasyan, Armenia has a good capacity to develop
pharmaceuticals, IT engineering, financial system and jewelry
industries.

She said liberalization of services market has opened a new opportunity
for Armenia because on January 1 this year service markets in 43
sectors became common for all the four members of EEU enabling delivery
of remote services, mutual recognition of licenses and qualifications
of employees.

‘This is a good track for the development of mutual trade and
services,” she said.

Armenia became a full member of the Eurasian Economic Union on January
2, 2015. -0-