Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
July 13, 2017 Thursday


Armenian businessmen must be active on promoting Armenian product in
Kazakh market - Ambassador



YEREVAN, JULY 13, ARMENPRESS. Kazakhstan’s market has great
opportunities, and the Armenian businessmen must be active on
promoting the Armenian product in this market, Ara Sahakyan –
Armenia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kazakhstan
said in an interview with Armenpress.

-Mr. Ambassador, how would you assess the current level of the
Armenian-Kazakh relations?

-Since independence the Armenian-Kazakh relations in general are
characterized as friendly and allied relations. Compared to the
initial stage, these relations have developed, deepened and
strengthened covering all possible spheres of inter-state relations.
There is a constant political dialogue between the heads of our
states, governments, foreign ministries and we must notice that they
are deeper and progressive than it is between civil society
structures. I mean the following: Armenia together with Kazakhstan is
included in major integration economic structure such as the Eurasian
Economic Union (EAEU), in a military-political alliance such as the
CSTO, they cooperate within the frames of the UN, OSCE, CIS and other
international and regional organizations. Those are political,
military-political, economic platforms of dynamic and multivector
mutual partnership where exchange, agreement and coordination of
stances, views on issues of bilateral interest are taking place.

And as for the trade-economic, humanitarian fields, the
Armenian-Kazakh relations are not in accordance with the existing
potential and the mutually trustable political and high level
dialogue. The Embassy, of course, is making efforts to boost mutual
trade turnover. The President of the Republic tasked the Armenian
diplomatic missions in foreign countries to reach tangible results on
boosting the diplomacy’s economic component. During the meeting of
Ambassadors in March 2017 the Armenian Prime Minister gave the same
task at practical-organizational level. Therefore, the development
issues of bilateral economic ties are in the spotlight of our daily
work: the Armenian foreign ministry attaches special importance to
promotion of economic ties in the work of diplomats, as well as
attraction of foreign direct investments, installation of latest
technologies and innovations.

Last year the President of Kazakhstan was expected to arrive in
Armenia on official visit, however, the visit was postponed due to his
health problems. The visit is still in the agenda of bilateral
relations. Armenia is ready to host the President of Kazakhstan.

-Mr. Ambassador, in your opinion, what kind of policy does Kazakhstan
carry out in general?

-Kazakhstan runs an initiative foreign policy. There are many
examples. Kazakhstan has been elected as non-permanent member of the
UN Security Council and Armenia, as a friendly state, assisted its
election.

We are happy for not only the economic progress of Kazakhstan, but
also for ongoing large-scale programs, as well as efforts on solving
social problems and fighting against corruption. Moreover, the public
assistance to ambitious initiatives of the country’s political
leadership is also noticeable. The political leadership in its turn
assists the national awakening, religious tolerance, communication to
modern educational standards and cultural values.

-You said that economic figures are not in accordance with the level
of political dialogue. What figures do we have in terms of trade
turnover between the two countries? What is the dynamics after joining
the EAEU?

-According to the results of the previous year, the trade turnover
volume amounted to 3.3 million USD, whereas in 2015 this number was
nearly 5 million USD. Before the crisis period this figure was high
and reached up to 20 million. The export from Armenia comprises up to
80% of this volume. The mutual investments make a small number. Some
try to explain this by our geographical position and objective factors
deriving from it. However, I think this is an excuse rather than a
reason. We and the Kazakh people work, make trade with countries
farther away…

-In this case what is the reason? What problems do you see?

-If we look at the problem not from diplomatic perspective, but as an
ordinary citizen of Armenia, I can state that many of our businessmen
spare no efforts to observe and enter the Kazakh market. Perhaps, one
of its reasons is that it is not so accepted among the business
circles to enter unfamiliar markets. It is incorrect not to use the
opportunities of the Kazakh market. The country is rich not only with
hydrocarbons, but also it has the entire range of non-ferrous metals.
Over the past 25 years 265 billion USD direct foreign investments have
been made. But the country needs highly-qualified labor force, as well
as a desire to work with the partners. Expect from one-two companies,
several natural juices, the Armenian product is not presented here.
The only one is Ararat brandy.

These gaps are filled by Armenians living in Kazakhstan who produce
Armenian goods, such as Armenian lavash, cheese, dried fruits and etc.

From practical perspective perhaps as a first step it will be right
for Armenian businessmen to unite over any prospective direction and
establish a representation here aimed at entering the Kazakh market.

-In May Yerevan-Astana direct flight launched. What prospects do you
see on this path?

-Yes, Yerevan-Astana direct flight launched on May 31. The information
I collect over the passenger flow, inspire hope that this chance will
be used for expanding both the volumes of passenger and cargo
transportations. The direct flight can boost tourism. I call on
Armenian tour companies to seriously examine the tourism demand from
Kazakhstan to Armenia.

-What information will you provide about the Armenian community? What
problems do you see in terms of maintaining the Armenian identity?

-The major factor for maintenance of the Armenian identity is the
direct link with Armenia. Many Armenian families spend their summer
holidays in Armenia. Good or bad, there are many mixed marriages. The
official number of Armenians in Kazakhstan is 25.000, but it reaches
up to 35.000 at the peak of seasonal movement. There are Armenian
cultural unions in all provincial centers. There are Sunday schools,
dance groups, youth groups according to preferences.

I would also highlight the positive role of the Diaspora Ministry on
the works with the Armenian community. The Ministry quickly
understands and reacts to any initiative and request. The Education
and Science, as well as the Culture Ministries also work with the same
approach.

In general, the Armenian communities are firm. Armenian is a family
language for many people. Armenians watch Armenian TV channels, visit
Armenia and are happy for achievements of the Fatherland.

Interview by Anna Gziryan