Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Friday said a "noticeable growth" was observed in the Armenian-Georgian trade and economic relations “despite challenges”.

We have a 97 percent increase in trade turnover", Pashinyan said at the opening ceremony of the Bridge of Friendship on the border crossing between the two states on the Debeda River.

The PM also said the trade and economic ties had a "great potential", noting the transport sector as an example of an area where the neighbouring countries should deepen cooperation.

• Georgia a key transit country for Armenia – Armenian PM

There are opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, telecommunications, energy, tourism and other fields. It is clear that communication routes are of key importance for trade and economic relations, which enable integration with the world economy and provide vital connections at the national, regional and international levels", he said.

Pashinyan added "additional efforts" and "joint continuous work" were needed for easier cargo traffic between the countries, and emphasised the importance of rail freight and ferry shipments in particular.