YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, ARMENPRESS. In connection with the elimination of sanctions imposed by the West against Iran, Armenia is not yet sufficiently utilizing the existing opportunities, Tigran Jrbashyan – President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia told a press conference in “Armenpress”, adding that there are various reasons.

“We still cannot comprehend in reality Iran’s economic structure, and it is completely different. 72% of Iran’s economy is the state property, there is an import quota, as well as export restrictions system. This means that it is very different, and we must understand and analyze it”, he said.

He considered positive Armenia’s actions on trying to establish an economic zone there, as well as holding talks under the Eurasian economic format for creating free trade regime in Iran Tigran Jrbashyan said steps are being taken, but he is confident Armenia can be in more advantageous position.  

“Armenia is Iran’s centuries-old neighbor, has friendly relations with Iran, has the Armenian community which is well aware of Iran’s linguistic and cultural affairs. In other words there are many factors, and based on that, we must have been in better positions in terms of utilizing Iran’s economic potential and the existing opportunities. Steps are taken, but many countries are moving forward”, he said.

The economist stated that the business representatives of Europe are taking more active steps towards Iran. A number of analysts are in Iran who are trying to understand the possible ways for cooperation.

“The European business is actively working. Today you will face difficulties in finding free rooms in hotels of Tehran, most of them are taken by the European business representatives and analysts. They are trying aggressively to analyze the Iranian market. Armenia has a chance to be a transit country, we can take much better position, be a mediator by connecting Iran and Europe”, he said adding that there is an interest towards Armenia, it seems everyone appreciates Armenia’s potential and supposes that Armenia can take that position.