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The European Union is preparing to support exports of Armenian flowers to the European market, particularly to Latvia and the Netherlands, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, has said.
Flowers grown in Armenia are among the domestic products affected by Russia’s import ban, prompting producers to search for new markets.
“Today, we will present a measure on how we will help export Armenia’s excellent flowers to the European market, particularly to Latvia. In addition, discussions are underway regarding exports to the Netherlands,” the EU ambassador said at a meeting with Armenian exporters organized by the International Trade Centre.
Ambassador Maragos said that the European Union Delegation to Armenia and EU member states are joining efforts to identify ways to support Armenian producers and exporters by increasing EU assistance in this area and helping the Armenian economy continue its development while finding new export markets.
“We already have a certain support framework in place, which we are seeking to expand and complement with new measures in order to create new opportunities for producers and exporters,” Ambassador Maragos said.
He stressed that discussions on these issues are taking place at the level of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with the aim of assisting Armenia and its economic partners.
“This is not a new support measure. It is a continuation of what we are already doing, as we seek to support the diversification of Armenia’s economy,” the EU ambassador to Armenia said.
Russia has been imposing growing restrictions in recent weeks on the import of Armenian goods, ranging from flowers and certain fruits and vegetables to mineral water, fish, and alcoholic drinks, citing phytosanitary violations.
Armenia’s Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan has said that Armenian exportable fruits and vegetables have a GlobalG.A.P. certificate, one of the highest-level certifications, and that efforts are underway to find new markets, particularly in the EU.
Details of the EU’s support measures were released following a phone call between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.