Vazgen Safaryan connects industrial development of Armenia with integration in Eurasian economic community

YEREVAN, AUGUST 20, ARMENPRESS: Armenia should export to European Union countries finished product instead of raw material. Such opinion expressed President of union of domestic manufacturers Vazgen Safaryan during press conference on August 20. According to his information Armenia exported to European Union countries in 2010 goods costing 501 million USD, in 2011 – 607 million USD and in 2012 – 560 million USD. At the same time to countries of Customs Union of Eurasian economic community from Armenia in 2010, 2011, 2012 were exported goods costing correspondingly 146, 232, 290 million USD. Safaryan mentioned that export volumes to European Union decreased while to Customs Union member countries increased. “I have the opinion that should export to Europe finished material and not raw,” said Safaryan stressing the importance of recovery Armenia’s industrial reputation.

Reverberating to EU-Armenia Association agreement he mentioned that he is not aware with its content but clarified that according to specialists the agreement opens some prospects for Armenia. “In industrial sphere we can integrate in Russian market and after having stable industry and high levels of employment we can enter European Union,” said Safaryan.

In his opinion Armenia’s integration in European market with current state of economy ill deepen dependence from European Union.

Armenia discusses the issue of becoming EU Associate member. It is planned to finish negotiations on Armenia-EU Association agreement including negations on creating Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area before Vilnius conference which will take place in November of current year. The negotiations on Association agreement are held since 2010.