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Time in Yerevan: 11:07,   29 March 2024

Armenian-Iranian railway can be integrated into revival project of “Silk Road”: Tian Erlong

Armenian-Iranian railway can be integrated into revival project of “Silk Road”: Tian Erlong

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. During the interview with “Armenpress” Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Armenia Mr. Tian Erlong talked about China’s involvement in the construction of Iran-Armenia railway, development of Armenian-Chinese relations  in the past year and future bilateral projects.

Mr. Ambassador, China is interested in the construction of Armenian-Iranian railway.

Armenia wishes to construct Armenian-Iranian railway and a number of Chinese companies study the possibility of cooperation in this matter and co-financing of the railway construction. China has expressed its readiness to study the possibilities of cooperation but the conditions for the abovementioned cooperation must still be discussed. 

Does China consider Armenian-Iranian railway as one of the components of “Great Silk Road” revival?

One of the components of “Silk Road” project revival is the improvement of road infrastructure and their interconnection; in that case Armenian-Iranian railway can be integrated into “Silk Road” revival project.

In what way did Armenia-Chinese relations develop over the past year?

The past year was very successful in terms of the development, deepening and expansion of Armenian-Chinese relations. High-level mutual visits, including Armenia President Serzh Sargsyan’s official visit to China this year in March was indeed a historical event for the two countries. 10 agreements referring to cooperation in different sectors were signed during the visit. The latter is a good legal framework for further cooperation between the two countries.

Afterwards, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan paid an official visit to China in September. Possibilities of cooperation in specific projects were discussed during the visit: Armenian-Chinese substantial cooperation underwent substantial development.

Mr. Ambassador, how would you assess development level of Armenian-Chinese economic relations?

Most probably bilateral trade turnover will decrease this year considering the general trend of world economic development decline. But I have to mention that the decline of economic indexes of Armenian-Chinese economic cooperation will be to a lesser extent compared to similar indexes of Armenia and other countries. The fact that exports from Armenia to China rose by nearly 30% in the first half of this year, which is an excellent indicator, is also of great importance.

What would you say about Armenian-Chinese humanitarian cooperation?

Days of Armenian culture were organized in China this year and days of Chinese culture are planned to be organized in Armenia next year the period of which are still being discussed. Besides, every year Armenian students leave for PRC to study by scholarships provided by China, Chinese students also study in Armenian Higher Education Institutions. I also hope that in the framework of China's technical and economic assistance, the construction of Chinese secondary school will be launched in Yerevan next year where in-depth Chinese will be taught.

Which are the spheres of Armenian economy that are of interest for China for future investments?

Any investment, first and foremost, depends on economic reasonability. A number of Chinese companies are interested in their involvement in the construction of transports and energy objects: prospects of constructing a joint Armenian-Chinese copper-casting company and cooperation possibilities in the production of building materials are under discussions.

Interview by Henrikh Margaryan








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