Minister: Armenian farmers may double their exports to Russia
12.08.2014,
17:20
Armenian farmers may double their exports to Russia, Agriculture Minister Sergo Karapetyan said as met with farmers on Tuesday, the ministry’s press office reports.
YEREVAN, August 12. /ARKA/. Armenian farmers may double their exports to Russia, Agriculture Minister Sergo Karapetyan said as met with farmers on Tuesday, the ministry’s press office reports.
“We will encourage any increase of output and we’ll create favorable environment for selling these agricultural products at Russia’s market,” he said. “Armenian farmers can even double their volumes in the event of effective organization of exports”
The minister said that unlike large farmers, who can easily build up their exports to Russia, small farmers may face some problems.
He pledged possible support to owners of small and mid-scale businesses advising them to establish cooperation with Spayka shipment agency.
“Armenian small and medium businesses’ products, such as meat, diary products, dried and canned fruits, are as competitive as those of large enterprises, and they will be highly demanded in Russia,” Karapetyan said adding that it is also necessary to offer reasonable prices for products.
A group headed by Deputy Agriculture Minister Robert Makaryan has been set up in the ministry for dealing with exporters’ problems.
Karen Asoyan, Armenia’s trade commissioner to Russia, on his side, said there is unlimited demand for Armenian products in Russia now, and they are successfully being sold there.
He called on small and medium entrepreneurs to unite under the auspices of the government for organizing their exports effectively.
A representative of the Commerce and Industry Chamber, on his side, promised support in facilitation of export process, particularly a quicker provision of product origin certificates and a reduced list of the papers necessary for exporting products. He said the chamber will work seven days a week.
According to the National Statistical Service, Armenia’s trade turnover with Russia amounted to $596 million in Jan-June 2014 showing a 0.5% year-on-year decline.
Russia’s share in Armenia’s foreign trade was 21.9% in Jan-June 2014. Armenia’s exports to Russia totaled $133.9 million in Jan-June 2014 – a 6.4% year-on-year decline, and imports from Russia totaled $462 million - a 1.4% growth. -0----
