To solve the problem of Upper Lars, it is necessary to calculate its cost – businessman
YEREVAN, February 28. /ARKA/. Armenian government agencies should answer one question – what is the cost of solving the Upper Lars problem, Karen Martirosyan, co-founder of the "Export Armenia" community and shareholder of the "Avenue Consulting Group" company, said in an interview with "ARKA-Business" on ARKA Youtube channel.
The only overland route connecting Armenia and Russia passes through the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Georgian-Russia border. In summer when the number of trucks transporting fruits, vegetables, and other perishable goods to Russia increases dramatically, huge lines are formed at the border checkpoint. In winter, it is often closed because of difficult weather conditions, causing huge losses to Armenian exporters.
"In order to solve the Upper Lars issue, it is necessary to understand its cost, so that while searching for solutions we may calculate which solution is the most advantageous from the economic point of view," said Martirosyan.
He noted that there is still no answer to this question, which should be given by the government.
'They should have an answer to the question of how much this problem costs. What I mean by that: if there is this problem, the question is how much does it impede the export potential that we could have if we didn't have this problem. Not just today, but in the long term perspective. I think these calculations can show that, for example, this is a $1billion problem. That is, the solutions that can be put forward to solve this problem should be cheaper than $1 billion," Martirosyan said.
He said he doesn't think such calculations are difficult, because state agencies have enough information to make them.
At the same time, he said he would not like to explain the absence of such calcualtions by political reasons, stressing that attempts are being made but the result is very insignificant.
Currently the border crossing is under major reconstruction. When it is over, the checkpoint's capacity is expected to grow to 3.5 thousand vehicles per day. -0-
