China second biggest economic partner to Armenia

YEREVAN, March 17. /ARKA/. China is the second biggest trade and economic partner of Armenia, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said Tuesday at his meeting with newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Armenia Tian Changchun, the presidential press office reports.

The head of state congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and said that Armenia seeks closer ties with China.

He stressed the importance of cooperation in humanitarian area.

Sargsyan said that Armenian-Chinese relations are being propelled by the high-level dialogue between the two countries.

The Chinese ambassador, in return, expressed a deep respect toward Armenia and Armenian people and said his country’s government attaches great importance to cooperation with Armenia.

He said Armenian-Chinese relations have been developing since the moment of establishment and have already produces visible results.

The president and the ambassador discussed trade and economic development between their countries.

They also discussed implementation of joint programs.

Sargsyan said that Armenia will present its achievements at Shanghai Expo-2010 in China.

According to National Statistical Service of Armenia, the country’s trade turnover with China reduced 20.3% in 2009, compared with 2008, to $305.9 million.

Armenia’s exports to China totaled $17.9 million (2.6% of Armenia’s total export), and China-produced imports in Armenia totaled $288 million in 2009 after shrinking 24.6%, compared with the previous year.

Imports from China’s territory totaled $133.5 million after 21.1% reduction and made up 4.04% of Armenia’s import.-0---