British ambassador says Armenian authorities should present clear proposals on those fields where they see further cooperation with EU

YEREVAN, September 30. / ARKA /. British ambassador to Armenia, Jonathan Aves, urged today Armenian authorities to be more clear-cut when articulating their proposals on cooperation with EU in the light of Armenia’s declared intention to join the Russia-led Customs Union.

Speaking at a news conference he said he would like to encourage the Armenian authorities to present clear proposals on those fields where they see further cooperation with EU as well as on Armenia’s priorities. 

“I would like to mention that there is a wish on both sides to move forward the relations,” he added.

He said following president Serzh Sargsyan’s statement about Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union he saw disappointment and surprise when discussing the U-move with colleagues from other EU member countries.  "We are trying to find the right format to continue the cooperation," he said.

On economic cooperation he said the United Kingdom is interested in increasing investments in Armenia 

"Today, a number of British companies are making investments in Armenia. The largest of them is the HSBC Bank. There are also British  investments in the pharmaceutical sector, however,  the overall situation is not satisfactory , investments are  small, and we want to encourage more British companies to invest here,’ the ambassador said, highlighting the involvement of a British mining company Lydian International in the development of Amulsar gold deposit in Armenia.

He said the company is creating new jobs here, pays taxes  and serves also as an example of cooperation to other international companies.

According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, British investments in Armenia in January- June 2013 amounted to approximately $5 million (a 42 percent decline from the year before).  All were direct investment. -0-