Swiss president emphasizes opening of Swiss embassy in Yerevan
31.03.2011,
23:26
Swiss president Michele Calmy-Rei commended today Armenian and Swiss authorities for creating a large legislative framework that allows both countries to deepen their relations in economy, reciprocal protection of investments and air communication. She al
YEREVAN, March 31, /ARKA/. Swiss president Michele Calmy-Rei commended today Armenian and Swiss authorities for creating a large legislative framework that allows both countries to deepen their relations in economy, reciprocal protection of investments and air communication. She also emphasized the opening of Swiss embassy in Yerevan today as she spoke at a joint news conference with Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan.
“We have good economic relations, though trade between our countries remains at a modest level, and there is a need to boost it. There is still untapped potential and the Swiss authorities advocate the development of bilateral cooperation. Intensification of contacts and mutual visits and meetings will contribute to the strengthening of ties," she said.
In turn, president Serzh Sargsyan said Armenia welcomes the decision of Switzerland to raise the status of its representative office in Yerevan to the level of full-fledged embassy, ‘that will create exceptional opportunities for expanding of bilateral relations reflecting the real level of contacts.’
"We are interested in the development of Armenian-Swiss economic relations and promotion of Swiss investments in Armenia, given the positive experience of our cooperation, " Sargsyan said.
As a successful example of this cooperation, he pointed out the participation of Swiss companies in the development programs in Armenian resorts Tsakhkadzor and Jermuk, as well as in the creation of a tourist center at Tatev medieval monastery.
"Armenia is grateful to Switzerland for the programs implemented by the Office of Cooperation and Development of Switzerland that has been carrying out economic and social programs in Armenia for years’, Sargsyan said.
According to statistical data, Armenia's foreign trade turnover with Switzerland for the year 2010 decreased by 41.7% compared with 2009 to $ 86.4 million. Exports from Armenia to Switzerland amounted to $16.8 million (1.7% of total exports) decreasing by 33% compared with 2009. The volume of Swiss-made goods imported to Armenia totaled $ 69.5 million, a decrease of 43.4% from 2009. At the same time, the total volume of imports from Switzerland’s territory amounted to $116.8 million (a decrease by 11%), or 3.1% of total imports. -0-
“We have good economic relations, though trade between our countries remains at a modest level, and there is a need to boost it. There is still untapped potential and the Swiss authorities advocate the development of bilateral cooperation. Intensification of contacts and mutual visits and meetings will contribute to the strengthening of ties," she said.
In turn, president Serzh Sargsyan said Armenia welcomes the decision of Switzerland to raise the status of its representative office in Yerevan to the level of full-fledged embassy, ‘that will create exceptional opportunities for expanding of bilateral relations reflecting the real level of contacts.’
"We are interested in the development of Armenian-Swiss economic relations and promotion of Swiss investments in Armenia, given the positive experience of our cooperation, " Sargsyan said.
As a successful example of this cooperation, he pointed out the participation of Swiss companies in the development programs in Armenian resorts Tsakhkadzor and Jermuk, as well as in the creation of a tourist center at Tatev medieval monastery.
"Armenia is grateful to Switzerland for the programs implemented by the Office of Cooperation and Development of Switzerland that has been carrying out economic and social programs in Armenia for years’, Sargsyan said.
According to statistical data, Armenia's foreign trade turnover with Switzerland for the year 2010 decreased by 41.7% compared with 2009 to $ 86.4 million. Exports from Armenia to Switzerland amounted to $16.8 million (1.7% of total exports) decreasing by 33% compared with 2009. The volume of Swiss-made goods imported to Armenia totaled $ 69.5 million, a decrease of 43.4% from 2009. At the same time, the total volume of imports from Switzerland’s territory amounted to $116.8 million (a decrease by 11%), or 3.1% of total imports. -0-
