Serzh Sargsyan: Armenia faces problem of ensuring uninterrupted connection with EEU member states
ArmInfo.I am convinced that the Eurasian Economic Union has a promising future, which in turn will contribute to development of the economies of its member states, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated at the Session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council held in Saint Petersburg.
At the same time the President expressed hope that with combined efforts it will be possible not only to overcome existing financial-economic difficulties but also strengthen the Union and raise its international image. According to Sargsyan the meeting is a good opportunity to sum up the results of the two-year work of the Union and to voice the achievements. According to the President due attention should be paid to problematic issues as well, which hinder full operation of the organization and it would be better that all the members participated in the discussion (Belarusian President did not attend the session-ed. note).
The Armenian President positively assessed reduction of decline rates of mutual trade, positive dynamics on industrial and agricultural production and adoption of a number of decisions on the market of medicine and healthcare products, as well as progress made in development of concepts for forming common markets of gas, petroleum and petroleum products.
At the same time Sargsyan is convinced that the Union's potential in terms of responding to social-economic challenges is not fulfilled fully and as a result business and citizens' expectations from the integration project remain open. In our view the Union should develop in two key directions: the first is overcoming the remaining obstacles for full liberalization of "four freedoms" and development of integration within the Union. The second is more efficient integration of national economies of the Union and the Union in overall into global trade system. Both directions are mutually supportive. Obviously, without establishing an efficient cooperation within the union international positioning of he Union will become more difficult", Sargsyan stated.
"I would like to especially mention the importance of conducting coordinated transport policy. Armenia faces a problem of ensuring uninterrupted connection with the EEU member states. In conditions of absence of a common border with the EEU countries our trade economic ties are ensured via Georgia's territory through Upper Lars border checkpoint. However, unfortunately the border checkpoint does not function properly due to climate conditions and bureaucratic procedures and this harms our businesses seriously. In this light we attach importance to establishing a separate traffic for vehicles from the EEU countries, which will significantly ease the transportation. I would also like to mention that priority should be given to those plans of transport corridors, which lie through the EEU. The routes should contribute to the EEU's involvement in the regional and international infrastructure corridors and cooperation projects", the Armenian President mentioned.
Sargsyan also stated with pleasure that international interest towards EEU is growing and throughout the year issues of cooperation with China, Iran, India Singapore and other countries were intensively discussed.