Armenia does not intend to abandon the Russian market, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said on Public Television.
“We are not going to abandon the Russian market. We are actively working with our Russian partners,” the minister said.
The minister added that issues raised by the Russian side continue to be discussed with Russian partners.
“We are not saying that we disagree with this and will do nothing. Instead, we are finding solutions to all the issues raised,” he said.
Papoyan said Yerevan has managed during this period to diversify exports in a number of areas. In his assessment, the economy has suffered a significant blow but has not entered a crisis and managed to record 6% growth in the first half of the year.
“If we remain dependent on one market, it does not matter whether that market is to the north, south, east or west. Sooner or later, any market will put us in a difficult position, because if you depend on one place, that place can control you,” Papoyan said.
The economy minister also said that stone fruits and vegetables are currently not being exported from Armenia to Russia, while exports of other products, such as brandy, are continuing.
Rosselkhoznadzor began imposing restrictions in May on goods imported from Armenia into Russia. The restrictions initially covered fish and flowers and were subsequently extended to certain types of fruit and vegetables. From June 2, the agency also restricted imports from Armenia of stone fruits, including sour cherries, sweet cherries, apricots, plums, peaches and nectarines, as well as grapes. Rosselkhoznadzor attributed the measures to identified violations and the need to ensure phytosanitary safety.
