PanARMENIAN.Net - Opening the Armenia-Turkey border to citizens of third countries could bring immediate benefits to the tourism sector, Deputy Minister of Economy Anushik Avetisyan said during a visit to the Margara border checkpoint, according to Armenpress.
"The opening of the border with Turkey could have swift and tangible economic effects. It's clear that businesses face many difficulties when two out of four borders are closed and the country has no access to the sea. As you know, we heavily rely on the Lars checkpoint, and opening the border with Turkey would help businesses in several ways. It would reduce transportation costs, shorten supply chains, and expand market access. Closed borders have for years increased logistics costs, limited competition, and created serious challenges for Armenian producers in securing a place in global markets," Avetisyan said.
She also emphasized the significance of the border opening in terms of Armenia's export diversification agenda.
In her view, opening the border would lessen dependence on limited trade routes and give Armenian producers access to new markets and export diversification opportunities.
"Expert studies show this would positively impact foreign trade and also attract more investment and improve the investment climate. According to some reports, investment flows could increase by 20 percent not only in Armenia but across the region," she added.
Avetisyan said a study is underway to better assess the economic implications of opening the border, and a second phase might evaluate its effects on the region's economies and their interconnections.
She expressed confidence that shorter and more accessible logistics routes would allow Armenian producers to enter new markets, reduce dependence on limited trade corridors, and enable faster, more flexible deliveries.
Avetisyan also noted that in the context of regional unblocking and proximity to the EU-Turkey Customs Union, Armenia could expand its export potential to the European Union, particularly in industrial goods. She stressed that open borders would benefit not only Armenia but the entire region.
"Increased transit flows and shorter supply chains are advantageous for all involved parties. This would boost the region's competitiveness and appeal in international trade routes," the deputy minister concluded.
Earlier, Prime Minister Pashinyan stated he had asked Russia for assistance in urgently restoring several railway sections leading to Azerbaijan and Turkey. On December 22 in Saint Petersburg, he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where these issues were also discussed. Since 2008, Armenia's railways have been managed by South Caucasus Railway CJSC, a subsidiary of Russian Railways JSC.
Source: PanArmenian.Net
