Armenian goods `to be sold in Turkey`
Armenia-made goods will be sold in Turkey`s markets
beginning in 2009, the head of the Armenian business union has
said.
Arsen Kazarian, who chairs the South Caucasus republic`s Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, said that an agreement on trade regulations between the two countries would be in place by the end of 2008.
Kazarian also said that the Armenia-Turkey border remaining closed cost the Armenian economy some $500 million every year.
"We continue holding talks on the legitimate exports of Armenian commodities to Turkey. If the agreement on trade ties is realized, we won`t have to wait for the normalization of political relations. We have to be a step ahead of the politicians," Kazarian said.
Additionally, he said the exports of Rusal-Armentel aluminum products are envisioned at the initial stage.
"There is an acute need for aluminum foil in the Turkish market, but unfortunately Armenia-made goods are delivered there through third countries. If we launch legal exports, however, this will make things easier for all producers in Armenia."
Armenia and Turkey have been at odds and the border between the two countries has been closed since 1993 on Ankara`s insistence due to Armenia`s policy of occupation of Azerbaijan and Armenian genocide claims.
The unofficial trade turnover between Armenia and Turkey more than doubled during the first nine months of 2008, compared to the same period last year, to reach $185 million.
Arsen Kazarian, who chairs the South Caucasus republic`s Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, said that an agreement on trade regulations between the two countries would be in place by the end of 2008.
Kazarian also said that the Armenia-Turkey border remaining closed cost the Armenian economy some $500 million every year.
"We continue holding talks on the legitimate exports of Armenian commodities to Turkey. If the agreement on trade ties is realized, we won`t have to wait for the normalization of political relations. We have to be a step ahead of the politicians," Kazarian said.
Additionally, he said the exports of Rusal-Armentel aluminum products are envisioned at the initial stage.
"There is an acute need for aluminum foil in the Turkish market, but unfortunately Armenia-made goods are delivered there through third countries. If we launch legal exports, however, this will make things easier for all producers in Armenia."
Armenia and Turkey have been at odds and the border between the two countries has been closed since 1993 on Ankara`s insistence due to Armenia`s policy of occupation of Azerbaijan and Armenian genocide claims.
The unofficial trade turnover between Armenia and Turkey more than doubled during the first nine months of 2008, compared to the same period last year, to reach $185 million.
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