Minister: Border opening with Türkiye to allow Armenian businesses to enter Turkish market

Armenia's Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan is confident that if the geopolitical circumstances develop in favour of Armenia and the border with Türkiye opens, then all Armenian entrepreneurs will feel the positive effect.

Kerobyan made the remarks in an interview with Armenian media, referring to Türkiye's recent decision to lift the ban on direct air cargo transportation from Armenia and the potential economic impact on Armenia, Caliber.Az reports.

"The opening of the border with Türkiye will result in high economic growth because the Turkish market, as well as the opening of communications, will provide ample opportunities, both in terms of access to the Turkish market and cargo transportation to the Middle East. Of course, none of this should be considered locally, in the form of a small picture. This is only a small part of the larger picture. And if geopolitical circumstances turn out in our favour, and we eventually get there, I am sure that all businessmen of Armenia will feel the positive effect," he said.

Concerning potential risks for Armenian producers as a result of the border opening, he stated that there will be risks, of course, but the government is working hard.

"According to the information we have, there are currently no scheduled flights. To be honest, given the countries' proximity, it is unlikely, because land transportation links on Georgian territory are quite accessible. "And, at first glance, air traffic does not appear to be all that appealing," Kerobyan said.

The minister, however, did not rule out regular transportation for certain types of products.

"In any case, cargo is transported during passenger air travel, which is a type of air cargo transportation. It's just that there aren't any cargo planes yet, and there may never be. We are not overly concerned about this," said the minister.