Armenia reaffirms commitment to Eurasian Economic Union amid trade challenges

Armenia has no plans to leave the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Economy Minister Gevork Papoyan said, reaffirming the government's commitment to the Russia-led economic bloc despite recent trade disruptions.

Speaking to reporters, Papoyan stressed that the Armenian authorities remain committed to preserving the EAEU while commenting on the government's request for Russia to lift restrictions affecting trade between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

"We want the EAEU to remain in place as an organisation. We are thinking about the EAEU because it is our organisation," the minister said.

Papoyan said the government had successfully diversified export markets in response to the trade restrictions, with Armenian products now being shipped to more than 25 countries.

"Not a single apricot has gone to waste," he said, rejecting concerns that farmers had been left with unsold produce. Responding to questions about reports of a weaker apricot harvest and difficulties exporting tomatoes and flowers, Papoyan said tomatoes continued to be purchased, sold and exported.

The minister also highlighted measures aimed at supporting domestic agricultural producers. Armenia has introduced a six-month restriction on tomato paste imports to boost demand for locally grown tomatoes, he said, adding that four processing plants have committed to purchasing all field-grown and greenhouse tomato harvests.

Papoyan added that the government would also provide financial support to exporters of tomato paste and fruit juices as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country's agricultural exports.

By Sabina Mammadli