EAEU growth hinges on services liberalisation, says Armenian deputy PM

Trade and services liberalisation remains one of the key drivers of deeper economic integration within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan said at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Astana, Kazakhstan.

“Liberalisation of trade in services remains one of the main drivers of deepening economic integration within the EAEU. At the same time, certain aspects of national regulation still require more practical harmonisation, which in turn will create additional opportunities to strengthen cooperation among EAEU member states, increase predictability and transparency of supranational mechanisms, and form more favourable conditions for business,” Grigoryan said.

He also emphasised the importance of diversifying trade and economic ties with third countries, noting the need to intensify negotiations on new states joining the EAEU free trade zone.

“An important area of cooperation within the EAEU is the diversification of trade and economic ties with third countries. It is necessary to highlight the importance of effective and full implementation of existing free trade agreements and the advancement of negotiations on new agreements. Undoubtedly, one of the key factors in this direction is the diversification of transport links, which will clearly provide a significant boost to trade turnover,” the deputy prime minister said.

He noted that the EAEU currently has trade agreements with Iran, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, China, and Serbia. Negotiations are ongoing on agreements with India and Egypt, while the feasibility of a deal with Tunisia is also being considered.

Grigoryan also said Armenia welcomes the signing of a protocol expanding EAEU financial support mechanisms for cooperative projects into the agro-industrial sector.

“Armenia also attaches great importance to the development of cooperation in the agro-industrial sector and welcomes the signing of the protocol on extending financial support mechanisms for cooperative projects to agriculture, which will clearly contribute to the growth of cooperation and strengthening of food security within the union,” he said.

Earlier, Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) announced temporary restrictions on imports of certain products from Armenia into Russia starting May 30, 2026.

By Jeyhun Aghazada