Minister: Reopening South Caucasus routes could unlock Armenia’s economic potential

Armenia’s economy could gain a significant boost if transport links in the South Caucasus are fully reopened, the country’s Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan has said.

In an interview with Armenian media, Papoyan highlighted the potential of the so-called “Trump Route”, an initiative agreed between Azerbaijan, Armenia and the United States aimed at improving regional connectivity, Caliber.Az reports.

The minister said delegations from the United States are expected to visit Armenia in the coming days, alongside Serdar Kılıç, Türkiye’s special envoy for normalising Armenian-Turkish relations.

“We are effectively at a working stage. Transforming Armenia into a transport hub is already underway. Residents of Meghri and Kapan [Gafan] see every day mountains being removed and the new ‘North-South’ road being built,” Papoyan said.

He added that American representatives will conduct on-site assessments, marking the start of a practical phase intended to establish Armenia as a global transport hub. “The reopening of communications will unlock Armenia’s economic potential,” he said.

Papoyan also emphasised the country’s current geographic challenges. “Apart from being landlocked, 75% of our land borders remain closed,” he noted.

While the precise impact on economic growth remains under study, preliminary research suggests that lifting the blockade could substantially reduce the cost of imported goods, which are currently high due to logistical constraints.

By Aghakazim Guliyev