Pashinyan questions quality of Armenian food, says he no longer eats local fish

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has criticised the quality of some domestically produced food, saying he has not eaten locally farmed fish for a long time because of concerns over its quality.

Speaking at a government meeting on July 30, Pashinyan said Armenia had failed to diversify its economic ties despite government efforts to support businesses, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"Economic diversification has not taken place, despite the government providing businesses with broad opportunities," he said. "The main reason is that diversification requires higher standards, greater efficiency and improved productivity."

He said improving food quality standards should be a priority, adding that he had personally stopped eating locally farmed fish because he believed there were problems with its production.

"I have not eaten locally farmed fish for a very long time. It is obvious to me that there are problems. The fish contains, for example, unnatural and inexplicable fat," Pashinyan said.

He added that while the government was prepared to support the aquaculture industry and other sectors, such assistance should be linked to improvements in quality and development.

Pashinyan also described the current difficulties surrounding access to the Russian and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) markets as an opportunity rather than a crisis.

His comments come after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 27, during which the Armenian government said Pashinyan argued that Russian restrictions on Armenian exports were inconsistent with bilateral agreements and EAEU rules, and called for the issue to be resolved.

Since May, Russia's agricultural watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, has introduced a series of import restrictions on Armenian products, including flowers, fruit, vegetables, fish and fish products, and, more recently, dairy goods.

The trade measures come amid growing tensions between Moscow and Yerevan as Armenia deepens ties with the European Union and explores the possibility of future EU membership. Russia has repeatedly said Armenia cannot simultaneously pursue closer integration with both the EU and the EAEU.

By Aghakazim Guliyev