Yerevan to keep diversifying exports even as Russia eases trade curbs

Armenia will continue pursuing export diversification even if Russia fully lifts restrictions on imports of Armenian products, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said.

Speaking at a briefing, Pashinyan said Yerevan’s strategy of diversifying its economic ties would remain unchanged regardless of whether trade restrictions with Russia are removed.

“We have to diversify our relations one way or another, and even if they are fully opened, that is, even if we return to the original situation, our agenda will not change,” he said.

Pashinyan stressed that excessive dependence on a single market or trade route poses a risk to Armenia’s economy.

“Today, at the meeting, I said that it is a problem when most of our imports or exports can be dependent on a single link,” the Armenian prime minister said.

Russia previously imposed restrictions on imports of a range of Armenian products, including mineral water, alcoholic beverages, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products, citing violations identified by Russian authorities.

By Vafa Guliyeva