Under the leadership of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the discussions of the issues included in the agenda of the fifth session of the Investment Committee continued.
First, the technical and economic study of the “creation of a dry port in Shirak region” was presented. The project will contribute to the acceleration of the movement of cargo, the increase in the quality of cargo transportation, and as a result, a multi-model dry port will be created, which will be a free economic zone a centralized manufacturing hub for transit transport and exports.
Minister of Economy, Vahan Kerobyan, noted that consequently of the implementation of the project, thousands of jobs will be created in Gyumri, a transport hub, which will be connected with the nearby ports and major transport routes by air, land and rail.According to Vahan Kerobyan, the project will not only be a great economic result The Minister of Economy also added that the program is integrated into “Peace “crossroads” project and is the north-western node of the “Crossroads of Peace”, which, in case of implementation, will already ensure Armenia’s connection with other countries of the region.
According to Vahan Kerobyan, the Government has its share of investment, which amounts to 37 million dollars, but large foreign investors will also be involved, who should be the operators of the dry port and whose investment volumes will be significantly larger will already create their capacities in the industrial park. The implementation of the project is planned within 5-7 years”, added the Minister of economy.
As a result of the discussion, a decision was made to give preliminary approval to the project.
Within the framework of the agenda, new projects were presented to the members of the committee: “Construction of the road section of the Tbilisi highway-Yeghvardi Highway” and “Construction of the new rubinyants-Acharyan Road” were presented within the framework of the road construction project of the city of Yerevan.
Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan emphasized that the construction of the bridge connecting Tbilisi Highway to Mikoyan Street is an extremely important project, which connects the M4 highway to the North-South bypass road and added that another bridge is being built over the Hrazdan River, which is from the point of view of offloading motor transport from the Arabkir administrative district. will have a significant impact.
Presenting the second project, the mayor emphasized that as an inevitable result, cargo transportation on Acharyan-Myasnikyan streets will also have a positive impact on traffic jams in Yerevan. and these programs will have a significant impact not only in the city of Yerevan itself, for the citizens of Yerevan, but also for cargo carriers, who will have the chance to: bypass the city of Yerevan,” Tigran Avinyan said.
As an inevitable result of the discussion of the projects, a decision was made to carry out a technical and economic study at the first stage, the results of which will make it possible to implement the projects.
Tigran Avinyan noted that the construction of the Tbilisi-Mikoyan road section and the bridge will take approximately 4-5 years, and the road connecting Rubinyants and acharyan will be possible in a little less time.
Next, the “Hydrogen Economy” project was presented. The Minister of Economy noted that various countries are trying to include green hydrogen production in their energy transformation and added that the option of green hydrogen production from renewable energy resources is being considered in Armenia.
As an inevitable result of the discussion of the project, it was decided to create a working group dealing with hydrogen issues, in which both officials, representatives of private consulting companies and scientists will be included.
What are the potential economic impacts of developing a dry port in Armenia’s Shirak region?
Interview Between the Time.news Editor and an Expert on Transportation and Logistics
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into an exciting development in Armenia’s infrastructure strategy. Joining us is Dr. Anahit Kazaryan, an expert in transportation logistics and development. Dr. Kazaryan, thank you for being here!
Dr. Kazaryan: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
Editor: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently discussed key issues related to the fifth session of the Investment Committee,specifically focusing on a dry port project in the Shirak region. Can you start by explaining what a dry port is and its significance?
Dr. Kazaryan: absolutely! A dry port is essentially an inland intermodal terminal that acts as a gateway for cargo transport. It provides facilities for loading and unloading goods from different transport modes—like trains and trucks—without the need for an actual seaport. The significance of a dry port lies in its ability to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and improve cargo handling capabilities.
Editor: That sounds vital for Armenia’s trade. How will the proposed dry port in Shirak specifically benefit the region and the country as a whole?
Dr. Kazaryan: The proposed dry port in Shirak will play a vital role in modernizing Armenia’s logistics framework. By establishing this facility, the region can expect a boost in trade volume due to accelerated cargo movement. Aside from improving efficiency, it will enhance the quality of cargo transportation, reducing delays and risks associated with long-distance hauls. this, in turn, could attract both domestic and foreign investment, further fueling economic growth.
Editor: You mentioned economic growth. Can you elaborate more on how projects like these attract investment?
Dr. Kazaryan: Certainly! Infrastructure projects such as the dry port often serve as a signal to potential investors. They demonstrate that the government is committed to improving logistics and trade capabilities, creating an environment conducive to business. A reliable transport network reduces operational costs and provides access to broader markets, making it an attractive proposition for companies looking to expand their operations.
Editor: With regards to the technical and economic studies presented during the Investment Committee meeting,how do these studies help in the decision-making process for such projects?
Dr.Kazaryan: Technical and economic studies are crucial as they assess the feasibility of the project by analyzing factors like expected cargo flow, necessary investments, and potential returns. They help identify the practical implications of the project, allowing policymakers to make informed decisions based on data rather than assumptions. This process also helps in securing funding, since investors and banks will want to see thorough risk assessments and projected benefits.
Editor: As Armenia moves forward with this project, what challenges do you foresee in its implementation?
Dr. Kazaryan: One of the primary challenges is the political and economic stability of the region. Logistics is a global business, and external factors such as trade relations with neighboring countries could affect operations. Additionally, the need for sufficient investment in supporting infrastructure—like roads and rail connections to the dry port—cannot be overlooked. Continuous collaboration between various stakeholders, including government, private sector, and community, will be essential to address these challenges.
Editor: Thank you for sharing those insights, Dr. Kazaryan. It’s fascinating to see how such developments can shape the future of transportation in Armenia. Before we wrap up, what do you hope to see as the next steps following this session?
Dr. Kazaryan: I hope to see swift action in moving forward with the planning and implementation stages of the dry port project, along with clear interaction about its benefits to the local communities. Engaging with stakeholders early in the process can foster support and ensure that the project meets the needs of those it serves.
editor: Splendid thoughts! Thank you again for your time, Dr. Kazaryan.we look forward to seeing how this initiative unfolds and its impact on Armenia’s future.
Dr. Kazaryan: Thank you for having me! I’m excited too.