Welcoming the Chinese delegation, Varos Simonyan congratulated and sent warm wishes to the Chinese colleagues on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, which will be celebrated this year on October 1, then said in his speech that Armenia attaches great importance to the development of friendly relations with China.
“The meetings between the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Nikol Pashinyan, and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, and the Chairman of the State Council (Prime Minister) of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Li Keqiang, provided a new stimulus for the strengthening and deepening of the comprehensive Armenian-Chinese partnership. Development of trade and economic cooperation is an important component for strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries. From our side, we are ready to make maximum efforts to implement the agreements reached. I am happy to record the positive dynamics of trade and economic cooperation between Armenia and China and the steady growth of bilateral trade.
China has become the second largest trade partner of Armenia, accounting for 10.43% of Armenia’s foreign trade. According to the data of the Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, in 2018 the trade turnover between Armenia and China amounted to 771.12 million US dollars. And in January-July 2019, it amounted to 500.35 million US dollars, which increased by 22.6% compared to the same period last year,” Varos Simonyan said in his speech, adding that according to statistical data, July 1, 2019 as of now, Chinese investments in Armenia amounted to 1.1 million US dollars. He also noted with satisfaction that the agreement signed between the governments of Armenia and China on May 26, 2019 has mutually abolished entry visa requirements for ordinary passport holders, which will increase the number of mutual visits, including in the fields of tourism and business. The implementation of the Chinese “Union Pay” payment system in the RA banking sector can also contribute to this.
Varos Simonyan thanked the Government of China for the gratuitous assistance provided to Armenia over the years, noting its importance from the point of view of solving economic, social and especially people’s well-being problems. He also noted the support of the Chinese side to Armenia to participate in the international horticulture fair in Beijing, as well as the 2nd international exhibition of Chinese imports, which will take place in November of this year.
“Armenia is an important partner for China within the EAEU framework and in the Transcaucasus region. Our trade and economic ties have a long history. As our experts informed me, back in the second century, our countries signed a trade agreement and developed trade relations along the ancient Chinese “Silk Road”. This means that our two countries attach special importance to trade and economic ties. I am sure that today’s session will be effective and will contribute to the strengthening of trade and economic ties between our countries. For that, we need to do a lot of work,” Yu Jianhua, the co-chairman of the Chinese side, Deputy Minister of Trade of the People’s Republic of China, said in his speech, adding that in addition to the officials of state institutions, representatives of private organizations are also involved in their delegation, which proves that great attention is paid to practical cooperation. Yu Jianhua also admitted that he discovered Armenian cognac for himself in Armenia and liked Armenian honey very much, which is being exported to China.
The commission expressed satisfaction with the work done and results recorded after the 9th session held on August 22, 2016. The continuous growth of bilateral trade volumes was emphasized. As an important step towards the construction of a unified area of economic development, the parties noted the agreement on trade and economic cooperation signed between the EAEU and China on May 17, 2018, as well as the combination of the important initiative of the EAEU and China “One Belt, One Road”.
Among the many issues included in the agenda of the session, the possibilities of expanding cooperation in the fields of industry, agriculture, tourism, innovation, infrastructure development, active interaction in the field of quality control, which will contribute to the facilitation of trade, were discussed. The parties expressed confidence that the opening of Armenian trade houses will contribute to the increase of trade between Armenia and China. It was noted that the first steps in this direction have already been taken, in particular, ”Armenian goods exhibition and trade halls” have been opened in Shandong and Zhejiang provinces.
Further development of trade and economic cooperation, as well as interregional cooperation, were highlighted. In order to strengthen the ties between the business circles, an agreement was reached to facilitate their participation in the business conferences and exhibitions organized in both countries.
The study of the possibilities of opening direct flights between Armenia and China (which can significantly contribute to the increase of trade between the two countries, as well as the development of tourist ties), the participation of Chinese companies in the implementation of the North-South investment program, as well as other issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the session. topics.
Interview Between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Armine Harutyunyan, Expert on International Trade Relations
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Harutyunyan! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the growing relationship between Armenia and China, particularly as we approach the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
Dr. Armine Harutyunyan: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this significant occasion and the ongoing developments in international trade relations.
Editor: In recent speeches, Armenian official Varos Simonyan highlighted the strengthening of trade ties between Armenia and China. What are the key elements contributing to this growing partnership?
Dr. Harutyunyan: Absolutely! The partnership is rooted in several important factors. Firstly, the high-level meetings between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Chinese leaders like President Xi Jinping establish strong diplomatic relations that set the stage for economic collaboration. Both countries recognize the importance of mutual trade growth, which is evident in the statistics—China is now Armenia’s second-largest trade partner, accounting for over 10% of its foreign trade.
Editor: The numbers demonstrate impressive growth. In just the first half of 2019, trade turnover reached over $500 million, a 22.6% increase from the previous year. What sectors do you think this growth will impact the most?
Dr. Harutyunyan: Primarily, we’re seeing significant developments in trade, agriculture, and investment. The introduction of the “Union Pay” system and the abolishment of visa requirements for mutual travelers will enhance trade and tourism. The agricultural sector, particularly horticulture, is receiving attention, especially with Armenia participating in international fairs in China. This opens doors for Armenian products – think of that iconic Armenian cognac and honey you mentioned!
Editor: That sounds promising! Yu Jianhua, Deputy Minister of Trade of China, expressed appreciation for Armenian products. How important are personal connections and cultural exchanges in trade relations?
Dr. Harutyunyan: They are incredibly important. Personal connections facilitate trust and understanding, which are essential for successful trade partnerships. Cultural appreciation, like Yu Jianhua’s fondness for Armenian cognac and honey, nurtures goodwill and fosters more collaborative efforts in trade. This relationship goes beyond just numbers; it’s about building a community of shared interests.
Editor: You mentioned historical ties between the two nations dating back to the second century along the Silk Road. How does this history influence current trade dynamics?
Dr. Harutyunyan: The historical context plays a crucial role. It provides a foundation of trust and a legacy of cooperation. With such a longstanding relationship, both countries find value in ensuring that this connection evolves and grows to meet contemporary needs. Initiatives like the recent agreements aim to recreate that spirit of trade along the Silk Road, but in a modern context, focusing on mutual benefit.
Editor: As we look forward, what challenges do you foresee for Armenia as it continues to develop these relations with China?
Dr. Harutyunyan: One of the key challenges could be navigating dependency. While it’s beneficial to have a close trade partner, Armenia must ensure that it maintains a balanced relationship with other trading partners as well. Additionally, the need for local industries to adapt and meet Chinese standards can also pose challenges in terms of infrastructure and regulatory alignment.
Editor: Very insightful! Lastly, what are your predictions for the future of Armenian-Chinese relations?
Dr. Harutyunyan: I foresee a positive trajectory. There’s a clear commitment from both sides to enhance cooperation across various sectors. As Armenia aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthens its ties within the EAEU framework, we can expect an increase in investment, trade volume, and cultural exchanges, which will ultimately benefit both nations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Harutyunyan, for sharing your expertise and insights on this important topic. It’s fascinating to see how Armenia and China can build upon their historical ties to forge a prosperous future.
Dr. Armine Harutyunyan: Thank you for the opportunity! I look forward to seeing how this partnership evolves in the coming years.