Information security expert Vahram Mirakyan commented on the state of the economy on his Facebook page. He wrote:
“Important!
I haven’t come across any calculations yet, but the coronavirus has already caused enough damage to Armenia‘s economy. Idem of canceled tourist visits, canceled deals, various events, etc.
But in the coming days, Armenia’s economy may receive the biggest blow.
Many Armenian companies and individuals buy fruits and vegetables from Iran, clear customs in Armenia and sell the products on the Russian market. We do the same. We act as mediators between Iran and Russia, we earn money, and the taxes remain in Armenia.
Now Georgia does not allow Iranian goods to transit through their territory. I don’t know why, the justification in the context of the known scientific facts about the coronavirus does not stand up to criticism, but people do not let go (for example, entry from Turkey is allowed, although the virus is no less widespread there than Iran).
As a result, at the moment, according to the information I received, about 60 furs, mostly Iranian kiwis, apples and vegetables intended for the Russian market, have remained in Armenia, they cannot pass through Georgia, the entry is prohibited. A fur kiwi is also ours.
The danger of the created situation is that if this product remains in Armenia, it will blow up the local market, because there cannot be so much consumption in Armenia. As a result, prices will explode, all businessmen in the sector will suffer, including those who have local apples or vegetables.
The solution? Give a 3-4 day window to clear the accumulated. We will not order again, but at least the backlog will be cleared. There is no logic to not allow it, because the virus does not stay on hard surfaces for more than 48 hours, and the drivers are Armenians, and the car is Armenian.
Now the worst part. There are rumors that Georgia wants to completely ban the entry or exit of any trucks to or from Armenia. Not to mention its possible consequences. I hope no more infected people will be found near us, otherwise Georgia will definitely close the border.
Just need a 3 day window. Or that it would be better to convince the Georgians that, with groups similar to Armenia, they would conduct the sales of Iranian products under control.
In any case, diplomatic intervention is needed.
Help spread the word in hopes of a possible solution.”
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