Prime Minister: Government of Armenia ready to expand cooperation with EU in improvement of business environment and investment promotion 

ArmInfo. On 18 October, the Head of the EU Delegation, Ambassador Piotr A. Switalski, was received by Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, whom he congratulated on his appointment, and wished success for his important task. The sides engaged in an open and friendly discussions on EU -Armenia relations and domestic reforms.

According to the EU press-office, Ambassador Switalksi and Prime Minister Karapetyan concurred on the importance of EU - Armenia cooperation, based on shared values.

The Head of the EU Delegation highlighted that the EU is the first export market for Armenia, the first provider of Foreign Direct Investment and its largest donor.  Ambassador Switalski and PM Karapetyan agreed that Investment and new management culture are key for the transformation of the economy. The Head of the EU Delegation thanked PM Karapetyan for his availability for future joint discussions with EU Member States Ambassadors on issues of mutual interest such as business environment, investment climate, fight against corruption and independence of the judiciary.

The Armenian Government press-office told ArmInfo that during the meeting PM Karapetyan said the government is ready to cooperate with the EU in such fields as economy, democracy, human rights, effective management, mobility and others. Karapetyan stressed the importance of EU's technical support in the reforms carried out in Armenia as well as involvement of European financial enterprises in implementation of various communication projects in the country.

According to the prime minister Armenia seeks to expand the cooperation with the EU in improvement of business environment, investment promotion and others. The sides touched upon the EU assistance to Armenia for 2017-2020, development of partnership priorities, visa liberalization, cooperation in the aviation field etc.

According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, the foreign trade turnover between Armenia and EU for Jan-Aug 2016 totaled $762.4mln with a 0.4% annual turnover. Exports totaled $307.6mln with an annual growth of 13.8%, imports - $454.8mln with an annual turnover of 7%.