Expert:  Armenian export to Europe under reduction risk in 2017

ArmInfo. Due to the permanent character of  Eurozone countries economic situation dropdown, there is certain risk of Armenian export reduction in respect to European countries, especially regarding metals  expert,  economic expert Gagik Makaryan, the Chairman of Employers Union of Armenia, expressed his opinion at a press conference held on January 30 in Yerevan.

At the same time, the expert forecasts a 10% expert growth to Russia under these same conditions, due to the reason of   economic growth of Russia, which will be followed by transfer flows. In this respect Makaryan stated that in the structure of transfers the RR based ones will prevail. Hence, RR positions will be improved in Armenia.  Following the expert,   this situation will artificially   increase the trade turnover between Armenia and Russia.

At that, the expert  considers  expedient to increase the export of Armenian wine and brandy to Russian markets within the framework of EEU, which share is not essential yet as of today, and in the price expression Armenian production occupies the average-price segment.  According to him, the share of Armenian  Brandy export  to Russia forms about 30-32%, and the vast majority belongs to French  Cognac' "The situation in respect to wine is much worse," he mentioned.  Particularly, Armenian  wine export forms 0,4%, while the share of Georgian wine makes 14%, and French and Italian wines exceed the level of 50%.  A t the same time, Armenian wine at Kazakhstan market occupies approximately 0,2%. Due to this situation formed, the expert thinks that Armenia should undertake appropriate steps to occupy the cheaper product segment at Russian market. " Actually, we do not use that  huge market," he noted. One of the reasons is that Armenia could not use the opportunity of increase of custom fees and charges for third countries products  import to  EEU  - to improve the local production According to Makaryan, one of possible solutions could be found in state  support projects, which will be implemented in amore targeted manner.

As an additional negative factor the expert states the poverty level in Armenia. "Our poverty level has already reached the 29% point, while in Azerbaijan this indicator is 6 times lower, and in Georgian and Kazakhstan - in 2 and 10 times respectively. According to Makaryan, there is a need to create additional 100 00 jobs, to secure the transfer flows growth for 40% and to increase the purchasing power of population for 10%.

However, in common the expert forecasts the growth of global economy, and Armenia could use that to solve own problems.