President of Armenia instructed to extend trade-economy relations with Czech Republic and Slovakia

ArmInfo. Within the framework of a series of meetings to expand economic component of the republic's foreign policy, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan received Armenian Ambassador in the Czech Republic and Slovakia Tigran Seyranian.

According to Armenian President's press service, the Ambassador reported to the President on the agenda of economic cooperation and bilateral relations with the Czech Republic and Slovakia, on the prerequisites for the development of cooperation in various fields, as well as on existing obstacles and problems. He also presented proposals on expanding trade and economic relations and solving existing problems with the above countries.

The Armenian President stated at the beginning of the meeting that next year Armenia will celebrate the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations with the Czech Republic and Slovakia, stressing the importance of celebrating these events with real achievements.

"I am glad that the Armenian-Czech relations have intensified in the last period, which is especially visible in the context of mutual high-level visits, which in turn convey a positive impact on all spheres of cooperation. It is important that the agreements reached within these visits have been implemented or are in the process of implementation. The Czech Republic has a developed economy. I consider this country an important partner for Armenia. The Czech Republic can make an important contribution to the cause of our economic progress. I believe that we and our citizens feel active in the tourist sphere, and Czech tourists, who are not so many, contribute to this process, but their number has increased by 20% compared to the same period last year. This also applies to relations with Slovakia, "Armenian leader said.

At the same time, he expressed confidence that Slovakia and Czech Republic are important partners of Armenia in tourism field and called to intensify works in the sphere.

Sargsyan also stressed that he is informed on the results of Armenian-Czech inter governmental commission meeting on concrete programs.

According to the results of the meeting, President of Armenia gave a number of instructions to the Ambassador on total use of trade-economic potential of cooperation with Czech Republic and Slovakia, as well as development of cooperation in prospective fields.

According to the National Statistical Service, the foreign trade turnover between Armenia and the Czech Republic in January-July of 2017 amounted to $ 14.9 million, an increase of 88%. Export amounted to $ 952.2 thousand, a decline of 27.5%, imports - $ 14 million, an increase of 2.1 times. The foreign trade turnover between Armenia and Slovakia amounted to $ 5.5 million, an increase of 2.4 times. Export - $ 41.5 thousand decline by 72.1%, imports - $ 5.4 million growth of 2.5 times.