Head of European diplomatic mission urges Armenian Government to take more active position in attracting foreign investments

ArmInfo. "European business has a good future in Armenia," EU delegation head to Armenia, mbassador to Armenia Piotr Switalsky said in his welcome speech on September 15 during the opening of the exhibition "Europe in Armenia Expo".

The event, according to the Ambassador, primarily aims to open the door of Armenia to the European states. "We want Armenia to be perceived in Europe as a close and friendly country," he stressed.

At the same time, the ambassador noted the successes of the Armenian business registered within the framework of the European space. Reminding the recent statement of Prime Minister Karapetyan about the volume of Armenian exports to the markets of the EU member states that exceed the deliveries to the EEU countries, Switalsky noted: "The EU is the largest export market for Armenia. And we are so impressed by such a positive trend, because the entry of business into the European market is a much more complicated process than the way out to the EEU. And with this I want to congratulate Armenian businessmen. " In this regard, he reported on the positive feedback of European entrepreneurs on the Armenian market in connection with the changes that the tax and customs teams carried out  Karapetyan.

However, against the backdrop of positive indicators recorded on export supplies, the Ambassador expressed concern about a decrease in imports. "Still, I hope that such a country as Armenia will need a European technology and modern developments," he said.

Evaluating the investment opportunities, Switalsky stressed that EU is the largest investor in Armenia, however, according to the Ambassador, the investment potential of the country is much higher. In this regard, he noted the significant role of the forthcoming signing of a framework agreement between Armenia and EU.

At the same time, the head of the European diplomatic mission urged the Armenian government to take a more active position in attracting foreign capital. "Today, countries are in a situation of strong competition with each other in the matter of attracting investments. And only by actively participating in this process can you achieve significant success, "he stressed.

To note, in the work of the exhibition "Europe in Armenia Expo" pavilions of about 30 enterprises operating on the Armenian market with European capital, as well as business-promoting structures. Within the framework of the event, business meetings and round tables will be held, where the participants will hold discussions on issues related to tourism, export, and business consulting. "Europe in Armenia Expo" is supported by the Armenian Government and EU countries.

According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, foreign trade turnover between Armenia and EU in January-July 2017 amounted to $ 816.1 million with an annual growth of 22.9%. In particular, exports increased by 31.9% to $ 355.1 million, with imports increasing by 16.8% to $ 461 million.