ArmInfo. "The European Union attaches great importance to the establishment of a constructive dialogue with Armenia," Head of the EU delegation to Armenia Piotr Switalski stated at the opening of the first meeting of the European Union- Armenia Partnership Committee in Trade configuration under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on September 25.
He stressed that the changes in Armenia are considered as an incentive for progress. "We see that the priorities of the new government, first and foremost, become a powerful lever for the development of relations in the trade and investment fields, and, secondly, at the strategic level are quite sufficient to protect the interests of investors," said the EU Ambassador to Armenia. In this vein, he noted the fight against corruption. The eradication of corruption will give Armenia the opportunity to find new partners and will become a guarantee for the European companies in terms of increasing interest in the Armenian business environment," the diplomat noted.
As a second priority, Switalski called the independence of the judiciary, which will also contribute to building partnership, as it plays an important role in protecting investors. "I think that the current government knows perfectly well what to do," he said.
In turn, Petros Sourmelis, Head of Unit (E2) of European Commission Directorate General for Trade added that the reforms implemented by the new government will only strengthen cooperation with the EU and contribute to the further development of trade relations. In particular, he stressed the importance of Armenia's signing of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the European Union (CEPA), which marked a new stage in the country's development and will provide an opportunity to implement the planned reforms, improve the business climate, attract foreign investment, and reduce poverty. In this regard, Sourmelis expressed readiness on behalf of the EU to assist Armenia in the implementation of the tasks outlined by the new government.
To note during the meeting the parties will discuss topics included in the Trade and trade related matters title of CEPA, including Trade in goods and services, Customs, Intellectual property rights, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, Competition and Public procurement. The parties will go into draft road maps for the implementation of the Trade related chapters of CEPA. Issues related to WTO, GSP+ monitoring, and other topics of mutual interest will be also discussed.
According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, the foreign trade turnover between Armenia and the EU in January-July this year exceeded $ 1 billion, which is more than the indicator of the preious year by 36.1%. In particular, exports increased by 22% to $ 432.4mln. , with an increase in imports of 47.8% to $ 633.3 million. The European Union ranked second in the list of Armenia's trade partners, with a share of 26%, somewhat behind the EEU, whose share was 26.4%.