Karapetyan to President Margvelashvili: The potential of trade and economic cooperation between the states is not being used at full strength

ArmInfo. Within the scope of  his official visit to Georgia, the Armenian government delegation  headed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Karen  Karapetyan met with President Giorgi Margvelashvili.

As the Governmental press service told ArmInfo, welcoming the guests,  the President of Georgia highly appreciated the results of the  meeting between the Governments of the two states, noting that the  initiative will be presented as a basis for further strengthening and  development of relations.

In his turn, the chief executive of Armenia Karen Karapetyan noted  the high level of relations between the two states. However,  according to him, in terms of economic cooperation existing potential  is not used in its full potential. "There were discussions around a  wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation. I must admit, a huge  potential for the development of relations, in particular, in regard  to the implementation of regional projects. The Armenian side is  ready to provide the appropriate platform to provide access to its  markets to Georgian entrepreneurs. At the same time, we expect to  enhance cooperation in the field of tourism", said the prime  minister.

The Armenian Prime Minister thanked for the good attitude to the  Armenian community in Georgia, as well as for the preservation of  historical and cultural monuments. In response, the Georgian  President noted the importance of effective participation of the  Armenian community in the economic and cultural life of the state.

Georgia's foreign trade turnover amounted $11.966 million in 2016,  more for 20% compared the previous year. According to the National  Statistics Service of Georgia, exports decreased by 4% during the  year and amounted to $2.114 billion, while imports rose by 27% to  $9.852 billion. Three of Georgia's largest trading partners have not  changed in comparison with previous periods of last year. In the  first place is Canada ($1.832 billion), the second is Turkey ($  1,525,000), and the third is Russia ($ 881 million). The volume of  trade turnover between Armenia and Georgia increased in 2016,  compared with the previous year, reaching the level of $367 mln.