ArmInfo. China in Armenia is looking for directions for investments, including within the framework of the "One Belt - One Road" initiative. Chinese Ambassador to Armenia Tian Erlong said this on September 23 at a press conference in Yerevan gnswering the question of ArmInfo correspondent.
According to him, the "One Belt - One Road" initiative is a large project, one of the components of which is investment. "We are actively seeking investment cooperation. If we are in the second place in the trade and economic field, it seems to me that this satisfies us, although at the same time we strive to further develop our cooperation, but investment cooperation is a priority. For example, we considered the possibility of investing in a smelter, but for objective reasons, the process of implementing this project is slowing down. In addition, there are a number of sectors in which we can cooperate in the part of medium and small business, for example, the textile industry. Today we have joint production cooperation with the "Alex", company "he said, adding that this made it possible to open several hundred new jobs for Armenian citizens.
According to the Ambassador, the possibility of opening a factory for the production of drinking and mineral water in Armenia is also being considered, since China is a potential huge market. Once again emphasizing that the search for directions for investment is being conducted, the Ambassador assured that the results will certainly be, but in the future. Erlong noted that the possibility of building infrastructures, developing interaction between twin cities is being considered, giving as an example, the cooperation between Gyumri and Siyan.
At the same time, he stressed that China and Armenia consider each other as friendly states, and relations between the two countries have been established since ancient times. "In modern realities, our relations have been steadily developing since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The volume of mutual trade has been steadily increasing. Mutual visits by our citizens are increasing, and I am convinced that liberalization of the visa regime will further increase the tourist flow between the two countries," the Ambassador said, recalling that the agreement has already been signed, and it remains to ratify it by the Armenian side. Erlong believes that Armenia will complete all procedures this year.
The diplomat also spoke about the progressive development of China over the past 70 years, becoming a state with a powerful economy, the second largest in the world. "We are the largest trading partners of 120 countries of the world. For Armenia, as I believe, we are not the first, but the second and strive to further increase cooperation in such areas as the ""One Belt - One Road" "initiative, in the humanitarian sector and many other fields", the Ambassador summed up.
According to the data of the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, the foreign trade turnover between Armenia and China in January-July 2019 amounted to $ 500.3 million, with an increase of 22.6%, while exports amounted to $ 105.5 million, an increase of 72.6%, import - $ 394.8 million with an increase of increase of 13.8%.