ArmInfo. Some types of economic and business activity in Armenia are currently limited due to the new type of coronavirus pandemic. Armenian Ambassador to China Sergey Manasaryan stated this in an interview with China magazine, referring to the impact of the pandemic on the Armenian economy and the prospects for the implementation of new projects after the crisis.
"Changes in the global economy will undoubtedly affect all countries. Some types of economic and business activity in Armenia are currently limited in connection with the pandemic. It is still difficult to assess what the quantitative consequences will be for the economy of our country, but in the short term it will face significant difficulties. The natural course of economic development in many countries has obviously changed for the worse," said the diplomat.
Moreover, he recalled that the Armenian government has already adopted 8 anti-crisis packages aimed at solving economic and social problems. In particular, decisions were made on concessional lending to small and medium-sized enterprises in the areas of production, catering, transportation, tourism and healthcare. According to him, these are the areas that are most vulnerable in this situation and have suffered greatly.
"I hope that the coronavirus pandemic will bring together the international community to address acute humanitarian and economic problems. I am sure that all countries must work together to develop a coordinated plan to stimulate the economy and reduce the spread of the virus.
The pandemic will certainly have a negative impact on trade and economic cooperation between our countries, but I hope and even am sure of something that this will have a short-term effect. We will need to think over a number of economic incentive measures that will help to overcome the objective obstacles that have arisen in our trade and economic cooperation. In particular, Armenia is ready to continue cooperation within the framework of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, which in the new conditions is acquiring new significance due to the need to diversify routes and supply chains for both China and other countries participating in the project. We intend to continue attracting Chinese investments in the field of infrastructures, production, high and information technologies, etc.," Manasaryan said.
At the same time, he rephrased the well-known Chinese expression that the crisis is not only difficult times, but also a period of searching for new opportunities for interaction and even greater unity. According to the Armenian ambassador, it is necessary to redouble efforts in this direction in order to facilitate the rapid restoration of the former pace of exchanges in all areas, as well as the best way to facilitate international efforts to well-coordinated response to this global challenge. "But before that, we must together win the final victory over the pandemic," the Ambassador summed up.
It should be noted that, according to the RA Statistical Committee, the foreign trade turnover between Armenia and China in 2019 amounted to $ 944.8 million with an annual growth of 22.5%. Of these, exports amounted to $ 193.7 million with an annual growth of 80.7%, imports - $ 751.1 million with an annual growth of 13.1%. We also note that China is in the Top 5 in terms of foreign trade turnover with Armenia.