ArmInfo.In the medium and long terms the vectors of economic relations will mostly remain unchanged, Aram Safaryan, Coordinator of the Eurasian Expert Club, stated at the panel discussion entitled 'Armenia and urgent priorities of Eurasian economic integration."
Armenia's exports to Russia and imports from that country will considerably increase, with further diversification of Armenia's economy, which, in turn, will contribute to Armenia's economic progress unless force majeure circumstances interfere.
Mr Safaryan is confident that it is the Eurasian Economic Union that will assist Armenia in developing modern-day economic relations. So Armenia's authorities should make the country an interesting economic partner, using political and economic potential, as well as that of the Armenian Diaspora.
"In other words, Armenia should not be viewed as a dead end, which has been the case so far, but turn into a link, which, I believe, is quite possible," Mr Safaryan said.
On the other hand, if, amid the West-Russia confrontation, the West attempts to put Armenia in a grave situation, it will thereby incite Armenia to "throw itself into Moscow's arms."
"But it is not in the West's interests. So Armenia should use its own potential in a cautious and well- thought-out way. We are living in rather hard times. On the one hand, it is the war fraught with grave consequences, which we cannot be fully aware of now. But even in this situation, Armenia has opportunities to ensure further progress," Mr Safaryan said.
This January-July, Armenia recorded 11% economic growth along with a rising poverty level, which, if the trend continues, could exceed 42% by the end of this year. Resisting this trend requires ensuring economic growth.
"We believe the government-forecast 7% economic growth can well be ensured by the end of this year, but the authorities' duty is to direct the funds to cope with poverty," Mr Safaryan said.
Armenia could also play an active role in import substitution and should not miss this chance. Armenia's authorities should send clear signals to their Russian partners.
"Armenia will not betray you. We are an efficient actor and you can use our potential for us to become an industrially developed nations again," he said.
Arman Ghukasyan, Chairman of the International Humanitarian Development NGO, said that Armenia's present advantages are due to the EAEU market - primarily in exports.
"Armenia's economic is certainly benefiting from EAEU membership, and the relevant figures are evidence thereof. Even amid the sanctions against Russia, the EAEU has proved its stability, and the economic growth in Armenia is striking evidence thereof. And competent management could turn into even greater benefits to our country," Mr Ghukasyan said.
Economic Ashot Tavadyan points up a need for Armenia to realize its potential within the EAEU.
"Amid the sanctions against Russia, Armenia's government must play a key role in coordinating migration and reducing unemployment. Armenia's government should continue work to create the relevant legal basis for international economic cooperation, enhancing Armenia's international reputation and developing cooperation with landlocked countries to resolve transit problems," he said.
