Sameep Shastri: Armenia can play an important role for the BRICS countries

ArmInfo. Armenia can play an  important role for the BRICS countries in terms of accessing European  markets. This was stated by Sameep Shastri, Vice Chairman of the  BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in an interview with  journalists at the international forum "New Horizons of Cooperation  between Armenia and the EAEU with BRICS and SCO" on August 8 in  Yerevan.  He recalled that when the BRICS concept was first  introduced, many people were skeptical about it because the countries  are located in completely different parts of the world.  "But as we  have seen, this concept has proven itself. In relation to Armenia,  logistics routes can be very important because they could play a  significant role in moving towards Europe," Shastri noted.  When  asked to describe the practical steps being taken, the BRICS  representative acknowledged that things are not easy at the moment,  but assured that progress is not standing still.  "A couple of years  ago, we could not imagine the existence of electronic cars or  electronic banking, both of which are now actively being implemented.  Therefore, I believe that the most important step in logistics is  improving and developing infrastructure. Currently there are planes  that use more cost-effective energy sources. Consequently, it is  necessary to enhance the technological aspects of transportation  routes, create new roads and establish new routes for supplies,  deliveries and technological transfer," Shastri added.  At the same  time, he emphasized that for the BRICS countries, Armenia is  primarily interesting for its rich resources, especially in  agriculture. "In order for a shift of power to occur in the  international arena, we need countries that can develop their  economies and become strong players," he concluded.  Tatyana  Seliverstova, a member of the board of the ANO "Leaders of  International Cooperation", advisor to the director of the Chinese  Center for Technology Transfer of the SCO Member States and a  director of the BRICS business incubator, discussed the opening of  the Armenia-BRICS Business Cooperation Center in Yerevan today. She  emphasized that the main goal of the Center  is to promote Armenian  businesses in international arena with BRICS countries.  "Additionally, the center aims to attract investments and trade  partners from the BRICS countries to Armenia. It will be a  coordination hub for economic cooperation between Armenia and the  BRICS countries. We will find specialized partners at the request of  Armenian businesses, we will secure additional investments for  projects that have the potential to attract foreign investments  and  will facilitate business exchanges  between communities and  entrepreneurs," she concluded.