Gevorg Papoyan: We are moving forward with  the current agenda, with a focus on diversifying the economy

ArmInfo. We are moving forward with the current agenda, which is focused on diversifying the economy. This was stated by Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan during a meeting of the Standing Parliamentary Committee, in response to a question from a parliamentarian about Armenia's potential withdrawal from the EAEU and joining the EU.  Papoyan reiterated that the government's agenda does not involve leaving the Eurasian Economic Union.  He also clarified that the document being discussed (the bill on the EU accession process) doesn't signify actual membership in the EU.  He said that in the coming days he will visit the Russian Federation, where he will hold meetings with two colleagues to discuss the possibility of expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, and then go to the UAE, Japan, etc.

Regarding the potential for developing trade relations with the EU, Papoyan noted that calculations are being made, but did not provide any indicators. He only mentioned that work is underway to remove restrictions on entry into the EU market for certain Armenian goods.  In this regard, he touched upon the recent outcome of long-term negotiations between the Food Safety Inspectorate of Armenia and the EU stating that Armenian fish farmers will now be able to export their products to the EU market. Additionally, he mentioned the state assistance program for exporters looking to enter the EU market, which is intended to replace the previously existing GSP+ trade preference regime (allowing for duty-free export to the EU).

he emphasized.  According to the RA Statistical Committee, Armenia's foreign trade turnover with the EAEU countries in January-December 2025 amounted to $12.7 billion, which is 54% higher than the figure for the previous year. However, exports decreased by 10.7% to $3.3 billion, while imports increased by 2.1-fold  to $9.4 billion. The EAEU accounts for 42.2% of the volume of foreign trade, while the EU countries account for 7.7%.  Particularly, the volume of trade  with the EU decreased by 11.7%, amounting to $2.3 billion. At the same time, export volumes for the year decreased by 13.8% to $611.6 million, against an 11% decline in imports to $1.7 billion.