Armenia-EU cooperation beneficial, but not at EAEU`s expense - Samvel  Karapetyan 

ArmInfo.  Armenian entrepreneurs in Russia not only strengthen their positions in business, but also actively support their historical homeland -  creating new jobs, investing in key industries, promoting the  development of trade and economic ties between Armenia and Russia. As  reported by the Association of Armenian Entrepreneurs (AAE), this was  stated by the President of the Tashir Group of Companies, Chairman of  the AAE Samvel Karapetyan during the next meeting in Moscow within  the framework of the business forum organized by representatives of  Russian and Armenian business circles.

The event brought together more than two hundred participants from  Armenia and Russia. In his speech, Samvel Karapetyan noted that the  Armenian business community remains the basis of Armenia's economic  prosperity and demonstrates unity and cohesion. "This unity is our  strength, which confirms that, despite any challenges, the Armenian  business community remains a reliable support for the economic  stability and prosperity of Armenia," said the head of the Tashir  Group of Companies.

The main topic discussed by the speakers at the event was the  prospects for Armenia's accession to the EU.  Having defined the key  role of the EAEU in the stability and development of the economy of  the Republic of Armenia, Samvel Karapetyan emphasized the importance  of further strengthening the union. "Armenia's membership in the  Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) plays a key role in the stability and  development of the economy of the Republic. 

In 2024, Armenia's trade volume with the EAEU countries increased and  reached $12.7 billion. At the same time, trade with the European  Union decreased by 14% and amounted to $2 billion," Karapetyan noted.  In his opinion, these figures clearly demonstrate that the EAEU  provides the bulk of Armenia's foreign trade turnover and is its main  trading partner, the basis of the country's economic stability.  "Withdrawal from the EAEU and an attempt to reorient towards the  European Union can lead to serious economic consequences," Samvel  Karapetyan emphasized.

In addition, the head of the AAP emphasized that Russia is the  guarantor of the country's energy security.  "Today, Russia is the  key supplier of energy for the Armenian economy. Gas and oil products  are supplied through stable, established channels, on favorable terms  for Armenia. If Armenia leaves the Eurasian Economic Union, the  unified mechanisms for regulating prices and supplies will cease to  operate, which means that the cost of gas, oil products and  electricity will increase. In other words, the entire Armenian  economy may face a serious blow that could lead to paralysis of  individual sectors and disruption of stability in the country's  economic system. It is important to understand that energy security  is not just economics, it is a strategic factor on which the future  of the country depends. And any steps that put this security at risk  must be carefully calculated based on real national interests, and  not short-term political calculations," said Samvel Karapetyan.

The founder of the Tashir Group of Companies also emphasized the  importance of the role of Russian investments. "Russia maintains the  status of the largest investor in Armenia, creating new enterprises  and jobs. We are obliged to strengthen this strategic investment  union. I believe that the issue of investments is not just the  economy, it is a question of the future. 

And the choice must be made based on balanced calculations based on  national interests and real benefits for every citizen of Armenia,"  the head of the GC noted. He did not ignore the issue of cultural  ties between the countries. "Our peoples have common values,  centuries-old traditions of friendship and cooperation.  Millions of  Armenians live and work in Russia, contributing to the development of  the two countries, and Russia remains the main country for the  Armenian diaspora abroad," Samvel Karapetyan stated.

In conclusion of his speech, he once again drew attention to the  country's development prospects.  "Cooperation with the EU is  possible and necessary, but not at the cost of losses in the EAEU. We  can and must continue to deepen cooperation with the EU within the  framework of existing agreements, without jeopardizing our strategic  interests and economic stability. Armenia's future and prosperity  directly depend on balanced and thoughtful decisions based on real  economic indicators. I am convinced that we must choose Armenia's  development path based not on emotions and beautiful promises, but on  figures and facts.  We cannot afford another decade of  experimentation. Our choice must be balanced, precise and error-free  - one that will yield results today and lay a solid foundation for  the country's future," the head of Tashir Group summed up his speech.

The business program continued with a summary of the AAE's work over  the past months, as well as speeches by other speakers, including  Senior Managing Director of the Eurasian Development Bank Sergey  Ignatov, President of the Heritage and Progress Foundation Aramayis  Kamalov, Deputy of the Sochi City Assembly Sos Martirosyan, as well  as a representative of the Armenian Apostolic Church - Archbishop  Yezras Nersisyan.

The Association of Armenian Entrepreneurs was founded in 2019 in  order to create an effective business space between Armenian  entrepreneurs from all over the world. In a short period of time, the  Association has managed to gather around common goals many  entrepreneurs of Armenian origin, who for decades have been  purposefully working to create strong ties between Armenia and the  world, and to this day are continuously working to strengthen and  develop them. The creation of an active business network around the  world is the strategic goal of the Association. Exclusive agreements  have already been concluded with business communities, government  agencies and leading companies from different countries. The  Association's residents are not only current successful  entrepreneurs, but also future ones, for whose development the  Association has developed a number of educational events.