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.
