Armenia and China discuss possibilities of direct air communication

YEREVAN, Nov. 1. /ARKA/. Armenian Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan received on Wednesday a Chinese delegation, led by Wang Lumin, chairman of the standing committee of the Qingdao Municipal Council, which governs China's largest economic center, the press service of the Economy Ministry reported.

Deputy Minister Narek Teryan and Tourism Committee Chairperson Sisian Boghossian were in attendance.

The sides were said to discuss possibilities of expanding bilateral cooperation in such areas as construction, jewelry, technology and IT.

Kerobyan suggested that Chinese companies consider joining large investment projects, which are underway or are expected to kick off soon, for example, creation of industrial parks and construction of "dry port" in Armenia's second-largest city of Gyumri.

The sides also looked into chances to deepen cooperation in tourism and discussed launch of direct flights between Armenia and China. 

"Dry port" in Gyumri 

According to the government, the "dry port" is to become a multifunctional and multimodal hub to serve regional and international companies that need to consolidate customs processes. It will allow the Shirak region to become an industrial zone.

The "Dry Port" will be adjacent to both Shirak International Airport and the railway station and North-South transportation corridor. It will include the airport as a free economic zone, distribution centers (hubs), small and medium enterprises, light industry facilities, production bases and an international food market.

The feasibility study of the project was assigned to Maritime & Transport Business Solutions company, which is to present it by December this year.

According to Armenia's National Statistical Committee, Armenia’s trade turnover with China in the first 8 months of 2023 amounted to $1.4 billion with a 35.4% growth compared to January-August of the last year. -0-