Armenian Finance Minister outlines advantages and disadvantages of the influx of Turkish goods into the local market
12.09.2025,
10:37
In an interviww with the Public Television of Armenia Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan addressed the societal concerns regarding the potential inundation of inexpensive Turkish goods following the reopening of the border with Turkey, which could adversely affect local production.
YEREVAN, September 12. /ARKA/. In an interview with the Public Television of Armenia Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan addressed the societal concerns regarding the potential inundation of inexpensive Turkish goods following the reopening of the border with Turkey, which could adversely affect local production.
He pointed out that Turkish products are already being imported into Armenia, albeit via Georgia, where transit duties are incurred. He remarked that while imports may become marginally less expensive with the border's reopening, exports will also see a reduction in costs, “as we also export goods to other nations, incurring significant expenses for our exports.”
“Yes, there will be variations. Some companies may struggle, but it is essential to endure the competition. I believe there will be adjustments, but it will not be a drastic shock or a catastrophe. Currently, these same goods are reaching us with a minimal margin,” Hovhannisyan stated.
The Finance Minister emphasized that he perceives no negative implications in this situation, but rather sees substantial opportunities.
“Armenia has the potential to become a transit hub. The opportunities for transit will foster conditions conducive to investments, the production of goods within Armenia, and the generation of revenue from transit activities. There are significant prospects here that we must capitalize on. I cannot envision any actions that would lead to adverse outcomes,” he remarked.
On September 8, Ruben Rubinyan, Special Representative for the Normalization of Relations with Turkey and Vice Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, announced that a meeting of special representatives aimed at normalizing relations between Armenia and Turkey is scheduled to take place in Armenia in the near future. The agenda will cover the normalization process between the two nations, the measures that have been and are being implemented, as well as the technical specifications required for the restoration of the Kars-Gyumri railway traffic.-0-
He pointed out that Turkish products are already being imported into Armenia, albeit via Georgia, where transit duties are incurred. He remarked that while imports may become marginally less expensive with the border's reopening, exports will also see a reduction in costs, “as we also export goods to other nations, incurring significant expenses for our exports.”
“Yes, there will be variations. Some companies may struggle, but it is essential to endure the competition. I believe there will be adjustments, but it will not be a drastic shock or a catastrophe. Currently, these same goods are reaching us with a minimal margin,” Hovhannisyan stated.
The Finance Minister emphasized that he perceives no negative implications in this situation, but rather sees substantial opportunities.
“Armenia has the potential to become a transit hub. The opportunities for transit will foster conditions conducive to investments, the production of goods within Armenia, and the generation of revenue from transit activities. There are significant prospects here that we must capitalize on. I cannot envision any actions that would lead to adverse outcomes,” he remarked.
On September 8, Ruben Rubinyan, Special Representative for the Normalization of Relations with Turkey and Vice Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, announced that a meeting of special representatives aimed at normalizing relations between Armenia and Turkey is scheduled to take place in Armenia in the near future. The agenda will cover the normalization process between the two nations, the measures that have been and are being implemented, as well as the technical specifications required for the restoration of the Kars-Gyumri railway traffic.-0-
