“Open borders will change the regional economic environment. Being a country of limited transport and market facilities, Armenia will turn into a country with normal communication and transportation ,” RA Finance Minister Tigran Davtyan stated at the October 9 press conference, speaking of Armenia’s prospects if the border is opened. According to the Minister, border opening will lead to three obvious advantages.

“First, we will get access to new markets. Turkey is an EU Customs Union member state and we will enter the EU custom area. Armenian exporters and producers will have an opportunity to export their goods not only to Turkish, but also to the Middle East and European markets,” Davtyan said. Armenia will get access to the ports of Black and Mediterranean Seas, whereas presently only Poti is available, which restricts transportation and price possibilities.

“Access to ports will provide an alternative to choose more profitable mechanisms of cargo transportation and cause a price cut. We will enter the Asian and European railway network. The competition will increase and flexible Armenian companies will be capable of competing. It will be impetus to economic growth. In its turn, an economic upturn will bring to GDP growth, taxes, causing increase of budget funds,” Finance Minister outlined.

Asked by NEWS.am whether he believes the Armenian-Turkish border will be opened by the end of 2009, Davtayn replied: “I hope it will.”