YEREVAN. – The official data, which show the socioeconomic situation in Armenia, suggest that the country stubbornly follows on the footsteps of the economy of its future partners in the Russian-led Customs Union (CU), Haykakan Zhamanak daily reports.

“Even according to official data, in January of this year, a mere 1.8-percent growth was recorded in Armenia in the economic activity index, which is one of the lowest in recent years.

“Our economy records such sad indicators for ten consecutive months. And most importantly, the state officials do not point out the reasons for such a situation.   

“Similar trends in the economic situation are recorded likewise in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan.

“In actual fact, Armenia already lives with the ‘troubles’ of the CU even before its formal accession to the CU,” Haykakan Zhamanak writes.

Following the talks that were held on September 3, 2013 in Moscow between Armenian and Russian Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin, Sargsyan had announced that Armenia plans to join the Customs Union and subsequently engage in the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union. In December 2013, the “road map” for Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union was adopted. And in January of this year, the Government of Armenia approved the action plan for the implementation of this “road map.” Aside from Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan likewise are members in the Customs Union.