In parallel with the opening of the Akhalkalaki-Kars railway, new opportunities are being created for Armenia to develop direct trade relations with Turkey. Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Minister of Armenia Davit Khudatyan on Thursday announced this to reporters in the Armenian parliament.

According to him, this route provides an opportunity to transport Armenian goods to European countries through Akhalkalaki, Georgia and Kars, Turkey. At the same time, this route can also be used to import goods from European countries to Armenia through the same logistics chain. “This gives additional opportunities to bring the Armenian product out to new markets,” the minister added.

Khudatyan recalled that during the opening ceremony of the corresponding phase in Akhalkalaki, he had a number of meetings with foreign colleagues, including Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, as well as representatives of Turkey and Azerbaijan coordinating the relevant sectors. In his assessment, during these contacts, all parties emphasized the importance of joint use of transit opportunities to access foreign markets. The Armenian minister noted that such logistics opens up advantages for all countries in the region: Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. Also, he stated that the key factor for economic development in the region is the establishment of peace, as stability creates conditions for mutual trade and economic benefits.

Responding to a question about the prospects for Armenia’s exports, Khudatyan noted that there is a wide list of Armenian goods that may be of mutual interest to the countries of the region and partners. As an example, he pointed to the already implemented delivery of flower products to European countries, as well as the expected export of agricultural products. The minister expressed confidence that in the future, Armenian products that will be in demand will also be found for Turkey.

“A product will be found for Turkey that is not available there, but is produced in Armenia or is more affordable—in terms of price—in Armenia,” the Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Minister of Armenia noted.