The European Union (EU) expects that the privileges granted to Armenian goods will be implemented very soon, head of the Delegation of the EU to Armenia, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, said on Friday in Vanadzor, RFE/RL reports.

Relations between the EU and Armenia have never been closer, and the European institution is working to make them even more tangible. Following some very tough, coercive measures that Armenia’s important northern partner—i.e. Russia—has taken against Armenian exports to that country, the EU has increased its support for trade to Armenia, the EU ambassador said, highlighting the trade privileges offered to Armenia by Brussels.

These new trade privileges will enable several hundred types of Armenian goods to be exported to the European market duty-free. Brussels has offered these privileges to Armenia amid Russian restrictions to help Armenia’s exporters find new markets.

This is indeed very important, but the EU does not only offer trade opportunities to Armenia, it also supports the development of the country’s businesses, including in Lori Province. There are a number of businesses in Lori that have benefited from the EU support, and the same applies to the whole of Armenia. So, the EU is now working to make sure that all this will bring even greater benefits to the Armenian people, Armenian businesses, local development in Armenia, and this is moving forward, Maragos said.

The aforesaid preferential regime is expected to be valid for a limited period and will cover a number of Armenian export products. This week they saw the European Parliament vote in favor of this proposal, and they expect this to be made official very soon, the EU diplomat added.