GYUMRI. – Russia sees Armenia as an equal participant of Eurasian integration, Vladimir Putin said speaking at the opening of the third Armenian-Russian interregional forum in Gyumri.

“On our part, we will continue to assist the Armenian friends to make the accession process rather efficient,” President Putin said.

The Armenian experts should have counted all the benefits and advantages, and possible preferences from such collaboration.

“This is a sovereign choice of the Armenian people and leadership. Of course, Russia will do everything to support this area of ​​cooperation with the Armenian side. We see Armenia as a full participant of Eurasian integration. This approach is endorsed by the countries of the Customs Union member states at the October meeting of the Supreme Economic Council in Minsk,” he noted.

Speaking about the economic benefits for the CU member states, he noted that in the first half of 2013, GDP of the three CU countries increased by 1.7 percent and the removal of customs and administrative barriers will promote trade.

“The volume of trade within the Customs Union and Common Economic Space in January-August rose by 2%, without taking into account fuel and energy component, with it the figures will be even higher,” he added.

From now on the businessmen of the Customs Union can choose the place of registration of their companies. For government agencies, it is a challenge to create competitive conditions for doing business.

“Armenia’s accession will seriously strengthen its economic potential, will further improve its investment climate, strengthen business contacts, including those at interregional level,” Putin added.