YEREVAN. – Nairit chemical plant can be connected to Iranian gas barter deal, economist Vazgen Safaryan said.

Nairit plant and Yerevan thermal power plant, that is currently exporting electricity to Iran in exchange for gas, can be merged in the industrial hub of South Yerevan, Safaryan told reporters on Tuesday.

The economist said Nairit can be operated with the use of Iranian gas and may export a part of the rubber as a payment for gas. The rest can be sold at $6,000 per tonne, he explained.

Nairit plant has not been operating since April 2010. Last year it was reported that Russia's Rosneft is planning to make investments in the plant.