Armenian companies intend to export red meat (mutton and beef) to Turkey, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

“Armenia would be pleased to export processed meats to Turkey,” the daily quotes Arayık Makaryan, director of Global Armenia Businessin Andarag Ltd.

In his turn president of the Armenian Sector Union of Farmers and Tanners Vladimir Galstyan stated that his company had exported 120,000 live cattle to in 2009.  “So why not to Turkey?” he wonders.

Another meat producer from Armenia Albert Ohanjanyan considers that the border should be open. According to him, due to political disputes between Armenia and Turkey, trade is done through the third countries, such as Russia, Georgia or Iran.

Annually, Armenia exports 250 tons of rawhide to Turkey through Russia and Georgia and imports 25 percent of its processed leather from Turkey, he said. The businessman stressed that both countries are trading though the border is closed. He also invited Turkish businessmen to build meat plants in Armenia, adding that Armenia can export processed meat to neighboring states.