“If we want Turkey, one fine day, to treat the Armenian Genocide as Germany treated the Jewish Holocaust, we should maintain relations with it,” Arsen Ghazaryan, Co-Chairman of the Armenian-Turkish Economic Cooperation Commission, told a press conference. He welcomed the Armenian President’s initiative policy in the Armenian-Turkish relations.

According to Ghazaryan, Armenia and Turkey will for the first time sign a document wherein Turkey does not set any preconditions. In this context, the Armenian-Turkish Protocols can be considered unprecedented ones. He stressed that the possibility of Turkey torpedoing the talks will “cast a shadow” on its nationhood. As regards possible reopening of borders, Ghazaryan pointed out that it will be beneficial for the entire region. Specifically, it will provide Armenia access to the Turkish market and make Armenian goods more competitive.

“The opinion that Turkish products will flood the Armenian market as soon as the border is reopened is erroneous, as the Armenian market is not so large. The imports of Turkish products to Armenia will increase 10-15 per cent at most,” Ghazaryan said. He pointed out that the Turkish market will be “a revelation” for Armenian capital.

Specifically, Western Armenia is of great interest to Armenian travel agencies. After the border has been reopened, Armenian tourists will flow to the vast areas of historical Armenia. The two cement plants will start operating at full capacity and be able to export their products to Turkey. The Kayseri enterprises will process raw materials produced by the Armenian mining industry, which will reduce the cost of production. Ghazaryan believes that especially active cooperation can be expected in such fields as light industry, agriculture and healthcare. Armenian medical institutions will serve residents of the eastern regions of Turkey, where the medical service is of low quality. Ghazaryan pointed out that an open border does not mean an investment boom in Armenia. Investments will be simultaneous with economic integration. He emphasized the importance of checkpoint control to prevent illegal migration and drug trafficking.

As regards the economic situation in Armenia, Ghazaryan stressed that Armenia will start next year with “stabilizing indices” and close this year with a deficit of 10-15 per cent, which is a good figure amid the economic crisis. If the government anti-crisis program is a success, capital construction will register a 45% increase, which will produce a positive impact on economic indicators.