Discussions about the undesirability of the presence of Russian companies in Armenia will raise questions regarding the Armenian business activities in Russia, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said in an interview with TASS.

“The reality is that the Armenian railway, if it survives, will remain a line serving the needs of its own economy, the real prospects of which are linked to the EAEU. Our [i.e. Russia’s] interest is to increase trade with Armenia, as with all countries in the region. But if we are told that the presence of Russian companies in Armenia does not serve Armenia’s interests, then, based on the principle of reciprocity, it is fair to ask: if Russian companies and entrepreneurs cannot operate and make money in Armenia, then why can Armenian companies and entrepreneurs operate and make money in Russia?” Overchuk noted.

He emphasized that foreign economic relations are a “two-way street.”

“There is no cargo transportation without mutual trade, and the capacity of the Armenian railway also depends on it. Armenian businesses doing business in Russia should pay attention to this. After all, we are considering the issue in this context, and this should be discussed openly,” the Russian deputy premier noted.

Armenian businesses should clear-headedly assess the prospects for selling goods to the EU, Overchuk noted.

“I am sure that Armenian businesses clear-headedly assess the prospects for selling Armenian fruits and vegetables, Armenian mineral water, and Armenian alcohol on the European market. Workers in these areas, as well as transporters of these goods, should also take this into account. Of course, some will argue that Armenia has European prospects and that its ties with the EAEU are needed only for the period until trade with the EU replaces trade with the EAEU. However, the interest of Europeans in allowing Armenian goods to enter the European market has already been expressed,” the Russian official added.