YEREVAN. – Armenia must export to Russia goods “not depending on gas”, head of the Union of Employers Gagik Makaryan said.

“In this context fish and fruit exports are very promising and are in the top five of Armenian export items to Russia,” he noted.

Makaryan said Armenia’s fish exports in 2012 amounted to $13 million, that of fruits - $12 million and of grapes separately – $9 million. The leading export product is brandy with $136 million or more than a half of the entire export (277 million).  

“We must break the cycle of dependence on Russian raw materials to reduce economic dependence on Russia,” he added.

The head of the Union of Employers called unclear the statement by the Armenian authorities that by lowering the price of Russian gas on the border, it will not become cheaper for consumers.

“It’s just a maneuver. We analyzed a contract between Gazprom and Armenia. It is unclear how justified the loss of gas is.”

As a result of the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Armenia it was agreed to reduce the gas price from $270 to $189 per thousand cubic meters.