YEREVAN. – The import of cheap cement and clinker from Iran will promote the establishment of competition in the market and bring about construction boom in Armenia, due to the cheapness of this type of construction material.

Hayk Sargsyan, an MP from the majority “My Step” Faction of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, on Friday stated about the aforesaid at the NA session’s debates on the package of bills with respect to making amendments to the laws on state duty and on informing the implementation of activities.

In his view, this will contribute to the strengthening and development of Armenia’s economy. Sargsyan stressed that if Armenia’s cement producers modernize their production, this would considerably increase the quality of local cement and reduce production costs.

To note, however, the NA Standing Committee on Economic Affairs has debated on a bill that proposes to increase the customs duty on Iranian cement imports into Armenia by up to 22,000 drams (approx. US$45) per ton. It is noted that the adoption of this law proposal will enable to apply restrictions on the foreign products that can be produced in the country. As per the Armenian government, this will be an action of support for local cement producers.