YEREVAN. – Trade turnover between China and Armenia has reached $650 million from January to September, a 50% increase as compared with the same period last year, China’s Ambassador to Armenia Tian Erlong said.

In his opening speech during the award ceremony for the best students learning Chinese and professors, the Ambassador presented several figures that testify to strengthening of cooperation and development of Armenia-China relations.

“14 thousand Chinese tourists visited Armenia during the same period, almost 50% increase as compared to the last year,” he said, adding that 30 teachers of Chinese and volunteers are working in Armenia now.

Mr. Erlong hopes that the agreement on visa free regime will be ratified shortly, and there will be no visas next year.

 During the award ceremony, 17 students and schoolchildren and 3 Armenian teachers of the Chinese language received awards.