The economic relations between France and Armenia are based on a regular and constantly increasing flow of trade, the French ambassador to Armenia Jonathan Lacote said in an interview with Armenian News - NEWS.am.

"In 2018, France exported to Armenia 68 M EUR (an increase of 24 M EUR) and Armenia exported to France 12 M EUR, i.e. a total of 80 M EUR of trade (+67.2%)," he noted. "The French presence is very diversified (hotels, supermarkets, insurance, spirits, electrical equipment) and French companies are more and more interested in Armenia."

According to him, 'Armenia's insertion into international trade is likely to progress in the coming years'

"Armenia enjoys tariff advantages vis-à-vis the EU and has concluded a Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the EU," the envoy added.

"It is still too early to have an accurate estimate of the impact that this crisis will have on our trade. The fact is that it is taking place in an initially favourable context for our trade, with an increase of 67% in 2018, and that it affects all of Armenia's trading partners equally.

The coronavirus crisis will have a lasting impact on both our countries, particularly in terms of tourism. France and Armenia are indeed two important tourist destinations and many joint projects are to be developed, in particular around the Franco-Armenian vocational training center (CEPFA)," Jonathan Lacote added. "French companies established in Armenia have shown unprecedented resilience in their respective fields of activity. I am referring in particular to mass distribution, insurance and water distribution, areas in which they have been able to adapt to the emergency measures that were needed while setting the best example in terms of applying international standards. The observed increase in health and safety conditions for workers and the solidarity expressed towards the medical sector will benefit the whole country."