ArmInfo. The level of the Armenian-Kazakh economic relations does not correspond to the existing potential. This was announced by Vice Speaker of the National Assembly Mikael Melkumian on June 1 at the round table "New Challenges and Threats for Eurasian Integration" organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Armenia and the Analytical Center for Globalization and Regional Cooperation.
At the same time he stated that 30 years after the beginning of the Karabakh movement, Armenia had a real chance for development. In his foreseeable future, the new government will be able to establish order in the justice system, the rule of law will be established in the country, which in turn can positively affect the investment climate of the country and attract large investors. According to him, there is an opportunity to attract $ 4-5 billion a year, moreover, part of this amount is in Armenia itself and simply does not work. In this regard, it is very important to strengthen the investment and economic ties with partner countries, including the EAEU. Thus, according to him, the level of the Armenian-Kazakh economic relations does not correspond to the existing potential. Volumes of turnover are ridiculous. "I think that our countries need to develop cooperation in those sectors where the transport factor is minimal, to take, for example, the sphere of information technology," Melkumyan said.
At the same time, the vice speaker expressed his belief that the development of small and medium-sized businesses could give serious impetus to the Armenian economy, there are also serious expectations from the "One Silk Road" project, as well as the creation of an alternative to the road through Upper Lars.
According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, the trade turnover between Armenia and Kazakhstan following the results of 2017 was about $ 9 million, with an annual growth of 59%. At the same time, exports amounted to about $ 5 million with an annual decline of 1.2%, imports - $ 4 million, with annual growth of 6 times.