Sargsyan: Armenia`s decision on membership in the EAEU is justified  both from the economic point of view and from the point of view of  supporting the citizens of the country

ArmInfo. Armenia has always been for integration processes, because they allow for faster development. This was stated in an interview with Izvestia by the  third president of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan.  

"We always stand for close relations with all countries that are interested in it, so we  are trying to actively participate in the integration processes in  the post-Soviet space, thereby multiplying our growth opportunities."  As for purely economic issues, we have become part of a large market  - more than 170 million consumers, and here, with good work, you can  be competitive and get profit  from this .Anyway, in 2016 we noticed  positive changes - the indicator of the growth in trade was  double-digit. 

Our trade with the members of the EAEU grew by almost 26% in 017. Our  exports to the EAEU countries grew in 2016 (53.7%) and by 41% in  2017. These are good figures, I'm not saying that the situation is  ideal " , - Sargsyan noted. At the same time, he added that the  organization is still in its infancy, and all obstacles are  eliminated in the way of free movement of goods, services, capitals  and labor. However, according to him, in two or three years no  organization would ever be able to achieve perfection and it is  necessary to continue work.

Answering the question, what goods from Armenia are most in demand in  the markets of the EAGE and in Russia in particular, Sargsyan noted  that the list is really long. "Vegetables and fruits, fresh and  processed, mineral water, wine, cognac, processed diamonds, jewelry,  knitted wear, tobacco products, pharmacy, mining products have  already gone." I repeat that 37% of GDP falls on exports of goods and  services is a good indicator.We set a goal for ourselves to reach  40-45% by 2022, and to 50% by 2030. This will give the country  macroeconomic stability.In addition, the structure of the economy is  changing. Such trends are very useful, and, I think, potenti This is  not fully realized, I will even say that so far we have implemented  only a small part of it, "added the third president of Armenia.

Speaking about whether the rate on the priority participation in the  Eurasian integration processes was justified, Sargsyan stressed that  Armenia has never tried to get benefits from conflicts and  contradictions.  "We always spoke openly about our convictions and  priorities, because this is the most favorable situation, when we can  go forward through dialogue." I believe that our decision is  certainly justified both from an economic point of view and from the  point of view of supporting our citizens. I consider it most  important for the leader or the ruling bodies to always make  decisions that could be realistically implemented, and, of course,  people's support is needed. I'm not talking about populism, because  any large-scale transformations at the initial stage, as a rule, We  are glad that this decision is supported by our citizens, "Sargsyan  concluded.