Andrei Babko: The creation of a free economic zone in Megri is of  interest to Russian investors

ArmInfo.The project to create a free economic zone in Megri is a very promising direction. Russian investors show interest in it and intend to participate in it, but  everything depends on the agreements between Armenia and Iran. On  December 18, the trade representative of Russia in Armenia Andrei  Babko said at a press conference, noting that businessmen should  clearly know which goods will be in demand and which ones can be sold  in this FEZ.

The trade representative noted that the Russian possibilities depend  on the correctly formulated tasks of the Armenian government. "We  expect that we will actively cooperate with the new government of  Armenia," said the trade representative of Russia in Armenia.  Touching upon the main directions of the Armenian- Russian economic  cooperation, Babko stressed, in particular, transport projects. "I  want to remind that the blockade to which Armenia is exposed affects  the development of cooperation in the transport sector.  Today, only  the highway operates through the Upper Lars checkpoint, but there are  interruptions in its work that are associated with both natural  disasters and cargo traffic ", - he said.In connection with this  circumstance, Babko said that one of the options for solving this  problem is to strengthen the role of the railway.

"Of course, SCR takes all the necessary measures for this, namely, it  rents ferries that can deliver cargo to Russia by sea and back to  Armenia," said the trade representative of Russia in Armenia.He also  noted that the construction of a railway between Armenia and Iran  would also be very useful, which would also contribute to solving  transport problems. "This will allow Armenia to become a transit hub,  because Armenia is positioning itself as the only country in the EEU  that has a land border with Iran. In this matter, of course,  everything depends on investments," concluded Babko.

It should be noted that according to the government program, the  total cost of construction of the FEZ in Meghri is estimated at $ 32  million, of which $ 28 million is capital expenditures. According to  the estimates of the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments  of the Republic of Armenia, the operation of the FEZ will create 2.5  thousand jobs and increase exports from Armenia by 30%. The main  purpose of the creation of the FEZ is the development of trade and  economic relations with Iran and other countries of the region, the  development of the Syunik region, as well as the positioning of  Armenia as a link connecting Iran with the countries of the EEU and  Georgia. It is assumed that there will be 100-120 companies operating  there, the revenues of which for 10 years will amount to $ 52  million. The output will be exported to Iran, the countries of the  EEU, the Middle East, Turkmenistan and others.