ArmInfo. RA Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan and French Ambassador to Armenia Jonathan Lacote discussed at the March 1 meeting issues related to the development of the Armenian-French economic cooperation, including in terms of attracting investments and possible financial support
According to the press service of the Ministry of Economy, Kerobyan expressed gratitude to the French side for the humanitarian support provided to Armenia in these difficult times. The importance of implementing joint programs in the economic field was mutually indicated. It was noted that there is a great potential for economic cooperation, and for its implementation, the importance of expanding the involvement of French business in Armenia, as well as ensuring the continuation of the activities of the French Development Agency in Armenia and the programs it implements was emphasized.
The interlocutors called promising cooperation in various sectors of the economy, including such areas as transport, construction of reservoirs, agriculture, industry, tourism, digitalization of the public sector, venture funds, digital innovations, as well as regional communications.
Lacote announced his readiness to closely cooperate with the Armenian government in the implementation of bilateral programs, further development of the Armenian-French relations, expansion of economic ties between the two countries. An agreement was reached to continue intensive work on projects of mutual interest.
According to the RA Statistical Committee, the foreign trade turnover between Armenia and France in 2020 decreased by 5.7% (against a 21.8% decline in 2019), amounting to $ 87.7 million. In particular, the export of Armenian goods to France dropped by 33.4% - to $ 5.8 million, with a modest 2.8% decline in imports of goods from France to Armenia - to $ 81.9 million. To note for comparison that in 2019 the volume of imports from France was in a more significant decline - by 23, 6%, and the export of Armenian goods to France remained growing - by 1.6%.