Armenia Enters a New Phase of Economic Development Driven by Peace With Azerbaijan, Pashinyan Says

YEREVAN — Armenia is entering an entirely new phase of economic development, a shift that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said is directly linked to the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Speaking at a meeting with major business leaders, Nikol Pashinyan said that significant developments are expected in the near future, primarily tied to the launch of the TRIPP project.

“We are expecting major developments ahead, first and foremost connected with the launch of the TRIPP project, which is especially significant because it will finally bring the Republic of Armenia completely out of its state of blockade. In reality, Armenia has already begun overcoming the blockade, because, as you know, rail freight shipments to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory are already possible and are taking place.

I also want to note that exports by rail are possible as well, of course through Georgian territory, until we open the railway with Azerbaijan primarily within the framework of the TRIPP project. This is very important, and the political agreement is that this railway will never be closed. In other words, it will be a reliable route for both imports and exports,” the prime minister said.

Nikol Pashinyan also noted that since 2018, Armenia’s gross domestic product has grown by 53% in real terms, and the country’s economy has now reached a stage where relationships between commercial companies, the state and businesses, the state and workers, and employees and employers must evolve in new ways.

In this context, he emphasized the importance of the meeting as an opportunity to discuss these issues and hear the perspectives of the business community.

“Once again, I want to thank all of you for the changes that have taken place in our country, because there are sectors and companies whose role in the Republic of Armenia is difficult to overstate.

It is especially important that these companies are also bringing a new mindset, new thinking, and a new culture to Armenia, which in reality is the most important capital. It opens new spaces—new sectors and new fields of activity.

I believe that the Republic of Armenia today faces horizons that it has never had throughout its history. Armenia has never before had such an unprecedented period of opportunity. We need to be able to use this situation continuously and consistently.

It is obvious that the government cannot do this without the key players in the economy and the real sector. Beyond expressing my gratitude today, I want to draw your attention to this situation, because this is, in essence, my main message,” Nikol Pashinyan concluded.