Russian Trade Restrictions Will Be Gradually Lifted After Elections, Says Economy Minister

YEREVAN — Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said restrictions imposed on Armenian exporters by Russia are expected to be gradually lifted following Armenia’s parliamentary elections.

Speaking to reporters during a campaign event in Yerevan on June 1, Papoyan said the restrictions on certain Armenian goods are technical in nature and fall under the jurisdiction of Russia’s food safety authorities rather than Armenia’s Ministry of Economy.

“My deputy was recently in Astana and met with Russian counterparts. The atmosphere was very positive, and all sides are inclined to find solutions. I believe these issues will be resolved very quickly after the elections,” Papoyan said.

Commenting on the June 1 telephone conversation between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Papoyan described it as a warm discussion and expressed confidence that outstanding issues would be resolved.

The minister also noted that Armenia exports products to countries including Greece, Germany, and others. He said the Ministry of Economy has introduced export support programs for shipments to the European Union and the Middle East, including compensation for transportation costs, customs duties, and intellectual property-related expenses.

“Exports to the European Union have doubled. Our goal is to quadruple or even quintuple them by the end of the year,” Papoyan said.