Pashinyan Says “No Significant Progress” Made on Barriers to Armenian Exports Within EAEU

YEREVAN — Administrative barriers and restrictions affecting the export and transit of Armenian goods within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) remain unresolved, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council on October 2. He said no significant progress had been made on several outstanding issues since the council’s previous meeting.

Pashinyan emphasized that the free movement of goods, services, capital and labor is fundamental to the proper functioning of the EAEU single market, but said the practical implementation of those principles continues to require particular attention.

“Unfortunately, it has not been possible to achieve significant progress on a number of existing issues,” Pashinyan said, pointing to restrictions and administrative barriers that he said continue to hinder the full and effective operation of the common market. He called for continued dialogue aimed at removing obstacles to the export and transit of Armenian products in accordance with EAEU law.

According to Pashinyan, consistent progress on the issue would benefit all EAEU member states by improving the stability of trade flows and making conditions more predictable for market participants.

The prime minister also addressed Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative and one of its key components, the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP).

Pashinyan said TRIPP would establish direct railway connections between Armenia and Azerbaijan, help integrate Armenia into the international railway network, and create opportunities for rail connectivity between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea. He described the development as a significant change in regional transportation links affecting Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Iran.

Pashinyan said he had also briefed EAEU partners on aspects of the process to unblock regional transportation infrastructure following the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, adding that Yerevan expects solutions that would improve the efficiency of Armenia’s railway system.