Armenia has great potential for greenhouse industry development

 June 9, 2011 - 14:37 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Chairman of the Armenian Association of Greenhouse Facilities, Poghos Gevorgyan, said the country’s natural and climatic conditions are favorable for the development of greenhouse facilities, specifically, in high-altitude regions.

However, according to him, the state’s assistance and relevant concept are needed for it.

Gevorgyan noted that a growth was observed in the field over the past years. Moreover, the territories occupied by greenhouse facilities have reached the Soviet-era level, when this field of agriculture was rather developed in Armenia.

Referring to problems in the field, Director of Business Support Center Samvel Gevorgyan pointed to high customs fees and VAT payment at the border. In contrast to other countries, VAT is charged in Armenia right at the border, but not after products sale, what frightens foreign investors, he said.

Gevorgyan added that Armenia also lacks relevant specialists to deal with the field development. According to him, the development of greenhouse facilities in Armenia could promote creation of jobs, since it ensures development of an entire chain – starting from products packaging, transportation and up to sales.