Armenia and Lebanon to develop tourism and increase direct flights

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia and Lebanon intend to establish a transport link for the activation of mutual visits aimed to promote trade-economic ties, Armenian Minister of Economy said.

Currently about 130 joint Armenian-Lebanese enterprises operate in the country; investments exceed USD 200 million, mainly in telecommunications sector.

“Despite the small trade turnover between the countries, growth tendencies are noticeable,” Tigran Davtyan told December 9 press conference with Lebanese Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud and Industry Minister Vrej Sabounjian participating.

Tigran Davtyan further noted that the Lebanese side was briefed on winter tourism opportunities in Armenia, that are more affordable compared with Lebanon, as well as prospects for Lebanese companies to participate in organization of free economic zones in Armenia.

Vrej Sabounjian, in turn, noted that Lebanon takes great interest in development of business relations with Armenia and the country’s national airline will take an effort to launch flights for the purpose.

Dwelling on the country’s existing investment field and prospects for tourism development, Fadi Abboud hailed service sector in Armenia attaching importance to the organization of business meetings either in Beirut or in Yerevan.

On December 8, Lebanon President Michel Sleiman arrived in Armenia on the invitation of Armenian leader Serzh Sargsyan. A meeting with President Sargsyan, Armenian officials as well as Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II are on Lebanon President’s agenda. Also agreements, to promote development of Armenia-Lebanon ties will be signed during the visit.