Belgium to open door to Europe for Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Belgium can become a logistics region for Armenia and will open a door to Europe, told to journalists Phillip Syunen, General Director of Valloni Belgian state's Agency for external trade and investments.



According to him, the program supported by UNIDO and aimed at intensifying Armenian-Belgian business cooperation was discussed in the framework of two-day Armenian-Belgian business forum.



"The program projects export promotion of Armenian goods to Russian and European markets. Belgium can open a door to Europe for Armenia," stressed Phillip Syunen.



According to Mr. Syunen, Armenian and Belgian entrepreneurs discuss a 100 thousand euro worth cooperation program aimed at market research of the two countries. 10 enterprises from each side will be involved in the 6-month program. UNIDO and Valloni Belgian state's Agency for external trade and investments will support the program. According to Mr. Syunen, the program will involve food, information technology, agriculture, precious metals industries.



In 2008 Belgian direct investments to Armenia comprised USD 3,6 million, exceeding 2007 level by 2,5 per cent, over the last year trade turnover reached USD18, 65 million, exports comprised USD 9,1 million, while imports USD 9,5 million.



Belgian delegation comprising representatives of 11 companies headed by General Director of Valloni Belgian state's Agency for external trade and investments, Phillip Syunen pays a two-day visit to Yerevan. Armenia is represented by ADA Director General, Robert Harutyunyan and Commercial Attaché of Belgian Embassy in Russia Ivan Korsak.