Opening of Armenian-Turkish border to bankrupt Armenian businessmen

PanARMENIAN.Net - Mitk Analytical Center opposes the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border based on economic reasons, Edgar Helgelyan , expert at Mitk center, told a news conference in Yerevan today.



"We have concerns in respect to certain provisions of the Protocols on normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations. Besides, we are seriously concerned that opening of the border will considerably damage the Armenian economy," the expert said. According to his data, the imports from Turkey to Armenia 168 times surpass the volume of exports from Armenia to Turkey. 



"Imports from Turkey to Armenia reach about USD 178 million, while exports from Armenia to Turkey do not surpass USD 1.8 million. Armenia's economy cannot withstand Turkish commodities, " Edgar Helhelyan said. 



"It is naive to think that Turkey can agree to the reducing role of Georgia, its partner, in the region," the expert said. 



According to Edgar Helhelyan, opening of the Armenian-Turkish border will bankrupt Armenian businessmen, while Turkish companies will be able to take control of critical and strategic spheres of the Armenian economy. 



The Mitk center has already submitted its observations on this subject matter to the Government of Armenia.