60 trucks from Iran stuck at the Armenia-Georgia border, businessman raises alarm

Businessman Vahram Mirakyan posted on his Facebook page, informing that he has not yet encountered specific calculations, but that the Armenian economy has already suffered significant damages due to the coronavirus. We present his full post below.

“Important! I have not come across any calculations yet, but the coronavirus has already caused considerable damage to the Armenian economy. This is in the face of canceled tourist visits, canceled contracts, various events, etc. However, in the coming days, the Armenian economy might face its biggest blow yet. Many Armenian companies and individuals buy fruits and vegetables from Iran, clear them in Armenia, and sell the products in the Russian market. We do the same. We act as intermediaries between Iran and Russia, we earn money, and taxes remain in Armenia. Now, Georgia does not allow Iranian goods to transit through its territory. I don’t know why; the justification does not withstand scrutiny in the context of scientific facts about the coronavirus, but the people in charge do not allow it (by the way, entry from Turkey is allowed, despite the fact that the virus is not less widespread there than in Iran).

As a result, according to the information I have received, about 60 trucks, mainly carrying Iranian kiwi, apples, and vegetables intended for the Russian market, are stuck in Armenia and cannot pass through Georgia, as entry is prohibited. One of the trucks carrying kiwis is ours.

The danger of the created situation is that if these products remain in Armenia, it will flood the local market since consumption at this level cannot happen here. Consequently, prices will skyrocket, and all operators in the sector will suffer, including those who have local apples or vegetables.

What’s the solution? Just give it a 3-4 day window to clear the backlog. We won’t order more, but at least the piled-up goods will be cleared. There’s no logic in not allowing it since the virus does not remain on hard surfaces for more than 48 hours, and the drivers are Armenians, and the vehicles are Armenian as well.

Now, here’s the worst part. There are rumors that Georgia wants to prohibit entry or exit of any trucks coming to or from Armenia altogether. I won’t even mention the possible consequences of that. I hope we don’t discover any more infected individuals here, or Georgia will surely close the border.

We just need a pure 3-day window. Or, better yet, convince the Georgians to allow Iranian goods trucks to pass in groups like this, under supervision. In any case, diplomatic intervention is necessary.”