Video: The Economy Minister's Response on the Ban of Turkish Goods Import

The Ministry of Economy is working online with numerous entrepreneurs who have faced and continue to face issues with ordering or receiving ordered products. We are addressing all these problems in a work-oriented manner. This was stated by Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan during a question and answer session in the National Assembly, responding to a question from LHK faction MP Ani Samsonyan regarding the ban on the import of Turkish goods.

The MP reminded that a ban was imposed on the import of Turkish goods on December 31, 2020. “The first issue after that was which markets would replace the Turkish market, so that entrepreneurs could adjust accordingly. Second, what products can be manufactured in Armenia and that work needs to be done in that direction,” said Samsonyan.

She noted that the government had stated it would assist those importing Turkish goods to source the same products from other markets. Regarding the replacement of goods markets, the minister said, “Our focus here is that imported goods should primarily be replaced with Armenian products, and we are trying to be helpful to entrepreneurs facing these issues with various advisory and financial tools. We are also paying attention to Persian, Chinese, and EAEU markets,” he said.

Samsonyan also announced that she had heard many concerns from entrepreneurs that they are not receiving support from the ministry and expressed her desire to hear Kerobyan's assessment of their work in terms of market adjustment. In response, Kerobyan said, “I can provide many examples of how entrepreneurs are responding positively to the decision made by the government. Since that decision has been made, our task as the Ministry of Economy is to maximize the benefits of that decision. We are urgently trying to ensure that all products start being replaced with those of Armenian origin.”

Regarding the question of whether there is information about Turkish goods being re-registered in Georgia and then brought to Armenia, the minister stated that he does not have such information and that it could be classified as smuggling, which is dealt with by the State Revenue Committee. For more details, watch the video.