No Agricultural Products from Turkey Imported to Armenia Since January 1, Deputy Minister of Economy

No agricultural products of any kind are being imported from Turkey to Armenia since January 1. This was announced by Varos Simonian, the Deputy Minister of Economy, during a meeting of the NA Committee on Regional and Eurasian Integration, in response to a question from committee member and ‘Enlightened Armenia’ faction MP Edward Andreasian regarding greenhouse farming and local producers.

“The winter has been quite severe, and greenhouse owners have used a lot of gas; now they have a harvest that has become quite expensive for them, and they are facing issues with imported tomatoes and peppers from Iran and Turkey. How is our local producer being protected and what measures are being taken for people to be able to consume their harvest?” the MP inquired.

The deputy minister agreed that it is undoubtedly true that the winter has been very harsh, and gas consumption may have somewhat increased costs and the price of the product. “We have studied the issue; it is under the ministry's attention, and we have certain information that the products being imported from Iran are subject to appropriate calculations by our customs partners, and customs clearance is carried out based on prices so that our local production is not harmed and is at least in a favorable situation,” he stated, adding that they have the necessary tools to protect local producers.

“This process may continue for 20-30 days because the expensive products are those received in the last months; after that, since there are no gas and other expenses, and seasonal weather changes have occurred, it becomes more attractive in terms of pricing,” said the Deputy Minister of Economy.