Certain Areas in Gegharkunik, Syunik, and Vayots Dzor Regions Are Close to Being Paralyzed: Kerobyan

Following the recent Azerbaijani aggression, specific issues have arisen in the agricultural and tourism sectors in certain areas of Armenia. The government is conducting studies to understand what programs should be implemented to reactivate the economic life in those communities. Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan addressed this matter during a press briefing with journalists, responding to a question regarding the economic damage Armenia has suffered due to the recent Azerbaijani aggression, noting that civilian infrastructure has also been affected.

“If we talk about overall figures, total trade turnover in September actually increased more than in previous months. Our current data indicates that we are likely not to see a downturn in September’s economic activity index, which will remain around 19-20 percent,” Kerobyan stated, adding that exact figures will only be published on October 25. However, the minister emphasized that this does not mean that there are no problems.

“In both Gegharkunik and Syunik, as well as in Vayots Dzor regions, certain areas are close to being paralyzed. I have visited Vardenis, Sotk, and Jermuk, among other places, to understand what programs we need to implement now to reactivate the economic life. Studies are currently underway. Nevertheless, it is clear to us that if the Azerbaijanis do not return to their starting positions, the problem becomes significantly more complex,” Kerobyan added.

Although the economic damage has not been fully assessed, the minister noted that several thousand hectares of land will not be cultivated, and tourism life in Jermuk has come to a standstill. “However, we have not lost any settlements, and we can say that no significantly large working business has been lost. Even the Sotk mine, which is located in that area, is operational.” Responding to a clarifying question, he affirmed that issues have indeed arisen in the tourism and agricultural sectors due to Azerbaijani aggression, while adding that their extent is negligible in the overall picture.