Russian expert: Opening of Armenia-Turkey border to make Armenian exports cheaper

“Opening of Armenia-Turkey border will have more positive impact rather than negative,” he said.

The expert said one of the possible advantages is that it will make exports specifically that of the mining goods cheaper and will open Turkey’s market for Armenian electricity and building materials.

“Turkey has larger, competitive and attractive market,” the expert said.

There are also two disadvantages for the Armenian market from the opening of the border. First, agriculture in Armenia’s agriculture faces hard times because of the blockade which could end as soon as transport becomes cheaper.

Secondly, there is a risk that the government “will be so pleased at opening of  the border that it will not think about other things”, he said.

At the same time Freinkman is confident that opening the border is not the solution to all problems of the Armenian economy.

“Railways and open borders are not enough without de-monopolization of economy and addressing high cost of doing business in Armenia,” he said.

/Novosti Armenia/