April 29, 2009 - 18:54 AMT
Border opening to contribute to economic development in Armenia and Turkey
Positive expectations from Armenian-Turkish border opening are quite significant in my opinion, RA Minister of Economy Nerses Yeritsyan said. According to Mr. Yeritsyan, open market will positively affect trade relations from the viewpoint of international experience (both practical and theoretical), whereas high level of protectionism (closes border is a fair example of that) may produce a harmful impact on both countries.

Economy Minister also finds that border opening may lead to psychological transformations among people, pushing them to new initiatives. "That concerns both countries, as well as their markets."

Besides, Mr. Yeristsyan noted that border opening will significantly reduce transportation costs. Open way to the Mediterranean will contribute to real savings in business," he said. According to Economy Minister, Transition from the Black to the Mediterranean Sea requires huge expenses, while the Armenian-Turkish border opening will reduce them by 20-30%. "Considering the agrguments above we should take an optimistic approach to the issue," Mr. Yeritsyan said.