Gyumri's 'Dry Port' project seeks international investors

PanARMENIAN.Net - The project to establish a 'Dry Port' in Gyumri is currently in progress, as reported by the Ministry of Economy of Armenia, according to Factor.am .

The ministry clarified that negotiations are ongoing with several international entities, including the Asian Development Bank and organizations from the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq, which specialize in similar projects, to select potential investors and operators.

"A feasibility study has been conducted for the 'Dry Port,' and both an implementation plan and a roadmap have been developed. Negotiations with investors, including those on an international level, are ongoing," stated the ministry, without specifying the current phase of the project.

No specific timelines have been provided by the ministry regarding the construction of the 'Dry Port.' Officials mentioned that potential changes, including scheduling adjustments, are still under discussion.

In a press conference held at the end of last year, Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan noted that the feasibility study for the industrial park associated with the 'Dry Port' had been completed. He indicated that the project is considered viable, especially within the framework of the 'Crossroads of Peace' initiative.

According to the Ministry of Economy, the project's implementation will facilitate the creation of a logistics center, an industrial zone, a free economic zone, and storage facilities in Gyumri. This development will enable the transportation of goods in various directions using both air and rail transport. The project includes the establishment of an industrial park, which is expected to lead to job creation and the advancement of transport infrastructure.

In January 2023, former Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan announced plans to select an operator for the 'Dry Port' and Gyumri's industrial park by the end of the year. By December 2023, it was revealed that the Dutch international consulting firm MTBS had prepared the project's feasibility study, with construction activities initially slated to commence in the latter half of the previous year.

The concept of a 'Dry Port' is widely used globally, particularly in landlocked countries like Armenia. Functionally, it is similar to a seaport, but instead of ships, it utilizes rail wagons and trucks.