Armenia exports 5,500 roses to Latvia

PanARMENIAN.Net - A total of 5,500 roses of various varieties have been exported from Armenia to Latvia. During an event held at the airport cargo terminal, European Union Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos stated that exports to Latvia play an important role for Armenia’s economy by helping diversify export destinations.

“On this very important occasion, we are exporting Armenian flowers to the European Union, specifically to Latvia. The European Union supports the Armenian economy in diversifying its trade markets. This is a very important process from the perspective of diversification. The European Union is also an important and reliable partner for Armenia in the diversification of markets,” Maragos said, according to Armenpress.

He recalled that during the recent EU-Armenia summit, the sides agreed to deepen cooperation, including in the field of private-sector development. According to the ambassador, the European Union has supported Armenian businesses for several years, and that cooperation has now entered a new phase, allowing Armenian products to enter European markets in larger volumes.

“We are pleased to see a company producing wonderful roses and exporting them to European countries. Together with the Ambassador of Latvia, the Armenian authorities and our partners, we are supporting this process,” he noted.

Maragos also referred to the recent statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing that the European Union is ready to support Armenia amid external economic pressures.

“Earlier today, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the European Union can support Armenia in coping with current pressures. We will support all actions that the Armenian government undertakes to mitigate those pressures,” he said.

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan said the dispatch of the first export batch is a symbolic and important step in the development of economic cooperation between Armenia and the European Union.

“Today we are carrying out the export of the first batch to the European Union. This is a very important achievement and demonstrates solidarity, cooperation and the intensification of economic relations with the European Union,” Safaryan said.

He also stressed that the process coincided with the launch of direct flights between Armenia and Latvia, providing an additional boost to bilateral relations. According to the deputy minister, Armenian rose exports to Latvia had previously been routed through Georgia, whereas the current format creates new opportunities for Armenian businesses.

“The opportunity for Armenian businesses, especially entrepreneurs, to enter new markets will contribute to the creation of new jobs and the attraction of new investments,” he noted.

Safaryan also highlighted the importance of the European Union’s planned 50 million euro support package for Armenia.

“The 50 million euro support package is very important for the Republic of Armenia. Such initiatives contribute to economic development and help Armenia accelerate the growth of its economy. This is only the beginning, and we hope Armenian flowers will pave the way for entering new European markets,” he said.

Latvian Ambassador to Armenia Edite Medne also noted that Armenian-Latvian relations have become more active in recent months.

According to her, Latvia’s president and foreign minister visited Armenia at the beginning of May, and practical initiatives have now followed political support.

“The last month was about political support, while this month is already about practical support,” the ambassador said.

She also emphasized the importance of the launch of direct flights between Armenia and Latvia, noting that they would contribute not only to tourism but also to the development of business ties.

“Direct flights will enable European businesspeople to visit Armenia, become acquainted with the country’s economic opportunities and learn more about its culture,” Medne said.

The ambassador added that Latvia’s honorary consul in Armenia played an important role in organizing the export process and expressed hope that additional shipments of Armenian products would soon be sent to Latvia.

“Latvia, as a member state of the European Union, is proud to support the people of Armenia,” she stressed.

Gevorg Atanesyan, a representative of Multifood, thanked European and Latvian partners for supporting exports of Armenian products.

According to him, the first consignments have already arrived in Europe, and the company is preparing to expand its export geography.

“We hope we will also have the opportunity to export to other European Union countries. For example, to the Netherlands, where the world’s largest flower auction centers are located,” he said.

Maragos added that Latvia is not the only destination for Armenian flowers and that efforts are already underway to develop cooperation with the Netherlands.

“Since last year, we have been supporting exports of Armenian products, including participation of Armenian brandy and other products in international exhibitions,” the EU ambassador noted.

According to him, the European Union has also recently announced a new grant program aimed at supporting Armenia’s private sector by improving product quality, developing production chains and expanding export opportunities in European markets.

Maragos said the European Union continues to work with the Armenian government and exporting companies to identify new markets and strengthen partnerships between Armenian and European businesses.

“We want to help Armenian companies find their place in the large European market and create new opportunities for Armenian products,” he concluded.

Russia’s Rosselkhoznadzor has temporarily restricted imports of several fruit and vegetable products from Armenia, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs and strawberries. The Russian side said the decision was based on phytosanitary violations.

At the same time, during a telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union would provide an additional 50 million euros in support to strengthen Armenia’s economic resilience. According to her, the funds will be directed toward economic development, expanding trade ties and connectivity, and increasing the competitiveness of Armenia’s economy.