Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan considers it necessary to assess the consequences of taking drastic measures against Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)
Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mher Grigoryan, stated during a conference organized by pro-Western extra-parliamentary forces that before withdrawing from the Eurasian Economic Union and severing economic and trade ties with Russia, it is necessary to thoroughly assess the consequences of such actions.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the supply of energy resources or food products is manageable, but the picture becomes significantly more complex when it comes to transportation and logistics aspects.
Grigoryan added that before the Russia-Ukraine war, wheat was relatively affordable, but the main challenge for Armenia was logistics.
The product may be available on the global market, but logistical risks not only increase its cost but, in certain cases, make deliveries physically impossible.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that opportunities are severely limited. This is why the “Peace Crossroads” project is of critical importance in reducing risks and establishing more stable economic connections.
In October, during the conference titled “Peace Crossroads: Uniting Security and Democracy,” Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan stated that strategic goods could be substituted. For instance, Armenia could shift from wheat to rice.
Russia is Armenia’s primary wheat supplier. According to Armenia’s Customs Service, 343.6 thousand tons of wheat were imported in 2023, 99% of which came from Russia.
Earlier, Armenia’s Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan announced efforts to find new wheat suppliers. The minister noted that negotiations were underway with several countries to diversify wheat imports, adding that this step was not directed against any specific country. For example, if Armenia imported wheat from Romania, he would still negotiate with Russia regarding imports.