Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan considers the “Shirak Dry Port” essential in case of peace
Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan, summarizing the work of the department in 2024 at a press conference, also discussed the planned activities for 2025. The minister spoke about the implementation of the “Peace Crossroads” program and the crucial need for the “Shirak Dry Port” project in this context.
He announced that a technical-economic study had been conducted for the “Shirak Dry Port” industrial park project, and if it is realized, it will become a major regional transportation hub.
In this case, additional investments will be approximately 50 million dollars, and discussions with various companies are underway.
Papoyan, addressing the “Peace Crossroads” project, emphasized that it is not just an ideology, but a concrete program. This specific program primarily includes the complete construction and commissioning of the North-South road and the development of the railway network.
The Minister shared that there is a technical-economic study outlining the necessary actions to be taken. He believes that everything is feasible.
The “Dry Port” has been discussed multiple times. Back in 2019, the government wanted to create the “Shirak Dry Port” near the Shirak International Airport. It was planned to be built in Gyumri, near the Shirak airport, with both a dry port zone and an air zone. The dry port zone would include a large warehouse for consolidated cargo services, as well as customs departments, personnel, and terminal management teams. The air zone would handle air cargo transportation. This initiative was first announced in 2021 by the former Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan, and in 2022, the design work began, by the end of 2022, the project was already presented for public discussion.