Armenia and France discuss trade diversification and infrastructure

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss economic cooperation and the diversification of Armenia’s export markets. The discussions focused on reducing Armenia's economic dependence on traditional markets following trade restrictions imposed by Russia that have disrupted Armenian exports and transit routes.

To mitigate these disruptions, the European Union Council has backed measures to suspend import duties on approximately 80% of Armenian exports to the bloc for two years. This relief aims to cushion the impact on products including fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, beverages, and spirits. The proposal awaits final approval from the European Parliament.

Additionally, the leaders reviewed progress on the Bargushat Tunnel project in Armenia’s Syunik province. The infrastructure project involves French companies Vinci Construction Grands Projets and Razel-Bec, which are working under a memorandum of understanding with Armenia’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.