OREANDA-NEWS. September 20, 2010. In January-July 2010 Belarus and Armenia doubled their trade from the same period last year, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia to Belarus Armen Khachatryan told a press conference on 20 September.

According to the diplomat, in January-July the trade totaled USD 29.1 million as against almost USD 14 million the same months in 2009.

The Armenian diplomatic mission expressed hope that by the end of the year the mutual trade would make up nearly USD 40 million. In his words, the trade is largely boosted by regular interregional links, mutual visits including at the presidential and parliamentary level. “We have a warm and open relationship with Belarus,” the diplomat noted.

While commenting on the recent agreement to set up a cognac producing subsidiary in Belarus, the Ambassador stressed that from the technological point of view it would be not the same as it was in Armenia. It takes a lot of time to create all necessary conditions for cognac production. Armen Khachatryan hopes the project will be implemented and benefit both the states.

The diplomat reminded that Armenia has been actively developing information technologies, and the production of high-quality brilliants. Armenia exports precious metals, copper, molybdenum, electrical equipment, agricultural products and etc. Armenia purchases Belarusian BelAZ vehicles. There are companies that assemble Belarusian tractors there.

Armen Khachatryan reiterated the necessity to strengthen bilateral cooperation and told about the plans to hold the Days of Armenian Culture in Belarus, expressed readiness to help organize the Days of Belarusian Culture in Armenia.