Fishing industry of Armenia can provide export to Europe

250 Armenian fish farms annually produce up to 3500 tons of fish, of these mainly sturgeon and trout; however, fishing industry of Armenia is able to produce from 150,000 to 300,000 tons annually providing a turnover in 1,5-2 billion drams, said chairman of the Fish Farmers Union of Armenia, Arkady Gevorkian.

He said Armenian fish industry has produced nearly 25,000 tons of fish in 1990s, and 1,500-1,800 tones by 2000.

“We need new technologies to export the fish,” said Arkady Gevorkian.

After economical negotiations between Russian and Armenian governments, Armenia starts exporting fish to Russia (since December 2009, as Russian markets were closed because of swine-flu). Export to Russia registers 6 tones in January. Once Armenia has exported fish to Georgia. Arkady Gevorkian said Russia often closes its markets, possibly, trying to back local industries.

European markets are also profitable for Armenian fish industry’s exporting, according to Arkady Gevorkian. He said it is necessary to provide European safety standards to start exporting to Europe. This is a complicated matter, as Armenia hasn’t got answerable laboratories.

“Our production is of a high quality, without any chemical,” said Arkady Gevorkian adding that it’s necessary to have a governmental support to develop the fish industry.