Makarian: Not only Armenia will benefit from entry into Customs Union

Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union has been recently discussed actively both in Armenia and outside it.

During a talk with Aysor.am, Chairman of the Republican Union of Employers of Armenia Gagik Makarian said in this connection that the EU will act correctly if it signs the Association Agreement with Armenia. In his words, it will be a response to Russia’s wishes. “The more Europe states that it will not sign the Association Agreement, the more justified Russia’s wishes become, “Makarian said.

He discussed yesterday’s discussion with the participation of Armenian and Russian experts who expressed their opinions about Armenia’s entry into the Customs Union. He noted that the Armenian and Russian sides spoke about the benefits to be derived by Armenia in case of its joining the Customs Union. Makarian reminded our correspondent about Armenian migrants working in Russia and remittances they send to Armenia. He noted that it is not only Armenia that will benefit from joining the Customs Union because Armenians working in Russia not only transfer about $1.5 billion to Armenia annually, but also spend approximately the same amount in Russia. Besides, migrants work, increasing Russia’s revenues tenfold.

“Russia has some problems such as shortage of workers, drug addiction and laziness, and some of its regions are under-populated – so it is not only Armenia that will benefit from joining the Customs Union,” Makarian said.

“It would be a nice move if Europe reviewed its position and signed the Association Agreement with Armenia, its full package, “ Gagik Makarian said.