Chshmarityan: We work to rule out hike in sensitive goods prices

Today it is difficult to present a clear analysis concerning commodity prices that will increase after Armenia’s entry into the Customs Union, Armenian Minister of Economy Karen Chshmarityan said during a briefing in the National Assembly today.

“At least I don’t think that prices of essential goods, which have been included in the list of exceptions, will rise. Work is being done to rule out the rise in prices of sensitive goods,” Chshmarityan said.

“Even raw material resources used in our production were included in the list. In other words, clear criteria were established to compile a list of exceptions and an analysis is being made now. Price fluctuations affect other goods. Everything is interrelated in economics,” the minister noted.

He did not share the opinion that the rate at which Armenia is joining the Customs Union cannot be called rapid.

“When you move in a direction, you should do it efficiently so as to participate in decision making in the future because other countries will join the CU as well and it is necessary to rule out problems. I don’t see any problem with rapid rates, no pressure is being put on us,” the minister said.