Nikol Pashinyan calls for 'collective counteraction to restrictions on supplies of agricultural produces'

YEREVAN, June 21. /ARKA/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called today for 'collective counteraction to restrictions on supplies of agricultural produces,' when speaking at a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) in Minsk, Belarus.

"Given the new realities, there is an increasing need to step up the close coordination of our actions in terms of adapting to the current conditions of the global economy. In the context of modern economic challenges, one of the most important tasks is to ensure food security of our countries," he said.

Pashinyan said that at the moment, due to objective reasons in the common agricultural market there are restrictions on the supply of certain types of agricultural products, which may have a negative impact on the stable functioning of agricultures of the EEU member countries.

"In this regard, I believe that the EEU member states should first of all counteract risks on a collective basis, using their potential to develop consolidated and mutually acceptable solutions, minimizing the possibility of food shortages," he stressed.

According to Pashinyan, for the EEU member states cooperation is a priority, which allows building up the traditional cooperation and creating new partnerships in order to realize the economic potential of the union.

"In this context, I consider it important to eliminate obstacles to mutual trade, build new logistic chains for exports and imports, develop import substitution and further improve business environment," he said.

Pashinyan drew attention to the fact that the experience of recent years shows that a significant part of obstacles faced by businesses results from the absence of common coordinated rules of activity.

"Only readiness for cooperation, dialogue, openness and transparency can contribute to maintaining a positive dynamic in this issue," he noted.

Pashinyan also called for establishment of common principles for alcohol market without discriminatory restrictions and exemptions. 'This is a priority for Armenia," he said. -0-