Experts on Iran discuss idea of Armenia becoming "Hong Kong”
In an interview with Mediamax, Vardan Voskanyan observed that after lifting of sanctions, Armenia would play a highly significant role in the context of Iran opening to the world, which could already be noticed.
According to the expert, Armenia and Iran are very familiar with one another by tradition. The same cannot be said about Iran and Europe or Russia relations.
“Therefore, Armenia can play a substantial role in the context of relations with Iran, performing as a “gate” to Iran or as an important joint between Iran and Europe, Iran and Russia. Moreover, with our country’s potential in Iranian studies Armenia can provide certain expertise to representatives of countries unfamiliar with Iran in a number of areas, including the culture of the country”, noted the expert, commenting on Mediamax’s request the idea of businessman and philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan about Armenia becoming a “Hong Kong” for Iran.
In regards to opportunities of the tourism sector, Vardan Voskanyan noted that Armenia could be an attractive destination for Iranian tourists.
“Tourism can become a very important direction for our country. Armenia is attractive for Iranian tourists, and their numbers can be notably increased. We should also consider that tourists coming from Europe and Russia can use Armenian roads to enter Iran. From this point of view, Armenia can turn into an important platform,” said the expert and added that in this case high prices for airplane tickets would remain the only obstacle.
Senior Researcher at Institute of Oriental Studies of Armenian National Academy of Science Gohar Iskandaryan believes that certain ideas expressed by Ruben Vardanyan can “truly work”.
“I share those views, especially the idea to use Armenia’s advantages of being a EAEU member and having privileged trade relations with EU. In this context, Armenia can arrange it with Iran to transfer their semi-finished product to our country and complete the manufacture here. With “Made in Armenia” labels attached to the product, it can be easily exported to the markets of EAEU and EU member countries. I believe this will be profitable for both countries,” the expert told Mediamax.
Gohar Iskandaryan feels somewhat reserved about Ruben Vardanyan’s suggestions on new perspectives in the tourism sector for Armenia. According to her, in recent years Georgia has become more attractive for Iranian tourists due to more affordable services and reasonable prices.
“Armenia is more of a transit country for Iranian tourists who get to Georgia through our territory,” said the expert.
Gohar Iskandaryan noted that for Armenia to become a regional hub it would need political will from both countries and large financial means to bring joint Armenian-Iranian projects to life. On the way to that goal, first of all Armenia should have high quality road, railway and airway infrastructure.
“With Iran, we can implement numerous cooperation projects in favor of Armenia. From this standpoint, I agree with Ruben Vardanyan,” said Gohar Iskandaryan.