In the context of current Armenian-Chinese economic cooperation, in-depth study of the Chinese market and the adaptation of Armenian products to local requirements have become top priorities.
According to Armen Mkhitaryan, President of the Armenian-Chinese Partnership Center NGO, establishing a foothold in the Chinese market is quite challenging. “Our neighboring countries have been working in this direction for about a decade, and today Georgian and Azerbaijani products are well-known in China and sell successfully,” he said.
Not only traditional wine, cognac, or vodka…
Mkhitaryan emphasized that Armenia can enter the Chinese market not only with traditional wine, cognac, or vodka but also with textiles, fashion products, and confectionery. “In recent years, we have tried to introduce our partners to textile and fashion industry products. The response has been quite positive, but competitiveness and pricing policy still require experience and time,” Mkhitaryan noted. He also pointed out that Armenian vodka is in low demand among Chinese consumers, and in the wine sector, 90% of the wine consumed in China is locally produced. Thus, Armenian cognac must compete in the premium market segment with well-known European and international brands.
In recent years, export volumes to China have increased, but the primary export products remain copper and copper concentrate. About 52% of Armenia’s exported copper goes to China, and last year, a significant phenomenon was the re-export of gold in large quantities. Export products also include beverages, cigarettes, and optical equipment. Mkhitaryan stressed the importance of exported goods having added value, rather than being merely raw materials, to ensure the competitiveness of Armenian products in the market.
Logistics, Legislation, and Government Support
Mkhitaryan highlighted that logistics is one of the main obstacles. Armenia faces logistical constraints, and shipping goods to China involves significant costs. “We need to work with the Chinese side and our neighboring countries to create joint routes and optimize the transportation process,” he noted.
He also addressed legislative complexities that hinder the transport of Armenian products to exhibitions in China. However, the ATA Carnet system allows temporary importation and display of goods without excessive bureaucratic burdens. In 2022, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government, relevant changes were made, and the Chamber of Commerce now provides this certificate. Mkhitaryan emphasized that entrepreneurs must be aware of this opportunity and fully utilize it to expand their presence in the Chinese market.
Agricultural Sector and Prospects for Technological Cooperation
Mkhitaryan noted that Chinese investors show significant interest in Armenia’s agricultural sector. The development of greenhouses, the adoption of new technologies, and the production of high-quality agricultural products could lay the foundation for long-term cooperation.
“Armenia’s agricultural experience, combined with China’s technological capabilities, can yield high results,” he said. He added that several potential projects have been developed, aimed at joint ventures and knowledge exchange. “It is essential to ensure state support for these programs, as cooperation between two private companies in the initial stage is difficult to implement without bilateral support,” Mkhitaryan concluded.