PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN REITERATES THE NEED FOR ARMENIA'S ACCESS

[MosJan]

PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN REITERATES THE NEED FOR ARMENIA'S ACCESSION TO WTO

YEREVAN, JULY 10, ARMENPRESS: Armenian president Robert Kocharian reiterated last Saturday that Armenia's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) will help Armenian businessmen increase the volumes of exports of their goods.

Kocharian was speaking to reporters while visiting a local brewery to attend opening of a new workshop for production of natural juices.

"Though some Armenian businessmen say that it (Armenia's joining the WTO) will hit the local producers, I do not think so," Kocharian said, adding that it will open for Armenian goods markets of some 150 WTO member-countries.

As regards protection of domestic market, Kocharian said the WTO Regulations provide special rules for protection of domestic markets of member countries, "but according to WTO standards."

"If Armenian businessmen want to produce competitive goods they will have to have respect for business logic," he stressed.

Kocharian said Armenia's accession to the WTO will be resolved by the end of the year.