Yerevan /Mediamax/. Executive Director of Armenia’s Union of Employers Gagik Makaryan stated today that the “convenient exchange rate for dollar” for the export of Armenian production makes 400-450 AMD.

Mediamax reports that, speaking at the joint news conference with the Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia Mushegh Tumasyan, Gagik Makaryan stated that devaluation of the national currency against USD is expected to take place in Armenia, which, along with the improved trade order with EU countries (GSP+) will become a significant impetus for Armenian export.

Armenia will use GSP+ since January 1, 2009, till the end of 2011.

Mushegh Tumasyan, in his turn, stated that it is almost impossible to forecast the change of the national currency exchange rate, “since it depends on the market situation”.

He noted that GSP+ order, which gives the opportunity to export to EU 6400 names of goods at zero or significantly reduced customs duties, will become a significant impetus for Armenian export, the half volume of which is sent to EU states.

In the nearest future, the full list of goods, exported to the European market at reduced customs duties, will appear at the website of the Ministry of Economy (www.mineconomy.am).

Mushegh Tumasyan reminded that earlier GSP trade order functioned between Armenia and EU, under which the reduced duties covered 2000 names of goods. He added that at present Armenia is in the process of negotiations with EU on establishing a fully free trade order.

“On February 17-18, EU Mission on facts collection will arrive in Armenia and will compose the list of criteria, which our country should meet to enter such a trade order with Europe”, Mushegh Tumasyan stated.

Talking about the forecasts of economic growth in Armenia in 2009, Mushegh Tumasyan agreed with the assessment of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), according to which GDP growth in Armenia in 2009 is expected at the level of 5.5%.