The model of Armenia's economy is precisely the opposite of the Eurasian Economic Union countries' economy model, Hovhannes Igityan, expert at the European Business Association, said in Yerevan on Monday.
"Armenia's economy, where import is three and even four times as much as export, can be qualified as consumptive economy. In Russia the economy model is based on export of hydrocarbons and low-technology and pricy production of goods. Thus, the Russian economic model can briefly be defined as economy aimed to protect the domestic manufacturers. It is only possible to do it due to high customs duties on import", the expert stressed.
Igityan said that the Armenian and Russian models are directly opposite by their content and interests. The same can be said about Kazakhstan and Belarus with certain reservations. As soon as Armenia joins the EAEU, it will have to put up with the economy model of the EAEU countries and Russia first of all.
According to Igityan, Armenia's authorities instinctively feel what inflation and consumer basket growth the EAEU membership will lead to. By asking for excluding from the customs clearance some 800-900 items imported from non-EAEU countries, the Armenian authorities hope that friendly Russia will understand Armenia. The expert seriously doubts that the future EAEU partners will be ready to make such a sacrifice in order to maintain some economic stability in Armenia.