Armenia sees untapped potential in economic cooperation with China

Guests hold a discussion on the main stage during the panel discussion "South Caucasus at the Crossroads: Logistics, Connectivity and the Business Case" at the "Yerevan Dialogue" international forum, in Yerevan, Armenia, May 6, 2026. The 2026 "Yerevan Dialogue" international forum was held in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, on Tuesday and Wednesday under the theme "Riding Through the Storms," focusing on issues including geopolitical shifts, global connectivity and green transition. The inaugural forum was held in 2024. (File photo: Xinhua)

YEREVAN, May 6 (Xinhua) -- China is an important partner for Armenia, with significant untapped potential in bilateral economic relations, said a senior Armenian official on Wednesday.

The two sides would work together to expand trade volumes and launch more investment programs in Armenia and across the South Caucasus region, Anushik Avetyan, Armenia's deputy economy minister, told Xinhua on the sidelines of the "Yerevan Dialogue" international forum.

Avetyan noted Chinese companies are highly interested in Armenia's infrastructure projects, some of which are already being implemented by Chinese contractors. "I think they play quite an important role in our economy and we want to build on this and diversify our economy," she said.

She stressed that economic diversification, especially the diversification of exports and trade partners, is a priority for the Armenian government and plays a crucial role in achieving resilient, sustainable economic development in the country.

The 2026 "Yerevan Dialogue" international forum was held in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, on Tuesday and Wednesday under the theme "Riding Through the Storms," focusing on issues including geopolitical shifts, global connectivity and green transition. The inaugural forum was held in 2024.

Participants attend the panel discussion "South Caucasus at the Crossroads: Logistics, Connectivity and the Business Case" at the "Yerevan Dialogue" international forum, in Yerevan, Armenia, May 6, 2026. The 2026 "Yerevan Dialogue" international forum was held in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, on Tuesday and Wednesday under the theme "Riding Through the Storms," focusing on issues including geopolitical shifts, global connectivity and green transition. The inaugural forum was held in 2024. (File photo: Xinhua)

Participants arrive at the venue for the "Yerevan Dialogue" international forum, in Yerevan, Armenia, May 6, 2026. The 2026 "Yerevan Dialogue" international forum was held in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, on Tuesday and Wednesday under the theme "Riding Through the Storms," focusing on issues including geopolitical shifts, global connectivity and green transition. The inaugural forum was held in 2024. (File photo: Xinhua)