Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of food production in the country, as well as the pace of economic diversification. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing Interfax, Pashinyan made these remarks during a government meeting.
"Despite the government providing broad opportunities to economic entities, the diversification of economic relations has not been achieved. It has not happened primarily for one reason: the path to diversification is the path to increasing standards, efficiency, and productivity," he stated.
Pashinyan emphasized the urgent need to address quality standards for food products manufactured in Armenia. He specifically pointed to the aquaculture sector as an area requiring immediate attention.
"We must resolve the issues regarding the quality of food products. Personally, I have not consumed farmed fish for a long time, as it is clear to me that there is a problem in this sector. One encounters unnatural, incomprehensible fat in this fish. Yes, we are ready to support the fishing industry, as well as all other sectors, but the industry must develop," he noted.
The Prime Minister also addressed the restrictions imposed on the export of certain Armenian products to Russia. While acknowledging that many perceive this situation as a crisis, Pashinyan stated that he views it as an opportunity for the country to improve its production standards and seek new markets.
Economic diversification remains a significant challenge for Armenia, which has historically maintained a high level of economic dependence on Russia. The government's recent push to align local production with international quality standards is seen as a strategic move to reduce reliance on single-market exports and improve the competitiveness of Armenian goods in the global arena.
