Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has instructed law enforcement agencies to investigate allegations surrounding the management of the Russia-based company "Luding," which specializes in the import and sale of alcoholic beverages.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Pashinyan addressed questions from journalists regarding claims that the company's leadership has been leveraging connections within Russia's consumer rights watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, to pressure Armenian cognac producers and demand equity in their businesses.
The Prime Minister stated that while he lacks concrete information regarding these specific allegations, the government will conduct a thorough investigation. He emphasized that if the claims are substantiated, law enforcement agencies will take appropriate measures. Pashinyan also noted the sensitivity of the matter, given that some of the owners of the "Luding" company are citizens of Armenia, and expressed hope that the Russian side would also conduct a proper assessment of the situation.
These allegations emerge against a backdrop of increasing restrictions on the export of Armenian agricultural products to the Russian market. Since May, Russia's agricultural watchdog, Rosselxoznadzor, has implemented a phased series of limitations on imports from Armenia, citing violations of phytosanitary and veterinary-sanitary requirements. While restrictions initially targeted flowers, vegetables, fruits, grapes, and potatoes, they were expanded on June 12 to include nearly all plant-based products and fish, with the exception of canned goods.
Despite these ongoing trade challenges, Russia remains the primary export destination for Armenian agricultural goods, accounting for over 90 percent of the country's total agricultural exports. The investigation into the "Luding" company and the broader trade restrictions have brought renewed attention to the complexities of trade relations between the two nations.
