An Armenian businessman from the Russian region of Belgorod wants to open a flour mill in one of the bordering villages of Armenia’s Tavush Province. This is what Chairman of the Armenia-Russia Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergey Barseghyan stated in an interview with NEWS.am.

“The businessman is originally from the Tavush Province and has wheat fields in Belgorod region. That is why he wants to start a business there and help his fellow countrymen make a living,” Barseghyan added.

The Chamber has set the objective to open as many enterprises in 24 bordering villages of Tavush Province as soon as possible.

“We have formed a list of the places where it would be better to open an enterprise. There are many livestock farmers in, say Voskepar village. It would be nice to open a spot for milk acceptance in one place, a spot for acceptance and reprocessing of meat products in another place and a spot for conservation of fruits in another.

Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan supports bordering villages. When he found out that we want to help local businesses, he said he would support us, if necessary. We thank him for that,” Barseghyan declared.

The best form of support will be the provision of production equipment through grants, possibly from China since that country has always shown support to Armenia. China is currently providing free equipment for new broadcasting and has provided free buses to Yerevan. According to Barseghyan, it would be better to receive such equipment through grants in order to help people working in the villages of Tavush Province.

“If necessary, our representatives may leave for China, choose equipment and gather information about quality,” he stated.

Equipment can also be obtained from other countries. The Chamber has found all that is necessary for a flour mill from Russia.

In late 2014, the Parliament of Armenia passed a package of draft laws, according to which businesses in Armenia’s bordering residences are exempt from paying taxes (only the income tax levied from hired workers will remain as taxes). The list of residences is defined by the Government of the Republic of Armenia.