In the market, compared to some freight forwarders of other countries, unequal conditions have arisen, as a result of which the RA freight forwarders are unable to compete and are gradually pushed out of the cargo transportation market: this was stated by the Deputy Chair of the NA Standing Committee on Defense and Security Armen Khachatryan during the working debate held on June 30.
The Deputy Chair of the NA Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Babken Tunyan, the member of the same Committee Narek Ghahramanyan, the RA Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Armen Simonyan, entrepreneurs and freight forwarders took part in the debate initiated by the deputy.
Presenting the current situation in the field, Armen Khachatryan stated that recently Armenian freight forwarders have faced problems. The representatives of the cargo transportation organizations presented the existing problems in detail. According to them, by using number plates of one of the neighbouring countries, some foreign freight forwarders avoid paying taxes, that’s why they import or export goods at the cheapest prices, and also engage in illegal sales of diesel fuel. According to the Armenian freight forwarders, they all properly pay the taxes.
The RA Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Armen Simonyan presented clarifications on a number of issues. According to him, the interstate Agreement between Armenia and Georgia has liberalized cargo transportation on both sides. Since 2019, freight forwarders with Armenian number plates are exempted from paying road tax. According to the Deputy Minister, a liberalized regime is in place.
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Recording the raised issues, Armen Khachatryan emphasized the necessity to create equal competitive conditions between the organizations carrying out cargo transportation. He also underscored the importance of increasing control over cargo transportation.
It was mentioned that the debates on the issue will continue until appropriate solutions are found.
National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia
