Armenia and China have pledged to strengthen the trade turnover and mutual investments, according to a joint statement issued on the establishment of a strategic partnership. The announcement, released by the Armenian government’s press service, highlights both nations’ readiness to expand economic cooperation across multiple sectors.

Key initiatives include promoting Armenian exports to China, enhancing their market penetration, and attracting Chinese investments into Armenia. Both sides expressed commitment to broadening collaboration in infrastructure, information technology, renewable energy, agriculture, and industry.

The Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was acknowledged as a central platform for advancing bilateral relations, with the parties agreeing to elevate the role of its Co-Chairs and to ensure the comprehensive implementation of its decisions.

China welcomed Armenia’s continued participation in major international exhibitions such as the China International Import Expo, the Canton Fair, World Digital Commerce Expo, and the China International Consumer Goods Expo. Beijing also endorsed Armenia’s use of online platforms to showcase high-quality products. In return, Armenia appreciated China’s active involvement in exhibitions held in Yerevan, including EXPO Food and Drinks, ArmProd EXPO, Build EXPO, Industrial Armenia EXPO, DigiTec Expo, and ArmHighTech Exhibition.

Both sides reiterated their willingness to increase mutual investments in key areas, while also exploring improvements to the legal and institutional framework that could simplify trade and investment processes. They reaffirmed their support for a multilateral trading system under the WTO and endorsed the inclusion of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement within the WTO framework.

Beyond trade, the partnership extends to development and social initiatives, with China continuing to provide technical assistance, including human resource development programs. Tourism was also identified as a priority area, with both governments valuing the visa-free regime and the initiation of direct flights between the two countries as key drivers for expanding cultural, economic, and social ties. China welcomed Armenia’s participation in the China International Tourism Expo (CITM) and other tourism-related fairs.

Despite the pledges, recent figures show a mixed picture. According to Armstat, trade turnover between Armenia and China reached $1.2 billion in the first half of 2025, down 15% from the same period in 2024. Armenian exports to China totalled $288.3 million, representing a sharp 59.6% decline.

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