TEPAV Founding Director Güven Sak discussed the economic dimension of the normalization process between Türkiye and Armenia in an interview with the Armenian News Agency Armenpress. Sak emphasized that there is significant potential for cooperation between the two countries in tourism, logistics, information and communication technologies, and the food industry. He noted that economic cooperation would benefit both countries and stressed that the ultimate goal should be to develop competitive partnerships.
In an interview with the Armenian News Agency Armenpress, TEPAV Founding Director Güven Sak discussed the opportunities for economic cooperation arising from the normalization process between Türkiye and Armenia.
The interview highlighted that, alongside political contacts, economic relations between the two countries have also begun to develop. In this context, it noted that Turkish and Armenian business representatives met in Kars on June 2, 2026, and that a second meeting is scheduled to take place in Yerevan in early September.
Tourism, Logistics, and Information and Communication Technologies Identified as Priority Areas
Sak noted that tourism, logistics, and information and communication technologies are among the priority sectors for economic cooperation between the two countries. He stated that partnerships could be developed between Turkish and Armenian tour operators in the tourism sector. In logistics, he emphasized that opening the Türkiye-Armenia border would not only facilitate transportation between the two countries but also enhance the efficiency of transport corridors extending from Central Asia to Europe.
Sak also highlighted Armenia’s potential in information and communication technologies, noting that partnerships could be developed between Turkish and Armenian companies in this field. He further pointed to the agricultural production capacity of the border region, emphasizing that new opportunities for cooperation in the food sector could also be explored.
Sak Cites Türkiye’s Customs Union Experience
Addressing concerns that opening the border could harm domestic producers in Armenia, Sak recalled that similar debates had taken place in Türkiye before it entered the Customs Union with the European Union in 1996.
Noting that the Customs Union had strengthened the competitiveness of the Turkish economy, Sak stated that Armenia could undergo a similar process. He also noted that Armenian companies are stronger in some sectors, while Turkish companies have an advantage in others. Sak said, “What matters is building competitive partnerships between Türkiye and Armenia. This will benefit both countries.”
“The Ani Bridge Could Become a Symbol of Tourism”
Sak stated that the historic Ani Bridge, for which Türkiye and Armenia signed a restoration protocol in May 2026, could serve not only as a symbolic structure strengthening the connection between the two countries but also as a catalyst for tourism.
Railway Investments Critical for Regional Connectivity
Sak also addressed regional transport infrastructure, noting that Armenia's railway network being operated by Russian Railways does not, in itself, constitute an obstacle. He emphasized that the main priority is to modernize the existing railway infrastructure and complete the missing links. Sak added that strengthening transport networks connecting Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia is essential for advancing regional economic integration.
The full interview, published by the Armenian News Agency Armenpress, is available here.
