ARFD to hold public discussion of the situation around "Nairit" plant

A deputy of the National Assembly form ARFD, Aghvan Vardanyan, told journalists today that ARF Dashnaktiutyun will hold public discussion of the situation around "Nairit" plant.

"On the one hand, the parliamentary majority say they are for discussion of the "Nairit" problem but not today. We do not agree to that as the "Nairit" problem must be discussed today. The discussion will not become an obstacle to the talks with "Rosneft", - Vardanyan said. 
At the same time, he was surprised with the recent statement of the Armenian premier about the deal with China. "As for the Chinese deal, it was chiefly positive. The big "Nairit" plant was sold for $40 million, but one product line was sold for $14 million and became a plant in China, 40% of which belong to Armenia", - he said. 

He also added that ARFD is going to organize public discussion of the situation around the plant and invite serious specialists for that. "We scare that the plant will be finally recognized bankrupt and that time we will not be able to clarify what was happening during all these years. We should make this problem public", - he said. 

In 23 December 2013, several agreements were signed within the frames of president of Rosneft, Igor Sechin, to Armenia. Rosneft L.L.C.  PIRELLI Tyre Russia, and Oil Techno signed a Memorandum of Understanding with regard to establishing styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) production joint venture in Armenia.
The realization of the project will help implement new technologies in Armenia and create a modern production facility of state-of-the-art eco-friendly materials - SBR is employed in the production of “Green tires”, which improves fuel economy performance and also tire grip in wet and dry conditions.

Under the terms of the Memorandum Rosneft intends to be a leading investor and equity holder in the plant and Pirelli will cooperate jointly with Rosneft in research and development activities to develop SBR and is interested in entering into a long-term off-take agreement to purchase the SBR produced.
Commenting on the signing Igor Sechin said: "the realization of the project will promote the revitalization of the rubber industry in Armenia and will help strengthen Armenia's economy and industrial capabilities to compete in the world market. Moreover this memorandum is an example of strengthening ties between Armenia and Russia following the trade agreement ratification".