2015年-世界发展银行全球_Aquaculture_Sector_Review___Armenia_50页_1mb

Summary of Aquaculture Sector Review in Armenia

Core Content

This report presents a comprehensive review of the aquaculture sector in Armenia, focusing on government policies, regulatory frameworks, and the challenges affecting the export supply chain. The review is conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia and the IFC Armenia Investment Climate Reform Project, implemented by the World Bank Group's Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice. It aims to improve the competitiveness and investment attractiveness of Armenia's aquaculture industry by identifying inefficiencies and recommending solutions.

The aquaculture sector in Armenia is considered a dynamic and growing industry with high potential for both domestic production and international exports. It has shown an average annual production growth rate of 40% over the past decade and is a significant employer and food provider. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing the pre-production, production, and post-production phases of the supply chain to enhance export performance and overall sector development.

Main Findings

Pre-Production Phase

• Water Use Permits: The short validity period and complex procedures for obtaining water use permits hinder long-term planning and investment in aquaculture.
• Water Costs: The cost of using fresh water in Armenia is 1 Armenian dram per cubic meter, with significant increases in certain regions, such as Ararat and Armavir, due to environmental and resource management policies.
• Environmental Impact: The use of water in aquaculture leads to environmental concerns such as the drying up of artesian springs, pollution from fish farming, and contamination of Lake Sevan.

Production Phase

• Product Diversification: There is a need to expand the production and export of processed fish products to reduce risks associated with fresh fish, which is highly perishable and logistically challenging.
• Quality and Safety Standards: Improving productivity, product quality, and adherence to international standards such as GMP, HACCP, and BAP is crucial for increasing competitiveness.
• Classification Uncertainty: Ambiguity in fish product classification under Armenian legislation leads to tax and administrative complications.
• Technology Adoption: The introduction of advanced, eco-friendly technologies like semi-closed and closed-cycle water systems is necessary for sustainable development.

Export Phase

• Russian Export Permit Challenges: The lack of clarity and consistency in Russian export permit procedures, along with frequent inspections by Rosselkhoznadzor, creates obstacles for Armenian exporters.
• EEU Membership Impact: Armenia's accession to the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) introduces new food safety requirements, such as the mandatory use of HACCP systems, necessitating changes in production and export practices.
• EU Market Access: To enter the EU market, Armenian authorities must be recognized by the European Commission, and businesses must be certified and included in the list of permitted economic operators.
• Export Procedures: Streamlining customs clearance and VAT refund processes is essential for reducing export costs and improving efficiency.
• Transportation and Logistics: Transport costs are high, and there are challenges with air and truck transport for exporting fish products.

Key Recommendations

Short-Term (12-18 months)

1. Improve Export and Import Procedures: Simplify customs valuation and risk profiling, streamline phytosanitary control, and accelerate VAT refund processes.
2. Enhance Business Awareness and Skills: Provide training on food safety and export procedures, and support the development of processed fish production.
3. Promote Environment-Friendly Technologies: Implement semi-closed water cycle systems and support pilot projects using such technologies.
4. Strengthen Industry Collaboration: Encourage the formation of business associations and cooperatives to address sector-wide challenges.
5. Strengthen Regulatory Framework: Conduct research on the business opportunities arising from EEU membership and improve the clarity of food safety and classification regulations.

Mid-Term (18 months-3 years)

1. Develop Marketing and Supply Chain Instruments: Encourage businesses to use modern marketing and supply chain management tools.
2. Simplify EEU Export Procedures: Create clear and simplified guidelines for exporting to EEU markets, particularly Russia.
3. Ensure Consistent Border Procedures: Collaborate with Russian and Georgian authorities to ensure consistent and efficient procedures at the Lars border crossing.
4. Expand Access to Finance: Develop effective financing instruments for export and investment, including credit lines and insurance.
5. Promote Sustainable Practices: Continue efforts to integrate water-saving and eco-friendly technologies into fish farming and processing.

Supporting Infrastructure and Government Programs

• Warehousing and Storage: The availability and efficiency of cold storage and refrigerated transport are critical for maintaining product quality and reducing losses.
• Government Initiatives: The Ministry of Economy has launched a program to recover commercial and endemic fish species in Lake Sevan, with a pilot project using semi-closed water cycle technology.
• International Collaboration: The report highlights the importance of working with international organizations such as the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) to support sustainable and efficient aquaculture practices.

Conclusion

The aquaculture sector in Armenia has significant growth potential and is a key driver of economic development and export performance. However, to realize this potential, it is essential to address inefficiencies in the supply chain, improve regulatory clarity, and promote the adoption of modern, sustainable technologies. The recommendations provided in this review aim to create a more competitive, efficient, and attractive environment for the aquaculture industry in Armenia.