Plans for joint infrastructure projects between Armenia and Iran may prove a key first test of President Barack Obama’s policy intentions toward Tehran and Armenia’s own economic muscle amidst the global economic crisis. Analysts note that international reactions to the projects could prove a blessing.
On the drawing board are a railroad between Iran and Armenia, an oil pipeline from Iran’s Tabriz refinery to a special terminal to be built in Armenia’s Ararat province, and a hydropower station on the Araks river, which borders the two countries. Bringing Armenian-Iranian trade relations into sync with World Trade Organization requirements is also under consideration.
The Armenian government expects work on the railroad to begin by late 2009. Potential financial and political difficulties, however, mean that opinions vary about the projects’ feasibility.
China was invited to take part in construction of the Iran-Armenia railroad during a December 2008 visit by an Armenian parliamentary delegation to China. Beijing is reportedly considering the proposal, Iran Daily reports.
