YEREVAN. – Explain to me the laws of Armenia, and I will come here to teach craftsmen.
Armenian jeweler and silversmith from Istanbul, Stepan (Istepan) Belik, who is the owner of Antik Silver company, told the aforementioned to Armenian News – NEWS.am.
The company produces and exports silver utensils to the USA, UK, Israel, Iran and other countries. In 2015, Balik took part in Yerevan Show jewelry exhibition, where he had an opportunity to compare the simplicity level of customs clearance in Armenia and Turkey.
“Lots of papers are required here. 3-4 days may be needed to handle everything. And the entrepreneur doesn’t have so much time. Whereas in Turkey, only several minutes are needed to complete the paper work with sending goods to America. Ten minutes at most, and the work with the papers is done. You send the goods today, and tomorrow at 11 a.m. they are already in the shop!
Let the working procedures be simpler here too so that people can come and work. For instance, I want to open business here and teach craftsmen. Not for my profit. Let them learn here and earn themselves, especially considering that I have seen the works of local craftsmen: some of them are very talented,” Balik said.
The Turkish government always strives to create the best conditions for exporters, he added.
“Turkey has an understanding that the country gets rich thanks to production and export. Thus, when they see a working man, they help him. You have to pay a tax? You won’t pay it for 2-3 years. You should pay for electricity? This is also cancelled. You are going abroad to take part in an exhibition and present your goods? The state returns you 70 percent of the expenses. But, of course, you should be honest before the state in all your papers,” the entrepreneur said.
It is desirable to see some facilitations if not exemptions in Armenia so that the foreign entrepreneurs (including those of Armenian descent) do not hesitate to open business here too, he added.