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Changing trade patterns after conflict resolution in the South Caucasus

Author

Listed:
  • Polyakov, Evgeny

Abstract

Since the breakup of the USSR, the South Caucasus region has experienced a range of political conflicts, resulting in a number of hot and cold wars and border closures. The author analyzes the probably short-term impacts of peace in the region as a result of a resolution of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorney Karabakh region and an end to the associated trade blockades, with an emphasis on Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The conflict has seriously distorted trade flows in the region, disrupted transport routes, and stifled export and import opportunities for Armenia and Azerbaijan. Georgia has enjoyed higher-than-normal transit through its territory. Trade has stopped in gas (from Azerbaijan to Armenia) and electricity (from Armenia to Turkey). Transport tariffs are unusually high, aggravated by government-imposed transit fees (taxes). Over time, trade restrictions have eased and trading partners have found ways to conduct trade despite closed borders and blockades--but at a cost. Applying a gravity model to regional trade, the author concludes that South Caucasus countries trade enough with the CIS countries and politically friendly neighbors, but too little with the European Union, the United States, and hostile neighbors. Lifting the blockades would alleviate trade distortions and bring about short-term improvements, including: 1) More rational trade flows; 2) A resumption of (or an increase in) regional trade in major commodities such as energy; and 3) Lower prices or higher profit margins (or both) on some important consumption and production goods. With peace, Armenia could more than double its exports if Azerbaijani and Turkish markets open, which could reduce Armenia's trade deficit by a third to a half and increase its GDP by 30 percent. Improving transport routes would produce immediate savings and relieve pressure on domestic prices, especially for energy. Azerbaijan could increase its exports by $100 million, or 11 percent of 1999 levels, reducing its trade deficit by a quarter and raising its GDP by 5 percent. Its exports and imports would benefit from transport savings. Transit through Georgia might decline, but probably not by more than a quarter of the freight service surplus.

Suggested Citation

  • Polyakov, Evgeny, 2001. "Changing trade patterns after conflict resolution in the South Caucasus," Policy Research Working Paper Series 2593, The World Bank.
  • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:2593
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Chang, Chun-Ping & Berdiev, Aziz N. & Lee, Chien-Chiang, 2013. "Energy exports, globalization and economic growth: The case of South Caucasus," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 33(C), pages 333-346.
    2. Freinkman, Lev & Polyakov, Evgeny & Revenco, Carolina, 2003. "Armenia’s trade performance in 1995-2002 and the effect of closed borders: a cross-country perspective," MPRA Paper 10065, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Sonin, Konstantin, 2003. "Why the rich may favor poor protection of property rights," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 31(4), pages 715-731, December.
    4. Alexander Libman & Evgeny Vinokurov, 2012. "Regional Integration and Economic Convergence in the Post‐Soviet Space: Experience of the Decade of Growth," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(1), pages 112-128, January.
    5. Lev Freinkman & Evgeny Polyakov & Carolina Revenco, 2004. "Trade Performance and Regional Integration of the CIS Countries," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 14933.
    6. Ksenia Yudaeva, 2002. "Globalization and Inequality in CIS Countries: Role of Institutions," Working Papers w0025, Center for Economic and Financial Research (CEFIR).
    7. Ksenia Yudaeva, 2002. "Globalization and Inequality in CIS Countries: Role of Institutions," Working Papers w0025, New Economic School (NES).
    8. Suska Magdalena, 2023. "Merchandise trade of the unrecognized entities in West Asia. The gravity model of trade, including Abkhazia and South Ossetia," International Journal of Management and Economics, Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of World Economy, vol. 59(1), pages 57-69, March.

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