Key indicators of competitiveness of Armenia, Moldova, and Tajikistan in view of economic and trade cooperation with the Customs Union

Abstract

This article examines the relative competitiveness of Armenia, Moldova and Tajikistan by their main trade and economic characteristics in regard to the member countries of the Customs Union. The authors analyzed the main trading indicators of these countries and the indexes refl ecting their competitiveness. According to various indicators of competitiveness Armenia, Moldova and Tajikistan are inferior to the CU countries and the CES. However, some particular export-oriented industries are competitive. It is revealed that accession to the Customs Union can adversely affect the economies of these countries because of the tariffs increase to the level of CCT of the Customs Union.