YEREVAN, JULY 27, NOYAN TAPAN. Local tests of equipment are being conducted at the Armenian-Chinese rubber joint venture under construction in China. NT correspondent was informed by Deputy Director of Nairit-2 plant Albert Sukiasian that the local tests will be followed by an overall one, after which it is envisaged putting the plant into operation by late 2009. The total cost of the program on construction of the plant to cover an area of nearly 100 ha is more than 150 million USD, A. Sukiasian said. Armenia is its 40% shareholder, while China - 60% shareholder. According to him, the plant is expected to produce about 30 thousand tons of rubber a year. Its production will be consumed mainly in China where there is quite a big market. "Armenia pins great hopes on the construction of the rubber plant. I think it will have a considerable impact on the development of our economy," A. Sukiasian said.

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