Storyline: China, Armenia deepen trade cooperation under Belt and Road Initiative [Voice_over] At the Armenian-Iranian border, a long journey nears its end. Trucks loaded with goods from China arrive here after nearly a month on the road — crossing four countries and covering more than 4,000 kilometers. The flags of the countries displayed on the trucks symbolize the route they have taken through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. This is not only the shortest overland path to Armenia, but it also plays a key role in China's Belt and Road Initiative. [Sound_bite] Armen Sahakyan, founder, Gold Time Logistics Company: "Last year, our company was the first to initiate cargo transportation along this route, which is shorter, more secure, and serves as an alternative for Armenia. To date, we have completed approximately 200 cargo shipments." [Stand_up] Gayane Aleksanyan,Reporter： "Tucked between mountains and closed borders, this landlocked country in the South Caucasus is striving to become a vital transit hub — connecting East and West. As trucks come from Central Asia, Armenia no longer sees itself on the margins, but at the crossroads of a shifting global trade map." [Sound_bite] Ruzanna Ayvazyan, head, Motor Transport Policy Department, Armenian Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure: "In light of recent geopolitical developments, there's a growing need to reassess the country's role in emerging transport corridors. The government is actively working in this direction, which remains a key focus of our foreign policy." [Voice_over] China is one of Armenia's major trading partners. The trade turnover between the two countries has been steadily increasing. In 2024 alone, it grew by 34 percent, reaching a total of 2.8 billion US dollars. To further strengthen this cooperation, the two countries are now working on a joint agreement with the aim of improving the logistics sector. [Sound_bite] Ruzanna Ayvazyan, head, Motor Transport Policy Department, Armenian Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure: "The agreement will allow transport companies to move goods without paying road taxes, thanks to special permits. This is expected to reduce paperwork, lower costs and facilitate collaboration between Armenian and Chinese carriers." [Voice_over] Armenia was one of the first countries to join China's "Belt and Road Initiative". As centuries ago, Armenia was a vital link along the ancient Silk Road. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]