Prior to his working visit to the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh), Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan on Friday met with the leaders of Syunik province communities in the town of Goris.
The PM noted that the main objective of the meeting is to discuss the issues and development prospects of the province. “We must all realize one simple truth: We and only we will build our country, our house, our theatre and our village; we shouldn’t wait for someone to come and change the situation for better. We will speak openly and frankly, and besides presenting the issues it is necessary to propose solutions and note which part of the solution will be taken up by the province, considering all its resources, and what is expected from the government,” Karapetyan noted.
Thereafter, Governor of Syunik, Vahe Hakobyan, presented the programs planned to be implemented in the province in different areas. He also noted that the main efforts will be aimed at the proportional development of the province. It was reported that the development strategy of Syunik has already been drawn out, aiming to ensure new quality of life there. In this context, in the future it is planned to establish Syunik Development Investment Fund, which will deal with promotion of investment programs in different areas and creation of workplaces.
New emergency restoration services will be provided in five towns of the province in the future, which will ensure new workplaces. Work aimed at establishing rubber material processing and pipe manufacturing plants in Kapan is also underway, this also ensureing several dozens of workplaces. Apart from this, the program “I was born in Syunik”has kicked off, which aims to support Syunik residents, who have achieved success in different areas abroad, to implement projects in the province. Moreover, negotiations are held with the Iranian side on exporting meat products and processed wool. It was also noted that public and youth councils will operate adjunct to the Governor’s Office, which will enable the public to present their proposals and issues of concern.
Besides, reference was made to the issues of education, agriculture, health and problems existing in other areas. Underscoring the importance of education, Karapetyan noted that the education system is a primary issue for Armenia.
Referring to the agriculture development, the PM said that the state must help successful farmers, who have potential, so that the others can seek to achieve their standards. “Our first target is the workplace, that is helping the working man,” he stressed.
According to Karapetyan, it is necessary to value the existing potential and come up with different initiatives and programs. Considering their efficiency, the state will provide support for their implementation. “If you don’t have an idea what city and community you want, you have no way to achieve your goals. Be sure that we cannot but build a good country. But each of us should take part in this,” the PM stressed.
Issues related to road construction, gas and water supply, as well as infrastructure development were also discussed at the meeting.