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“Armenia-Switzerland” business meeting kicks off in Yerevan

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Yerevan, Armenia-Switzerland” business

“Armenia-Switzerland” business talks kicked off today in Yerevan, Armenia.

The business meeting organized by the Development Foundation of Armenia (DFA) on the sidelines of the official visit of the President of the National Council of Switzerland Dominique de Buman has brought together 35 businessmen from both countries mainly representing the pharmaceutics, IT, financial, wine-making, tourism, and transport sectors.

Vache Gabrielyan, the Vice Prime Minister of Armenia, wished a fruitful work to the businessmen in his opening remarks, noting substantial discussions will enable them to study all the advantages stemming from the economies of the two states.

He highlighted Switzerland has made sizeable achievements in scientific, industrial and other spheres, but Armenia also has a lot to offer to its Swiss counterparts. “Armenia has a rich history, an interesting strategic location and is engaged in privileged trade regimes that gives the country great advantages. We hope the discussions will result in new projects,” the official said.

Mr. Dominique de Buman noted the Armenian-Swiss economic relations have further deepened in recent years as evidenced by the 2017 statistics.

According to the Swiss official, his first visit to Armenia was ten years ago. He now sees and assesses the positive dynamics in Armenia’s economy.

“This should allow Armenia to have such an economic state for the people to stay here,” he said, adding that it is necessary to develop the industry, agriculture and renewable energy spheres to this end.

Armen Avak Avakian, the DFA CEO, pointed to the establishment of the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Armenia a few months ago, expressing hope it will contribute to the deepening of economic cooperation between the two countries.

He next referred to the significant growth of trade turnover recorded between Armenia and Switzerland in 2017, noting it increased by nearly 3,5 times compared to the previous year’s figures. The official said watchmaking and agriculture are today’s priority directions of cooperation.

“The cooperation between Armenia and Switzerland has a great potential, and we expect that the opportunities available for economic cooperation will be fully used, “said Avak Avakian.

Source Panorama.am

It is now the best for doing business in Armenia – Karen Karapetyan’s interview with RIA Novosti

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Armenia’s prime minister voiced the country’s intention for boosting the investments policies 2018, considering the period the most favorable for attracting foreign businesses and entrepreneurs.

In an interview with RIA  Novosti, Karen Karpaetyan elaborated also on the government plans for making the businesss atmosphere  more investment friendly, and the projects expected to attract Russian companies (as part of a road map proposed by the Investors Club of Armenia).

The premier further addressed a recently announced energy investment project worth over $1 billion (to be implemented under the joint funding of Tashir Group and the Electric Networks of Armenia) and major infrastructure programs, including the North-South highway construction and the development of a residential and hotel district in capital Yerrevan.  He also spoke of the Gyumri development plan, particularly the renovation of the historical-architectural reserve in the second largest city.

“Organic and greenhouse agriculture is becoming increasingly widespread in Armenia against the high demand for the produce. Armenia enjoys a worldwide reputation in the re-procession and conservation of fruit and vegetable, and production of dried fruit and juices. Also, the water and alcoholic beverages here serve as unique kind of visiting card,” Karapetyan added.

The premier said they expect the outcomes to be visible only in the course of time to open up a new phase of socio-economic reforms and “solidify Armenia’s image on the international arena as a country fit for living, having a rest and doing business.”

 

“Making the country maximum business-friendly is among our key objectives; therefore I can give my assurances that this period of time is the best for doing business in Armenia,” he added.

 

Armenian, Iranian FMs attend a business forum organized at Development Foundation of Armenia

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An Armenian-Iranian business forum with the participation of entrepreneurs and economic officials from both countries took place today in the Development Foundation of Armenia attended by Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif.

As the Foundation reported in a release, about 150 businessmen took part in the forum dedicated to the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between neighboring countries. Armenia’s business opportunities, free economic zones, tax regulations, preferential trade regimes were introduced to the entrepreneurs from neighboring countries.

“I think this forum like the previous ones will be aimed at creating new business relationships and, moreover, getting results,” noted the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investments Emil Tarasyan.

“We have not been able to enter EEU so far, so it is necessary to use geopolitical situation more efficiently and the whole potential of our relations,” noted the Head of the Iran-Armenia Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hervik Yarijanian.

“The Development Foundation of Armenia has effective supportive and aftercare tools focused on export and investment. In our country, doing business for Iranian entrepreneurs will be profitable, and also by 23% more affordable with more skilled labor and financial sustainability,” noted the Head of the DFA International Relations team Narek Aleksanyan.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of two countries Edward Nalbandyan and Mohammad Javad Zarif welcomed the participants of the forum. During the second part of the forum, around 150 businessmen from both countries met and discussed joint projects with the support of the DFA.

During B2B meetings more than 50 Iranians, 80 Armenians and 20 Iranian businessmen from our country reviewed the projects related to food industry, engineering services, light industry, and trade, the source said.

 

Source Panorama.am

Armenia should deny Erdogan economice umbrella TUSIAD business delegation to Armenia

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Armenian news News.am reported An Armenian entrepreneur from Istanbul Tigran Altun is going to bring a delegation of large businessmen to Armenia, he said in a conversation with the correspondent of Armenian News – NEWS.am

The delegation will consist of members of the association of industrialists and entrepreneurs of Turkey (TUSIAD).

Earlier, Turkish entrepreneurs came to Armenia (under the USAID 2010-12 program), but they were represeting small and medium-sized business.

Turkish entrepreneurs might be interested in duty-free exports to Russia and other countries of the Eurasian Union, as well as preferential customs tariffs to the US through the GSP system, which applies to Armenia.  Of course, as to the Eurasian Union, the Turkish business has connections with Russia. But,on the other hand large business is more willingly received in small countries where investments are more important, Altun added.

Canadian ICT Business Mission heading to Armenia

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Canadian ICT companies interested in doing business in Armenia will arrive in the country from September 29 to October 4, with the focus areas including digital economy and enterprise innovation, IT security, big data and education.

The ICT mission has two components and companies can choose to participate in either or both.

At the DigiTec Expo (September 29 – October 1), participants will conduct B2B meetings with both Armenian and international companies. In the last two years, multinational participants included Huawei, Ericsson, WMware as well as Oracle, IBM and Microsoft technology centres. Companies will also have the chance to choose to join the Canada stand, and participate in presentations and forums.

Following the Expo (October 2), the Trade Commissioner Service will organize the Canadian ICT Forum with the objective to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of the Armenian ICT market directly from government and industry experts.

The following day (October 3), the delegation will visit the Centre for Creative Technologies (TUMO), where a round-table will be hosted on the issues of ICT, education and skilled workforce.

Upon conclusion of the official part of the mission, participants will either join cultural programming or continue with B2B meetings (October 4).

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is one of the fastest growing sectors in Armenia, and Armenia already has a Canadian ICT business presence. The Armenian government strongly supports the business community by welcoming international companies, developing special economic zones and creating a strong investment climate with customs and tax privileges. As a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), Armenia can be an entry point to a market of 180 million people with an annual GDP of $4 trillion.

Syrian-Armenians introduce new business culture in Armenia – Karen Karapetyan

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Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan on Thursday received a delegation of Syrian-Armenian businessmen to hear their concerns and propose solutions to problems.
According to a press release by the Government, the guests addressed particularly the activities of the Syrian Armenians NGO, proposing measures to boost domestic production and exports.
“We will do all our best to assist in the programs aimed at keeping the Syrian-Armenians in Armenia. You have changed a culture in Yerevan, in the business and the services sectors, so your accomplishment is extremely important for us,” he said.

The premier also issued recommendations to the heads of corresponding government agencies, asking them to consider business development programs with the Syrian-Armenians.

Armenia second major business partner for Germany – ambassador

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armenia-germanyArmenia is Germany’s second major business partner after Russia and China, Ambassador Bernhard Matthias Kiesler said today, highlighting the increased trade turnover between the two countries.

At a news conference in Yerevan, the diplomat noted that his country’s financial allocations amounted to € 54.4 million in 2016 alone. Additionally, he said, Germany spent €22 million for regional projects.
After intergovernmental negotiations on Monday, a bilateral protocol was signed at the Ministry of Finance.

“2016 was really a unique year in the development of the Armenian-German relations,” he said, citing the mutual intensive visits (including Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s trip to Berlin and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s trip to Yerevan in late June) and Germany’s presidency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Asked why then major German companies’ presence to Armenia is not visible, the ambassador replied:

German businessmen are interested in counties with large markets and political stability to make investments. Regrettably, German medial headlines about Armenia and the region did not speak of regional stability. Their topic was the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Such problems are an obstacle to small and medium businessmen in terms of economic interest.

German businessmen point out ample opportunities not only for trade, but also for production in Armenia. Armenia’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) is one more factor making Armenia attractive to German businessmen.

Anush Dashtents

Prime Minister vows to open up the business sphere to all investors

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pm-and-businessThrough the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments we will have a kind of a business ombudsman, Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan told during the extended interview to TV Channels. To Karapetyan’s words, the ministry will support the economic entities to overcome existing hindrances.

Asked what assurances the state may provide the investors from the Diaspora, the Prime Minister said: “We want to open up the investment field not only for Diaspora Armenians, but also for the Chinese and anybody else. In order for them to feel protected we will ensure a mutual link through the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments that, speaking roughly, will act as an ombudsman for the businessman, a protector, a mediator to support them facing hindrance”.

Apart from the ministry, Karapetyan also informed about the names and data of other responsible bodies that closely work with him soon to be published.

“We have also registered the business decriminalization, laying out the actions to be taken toward both law-abiding or unlawful businesses. Even the most law-abiding businessmen have been warned from not exceeding their authority. We will undoubtedly turn to law enforcement for any abuse of authority. This is a working mechanism and yes, we will be consistent to move forward and to see the results,” Karapetyan stressed.

 

Source Panorama.am

Armenia new PM Karen Karapetyan We want businesses to ‘breathe’ –

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armenian-pm-businessArmenia’s prime minister on Tuesday asked representatives of the banking sector to initiate steps towards increasing businesses’ advantages in the economy.
At a working meeting held at the Government, Karen Karapetyan said he expects practical non-standard solutions to improve the business atmosphere and attract investments. “Our purpose is to attend to the concerns, challenges and expectations which our financial and economic sector is awaiting. We want to make businesses ‘breathe’, and from that point of you, I expect you to submit proposals highlighting the measures to be undertaken to secure additional crediting for the economy. It is now time to propose practical solutions,” he said, according to a press release by the Government.
The premier also proposed elaborating specific mechanisms for issuing loans to small and medium businesses to promote their active work in different branches of the economy.
For his part, President of the Central Bank of Armenia Arthur Javadyan introduced their monetary-loan policies and the general situation with crediting.
At the end, the premier asked all the cabinet ministers responsible for the economic bloc to consider the proposals and continue joint work with the banking sectors’ representatives to resolve the problems raised and implement the necessary projects.

Armenia PM: One entire ministry will deal with business issues and assistance

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armenian-pm-economy-changeYEREVAN. – An entire ministry will deal with business issues and assistance matters, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan said at Thursday’s Cabinet session.

He noted this while presenting the changes to be made within the government makeup and its activities. Accordingly, the Ministry of Economy will be renamed the Ministry of Investments and Entrepreneurship Assistance.

Speaking about the logic behind these changes, Karapetyan said, however, that even though the word “economy” will no longer be in the name of this ministry, it will be within its capacity.

“With the new name we wish to show investors that they have a department [in Armenia], where they can submit their complaints, wishes, recommendations,” added Karapetyan. “This ministry will also help entrepreneurs go through all necessary institutions, so they don’t encounter any obstacles.”