Made In Armenia Expo
Opens In Yerevan
Yerevan, May 27, 2002
Today, a Made in Armenia Expo was inaugurated at the Government Assembly
Hall in Yerevan by His Excellency Andranik Margarian, Prime Minister of
the Republic of Armenia. Government ministers, high-ranking officials
and foreign ambassadors were joined by over 1600 guests from Armenia and
the Diaspora at the opening ceremonies.
Close to 100 export-ready companies, mostly small and medium sized enterprises
(SMEs), are exhibiting their products and services at this trade show
organized within the framework of the second Armenia Diaspora Conference
by the Armenian Development Agency.
The Made in Armenia Expo is primarily intended to acquaint Diasporan business
people with the export potential of local Armenian companies. Several
economic sectors are presented at this event, such as: agriculture and
agri-food, including alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, dried fruits,
fish, dairy, meat, honey and chocolate products, jewellery and diamond
processing, textiles and leather goods, machinery and tools, high-technology
and software production, wood processing and furniture, metallic and aluminum
constructions, carpets, arts and crafts, tourism and entertainment.
The closing and awards ceremonies of the Made in Armenia Expo will be
held on May 29th in the presence of the President of the Republic of Armenia,
His Excellency Robert Kocharian.
On May 29th a Business Seminar highlighting the activities of the Armenian
Development Agency and a number of local Armenian companies will also
be held at the main meeting hall of the Government Assembly Hall.
Made In Armenia
Expo
Concludes In Yerevan
Yerevan, May 29, 2002
The Made in Armenia Expo organized within the framework of the second
Armenia Diaspora Conference concluded today in Yerevan. The President
of the Republic of Armenia, His Excellency Robert Kocharian toured the
exhibit which featured export-ready small and medium sized enterprises
(SMEs) from several economic sectors.
During the past four days, over 3000 conference participants and local
guests had the opportunity to visit the expo and meet with 95 exhibitors.
Several agreements were reached between local Armenian companies and
Diasporan business people to export Armenian products.
At the conclusion of the event, some exhibiting companies received certificates
and awards from the Armenian Development Agency and the Enterprise Support
Fund.
Business Seminar
Held In Yerevan
Yerevan, May 29, 2002
A business seminar was held today in the historical Government Assembly
Hall in Yerevan within the framework of the second Armenia Diaspora
Conference. The event was moderated by Mr. Vahram Nersissiants, Chief
Economic Adviser to the President of the Republic of Armenia.
Mr. Vahagn Movsisyan, Managing Director of the Armenian Development
Agency, first detailed on the mandate and structure of his organization,
as well as the services provided to foreign investors. The newly published
Armenia Exports CD Catalogue 2002 was then presented by Mr. Artavazd
Ghazarian, Director of the Armenian Enterprise Support Fund.
Key presenters at the seminar included Mr. Melcon Arzumanian on the
future project of Yerevan Airport Free Zone, Mr. Gagik Arzumanian on
the Armenian Copper Program, Mr. Serge Adamian on the SolarEn's high-technology
innovations, Mr. Armen Khandkarian on the Armenian banking system and
Areximbank, Ms. Nina Hovnanian on the Armenian Tourism Development Agency
and Mr. Gary Kilmer on 20 agriculture and agri-food sector companies.
Some 150 business people attended the seminar and met with local entrepreneurs
to discuss new and ongoing investment projects. The 2002 Yellow Pages
of Armenian Business was distributed by the Spyur Publishing House,
together with other handouts by local companies. All presentation were
simultaneously interpreted in English and Armenian and most were aided
by audiovisual instruments.
Following the main presentations, several commentators voiced their
opinions on the investment climate in Armenia. They included Mr. Vahagn
Hovnanian of the Vahagni Group, Mr. Arsen Ghazarian of the Union of
Manufacturers and Businesses of Armenia, Mr. Levon Thorose of the Armenian
Engineers and Scientists Association of America, Mr. Levon Aharonian
of the Armenia-Iran Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Artin Etemekjian of the
Armenian Australian Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Vazken Terzian of the
Canadian Armenian Business Council.
This event concluded the series of business initiatives organized within
the framework of the second Armenia Diaspora Conference.
Open House Held
At
The Armenian Development Agency
Yerevan, May 26, 2002
A day-long Open House was held today on the premises of the Armenian
Development Agency in Yerevan. The event was organized within the framework
of the second Armenia Diaspora Conference to familiarize Diaspora business
people with the facilities, staff and expertise of the Armenian Development
Agency.
Nearly 200 Diasporan business people toured the agency and met with
trade experts from the various departments and related agencies, such
as the Enterprise Development Fund and the Business Support Fund. Visitors
were briefed on the business environment in Armenia, in particular,
on the tax, customs, banking and investment spheres. An exchange of
business ideas and future involvement also took place.
The Armenian Development Agency was created by the Government of Armenia
immediately following the first Armenia Diaspora Conference. It acts
as the government's main national intermediary for bridging gaps between
policy development and implementation in the economic sector. The agency's
main functions are to promote foreign investments and local exports
by providing investor services, as well as business publications and
information.
International
Armenian Trade
Network Created In Yerevan
Yerevan, May 25, 2002
A meeting between diasporan chambers
of commerce and business organizations took place for the first time
today in Yerevan. This initiative was held within the framework of the
second Armenia Diaspora Conference.
Seventeen organizations from 11 countries sent delegations to the meeting
which was opened and attended by the Prime Minister of Armenia, His
Excellency Andranik Margaryan. Delegations representing Armenia-based
chambers and groups, as well as one from Artsakh were also present.
Collectively, diasporan Armenian chambers of commerce and business associations
form important reference points in out trans-national trade and business
networks and make up an impressive economic community that can be of
value to Armenia.
In view of an apparent need for a coordinated effort to promote exports
and investments in Armenia, as well as to enhance ties between the various
diasporan business communities, delegates adopted a motion to create
an Armenian Trade Network. The Armenian Development Agency, which hosted
the meeting, assumed the role of the secretariat for the initial phase.
A draft outlining the objectives and goals of this new network was presented.
Discussions on the organization and development of the Armenian Trade
Network will be discussed further during the upcoming days with a concluding
session to be held on May 29th, 2002.
Tomorrow, a MADE IN ARMENIA expo showcasing some 100 export-ready companies,
mostly small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), will be open in Yerevan
at the Government Assembly Hall. On May 29th a Business Seminar presenting
the activities of the Armenian Development Agencies, the Enterprise
Support Fund and selective Armenian companies will also take place.
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