Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Dear colleagues,
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, I welcome the participants of Digitec Business – 2010 third annual forum-exposition and wish the forum successful proceedings. This already traditional event which is held for the third time this year has demonstrated its effectiveness as on the one hand it provides a unique opportunity for making contacts, signing contracts and getting acquainted with each other’s achievements and, on the other hand, it is an indication given to the public-at-large on IT developments in the Republic of Armenia. We are following the forum very closely trying to back your efforts since we can see the tangible results of your work. This is evidenced by the ever-growing number of participants. You may know that the IT sphere is proclaimed a priority area under a government decree implying the use of extra effort for its extensive development. We have had certain achievements over the past few years. Suffice it to note that notwithstanding the negative macroeconomic impact of the global crisis affecting all GDP indicators, the IT sector in Armenia grew last year.
This sector boasts nearly USD 130mn in annual receipts of which over USD 70mn in exports. It entertains over 5 jobs nationwide with a GDP share comparable to that of mining industry. 4,200 out of the aforementioned 5,000 jobs are of a technical bias. The 6,000-strong army of university students, too, testifies to its good development prospects. Note that new teaching methods and facilities are being used in our universities liaising enterprises and higher educational institutions. We are pleased with this year’s 20% rise in the number forum participants.
I especially value the “Start up” business forum section which represents 10 newborn companies. As you may remember last year we drew your attention on the status of startup businesses.
You may agree that the IT sector is a dynamically developing sphere. Service quality, accessibility and affordability are improved every year. This is the Government’s chief target. We have a long list of proposals and queries raised by the IT experts, and the public council by the Prime Minister discusses them on a regular basis. Improvement of dual purpose goods and services-related laws is quite high on the government’s agenda. A task force has been established to that effect which has to submit proposals and recommendations on the ways of facilitating exports in this field.
Once again, I welcome the forum participants and wish you all fruitful work.
