Monday, 27 October 2014
Dear Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and myself, I warmly welcome the organizers, participants and guests of the “Armenia – regional jewelry center” investment forum and express the hope that such a representative forum will contribute to the development of Armenian jewelry and help attract investment.
In Armenia, jewelry was developed back in the distant past. The works of Armenian jewelers were respected not only in Armenia, but also abroad. This tradition continues to this day.
I am glad that the forum is attended by internationally renowned experts from jewelry and diamond manufacturing industries. I am convinced that the forum will be a good platform to discuss opportunities and challenges and identify solutions.
I consider it necessary to note that the Government of Armenia attaches importance and pays special attention to the development of jewelry, diamond-processing and watch making industries.
As part of the strategy approved by the Government for the export-oriented industrial policy, the Industry Council under the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia has set as strategic areas the production of diamonds and watch making, and ensures the implementation of a relevant program of action, the purpose of which is the conversion of Armenia into a global node.
Dear Guests,
For further development of jewelry a new stimulus will be Armenia’s joining the Eurasian Economic Union, which will give local companies significant opportunities to expand the sales markets and get high-quality raw materials. A key pledge is also the availability of a propitious tax and customs environment. The development of Armenian jewelry will be largely promoted by the establishment of “Meridian” free economic zone, which was ceremoniously opened yesterday.
In the framework of the relevant programs of action, using the tools of government support and through close cooperation with the private sector, the State is currently taking effective steps to create more favorable conditions for the development of the sphere, as well as for proper presentation of jewelry products in foreign markets.
In closing, I want to assure you that in the face of the Government you have a reliable partner.
We stand ready to jointly raise the industry to such a level that everyone would continue to admire the Armenian jewelry art.
Thank you.
