Monday, 21 January 2008
Opening remarks made by RA Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan at the Armenian-Russian economic forum
Dear Igor Yevgenyevich, Dear friends,
I greet all the participants of the Armenian-Russian economic forum. This forum is a good opportunity for the representatives of business circles of our two countries to find new ways of cooperation, expand and deepen the existing ties. I am also confident that direct contacts between government officials and representatives of business circles of our countries open up good opportunities for fast and effective decision of the problems faced.
The legal framework which streamlines the broad range of trade and economic relationship between Armenia and Russia, the effective atmosphere of cooperation available between the two governments, as well as the existence of a numerous and active Armenian community in Russia provide our entrepreneurs with vast possibilities for mutually beneficial trade and commercial activities.
Statistic evidence about the Armenian-Russian economic cooperation speaks for itself. In general, Russian equity feels comfortable in Armenia. Russian investments into the real sector of Armenia's economy rose to about USD 1 billion or one thirds of the overall amount of foreign investments in the period from 1991 to October, 2007. As of 2007, 852 enterprises running on Russian capital were registered in the Republic of Armenia. I can assure you that this is a truly serious amount for our small economy.
Economic cooperation between Russia and Armenia is susceptible to be promoted by the sustained dynamics of recent economic development in Armenia and Russia. The quasi-totality of market economy-based institutes have already been introduced into the Armenian economy, systemic transformation-oriented tasks are substituted with development-related priorities. During all these processes, a clear focus will be placed upon such aspects as the formation of a culture of market relationship, reorganization of the core and leading branches of economy, adherence to anti-monopoly policies and so on.
In anticipation of the next stage of reforms, the following strategic priorities have been adopted: formation of a knowledge-based economic system, maintenance of innovative activity and support of the transfer of technologies. Considerable development potential is available in the area of information technologies, manufacture of precision instruments, chemical industry, mining industry, tourism and a number of other spheres, the further expansion of which will bring about steady development in Armenia, supported by high technologies- and higher added value-based branches of economy.
I am confident that the Armenian-Russian economic forum will enable our businessmen to deepen and strengthen the existing ties, put into practice new initiatives translating them into long-term and mutually advantageous economic interaction.
Dear friends,
Allow me to wish every success and fruitful work to forum participants.
