Tuesday, 11 December 2012
ArmTech 2012 Forum Kicks Off In USA
Attended by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, the ArmTech 2012 high-tech development forum kicked off in San Jose.
Welcoming the participants on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, the Prime Minister thanked the organizers: “Already traditional, ArmTech plays an important role in the economic life of Armenia. It helps us discuss and outline the leading sectors of the economy, as well as look at IT development prospects. I wish you all fruitful work in the hope that today’s conference may boost the development of information technologies.”
The Prime Minister stressed that as a government priority, the IT industry has been stating over 25% annual growth in recent years. In this regard, the IT sector is of strategic importance to the economy.
“Having some competitive advantages in the region, first of all we should draw upon our people’s high educational standard, the wealth of math and natural science teaching traditions inherited from the Soviet-era and the existing strong academic potential. Soviet Armenia was specialized in information technologies, including software, hardware, semiconductors, which served the military-industrial complex of the former Soviet Union. Armenia used to be a unique IT center, strong with the necessary infrastructure and adequate professional potential.”
Tigran Sargsyan stressed the role of California’s large Armenian community, which is one of Armenia’s most powerful assets in the region. He said that the Diaspora has a huge networking and image-promoting potential.
Concerning the current trends in the IT sector, Tigran Sargsyan advised that over than 350 companies are operational in the IT sector, of which 107 are foreign companies - 50 with U.S. capital. The total turnover is USD 205 million, of which 120 million is exported. The number of those employed in this area is growing from year to year and makes 6760 as of this point of time.
Prime Minister Sargsyan stressed the importance of education in the development of information technologies. “Education is central in government programs. Luys foundation has been established to enable Armenian youth worldwide to be trained at the world’s 10 best higher education institutions. Learned people are the main driving force behind society development in the 21st century. Therefore, we should make serious investment in the education of future generations.”
Wrapping up his speech, the Prime Minister thanked the organizers of the forum and expressed confidence that ArmTech 2012 will contribute to the development of Armenia’s IT industry.
