Over EUR 1 billion investment for vital programs of RA
The press office of Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe/FAAE/ informs that the delegation of investors of “EU ASIA Business Finance Centre” holding arrives in Armenia on October 6 to discuss the investment projects with Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan. The delegation also includes the important representatives of the Slovakian Government and National Council. Slovakia, as EU presiding country, has great interest in development of cooperation with Armenia, especially with the purpose to use the exclusive ties and opportunities of Armenia – Iran relations. Meetings have already been planned not only with PM but also with Ashot Manukyan, the RA Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; with Vahan Martirosyan, Minister of Transport and Communications, with Vardan Aramyan, Minister of Finance; with Suren Karayan, Minister of Economy as well as with David Harutyunyan, Minister-Chief of Government Staff. The holding, in association with the Government of the RA, wants to create a joint financial fund for Armenia’s economic recovery entitled “Pan-Armenian EU-Asia fund”, in which the holding investors are ready to invest more than EUR 1 billion for Armenia’s vital projects. The holding’s first interest is “Nairit” plant, with the purpose to carry out reconstruction activities, “Nairit-EU” consortium has been organized within the holding. As a result of discussions over Nairit reconstruction issues with the Government, the Holding hopes to gain all the necessary conditions for the investment and quickly start the organizational activities. The holding’s work programs with Armenia also include Armenia’s involvement in all possible international associations. Especially the creation of the new Silk Road with Iran-Armenia-Slovakia path presents great interest; the holding is ready to invest all the necessary amounts in Armenian sector for the construction of Iran-Armenia railway and the North-South Highway. Opportunities of delivering gas to Bulgaria-EU by Armenia-Iran gas pipeline, the possibility of building Iran-Georgia high-voltage electric wiring across Armenia, as well as the problems connected with the financing and realization of various energy projects. The FAAE thinks that if the bases of these projects are created successfully then Armenia will have an excellent precedent and will get an exclusive chance to involve large businessmen of Armenian Diaspora in newly established “Pan-Armenian EU-Asia fund”. The project will be organized by Ashot Grigoryan, President of FAAE and the Holding. According to Mr. Grigoryan, this program provides the best opportunities for Armenia’s current and future realistic development and the possibility of strengthening Armenia’s economy. It is realized based on the background of a new, depoliticized government and can serve as a base for the consolidation of the nation and strengthening of the country. According to Mr. Grigoryan, consolidation means cooperation with the fresh, uncorrupted and highly specialized individuals, which will give an opportunity to get free from ruling traditions in Armenia and to act in a modern way in line with European values. This is possible by uniting around the new political platform. Such kind of political force has been already formed in Armenia and our nation just needs to consolidate around that force. The FAAE is full of hopes that the Holding will reach its goals and will find the best ways of cooperation with the Government of RA.
