Wednesday, 3 November 2010
The Prime Minister attends UAE-Armenia business forum
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan attended today the first ADA-hosted UAE-Armenia business forum.
The UAE delegation is headed by Foreign Trade Minister Madam Sheikh Lubna Al Kasimi.
Appreciative of the fact the forum is held in Yerevan, Tigran Sargsyan stated in part: “We attach great value to this business forum which is an opportunity to establish direct ties between the respective business circles enabling a better understanding of each other. I am delighted of our yesterday’s meeting which was held in the Office of Government. I am also glad that there is full understanding of existing problems and ways of their decision. Interested in the development of information technologies, we deem that the experience of your country may be of great service to us. We are also interested in nuclear physics and nuclear medicine, as well as tourism, farm produce processing, output of building materials and export of drinking water.”
The head of the Armenian government expressed hope that the UAE entrepreneurs in attendance might take interest in the Zvartnots international airport project which implies establishment of a free economic zone to process and export agricultural commodities.
“During our yesterday's meeting, I learned that similar logistical circuits are successfully operating in the UAE, and this experience will be extremely useful to us. We likewise appreciated the proposal on holding business forums on a regular basis, with the next one to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates at which we can present serious business proposals some of which are expected to emerge during this rally. I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to extend a vote of thanks to our guests and all those who have contributed to this forum in an effort to deepen bilateral relations,” Tigran Sargsyan said wishing the forum successful proceedings.
Taking the floor, Sheikh Lubna Al Kasimi stated in part: “We are prepared to work with Armenian businessmen and deepen economic relations with your country. UAE-Armenia trade turnover rose to USD 400 million last year. Nevertheless, we deem it insufficient and are eager to build it on. Nuclear power engineering is a strategic focus to our country, and we are hopeful that Armenia can collaborate with us in this area. We can also cooperate in the field of information technologies and public welfare. The UAE is keen on building up a knowledge-based economy.”
A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Armenian Ministry of Economy and the UAE Ministry for Foreign Trade during the forum.
