Tuesday, 23 October 2012
IT Sector Maintains Sustained Develops Dynamics
Chaired by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, the Information Technology Development Support Council held a regular meeting at “Synopsis” headquarters.
EIF Director Bagrat Yengibaryan introduced the latest developments in the field of information technologies. In particular, the IT sector was said to have grown 25% this year as compared to 2011. Instead of last year’s 281 operators there are currently 350 entities operational in this area. The annual turnover is expected to touch the mark of USD250mn against last year’s 200 million.
In Mr. Yengibaryan words, domestic and foreign companies have equal share in the overall turnover, which means that significant developments are taking place among local companies.
It was informed that at present about 60 per cent of IT products are exported to the U.S., North America. There is a rise in the level of exports to Europe. The sector involved 6,700 specialists last year. This figure is expected to go beyond the mark of 7,800 by this yearend, providing 15 per cent growth.
According to Mr. Yengibaryan, human resources, research and innovative programs, as well as the State’s assistance are among Armenia’s chief competitive assets in the IT field.
”Serious developments are taking place in the provinces. The techno-park project is underway in Gyumri. Vanadzor, too, has serious development potential. Armenia has been attracting such world-renowned companies as Microsoft, De Link, National Instruments and others. The latter is working with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the government of Armenia to launch the National Engineering Laboratory Project at the Polytechnic University,” the Director of Enterprise Incubator Foundation advised.
Referring to the developments in Artsakh, Mr. Yengibaryan informed that a third US-based organization has come to Artsakh. A corresponding site has been assigned for techno-park construction. Synopsis and Tumo centers are expected in Artsakh.
The meeting looked at some organizational matters concerning the holding of Armtech-2012 Congress due this December 10-11 in Silicon Valley. A special emphasis will be placed on the collaboration with world-famous companies and the development of new ideas. The Congress will be attended by guests from the U.S., Europe, some Asian countries and Australia:
Armenia’s representative office is expected to be founded in Silicon Valley on the sidelines of the Congress. A memorandum of understanding will be signed with Intel on the establishment of the Company’s Armenia center.
The meeting also discussed topical issues concerning the Council’s ongoing activities.
The Prime Minister toured the premises of Synopsis getting acquainted with the development projects and educational programs.
