The Government of the Republic of Armenia

Attended by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, the DigiTech Business Forum kicked off today in Yerevan under the motto of “Smart solutions for smart business.” The forum is attended by more than five dozen IT companies.

Welcoming the guests on behalf of his government and himself, the Prime Minister noted that the IT sector boasts a good pace of development in our country.

“Information technology and telecommunications have become the fastest growing sectors of Armenia’s economy, leading to enhanced productivity, technological innovation and the emergence of a knowledge-based economy. Our achievements in the IT sector inspire confidence that in the near future Armenia may become a leading country in the region,” the Premier pointed out.

The head of government highlighted the role of the already traditional DigiTech business forum in the emergence of a fast-improving business environment in Armenia, since it allows companies to realize the benefits of the use of IT tools in business, promoting the use of new technology, exchange of experience and cooperation between business entities. The Prime Minister assured that the new government will do everything possible to promote the IT sector, because it has a great development potential.

“The government is going to provide practical assistance to this industry, which is of paramount importance to our country’s economy,” the Prime Minister stated.

The Prime Minister toured the stands, getting familiar with the proposed new products, services and ideas. 13 out of 64 participants are foreign companies. For the first time this year, the leading Russian ARinteg company features among DigiTech participants. Two major international events are due to be held on the sidelines of the forum: the Armenian-Dutch and Armenian-Russian business conferences shall be devoted to cooperation and exchange of experience in the industry.

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The Prime Minister took questions from journalists following the opening ceremony. Referring to the black economy, the head of government said steps are being taken to minimize the shade among large taxpayers.

“We have undertaken to grant benefits to small and medium-sized enterprises, with a relevant bill being discussed at the National Assembly. The projected steps are meant to prevent major businesses from working in the shade: our goal is to make all of them work in the tax field,” the Prime Minister said.

Hovik Abrahamyan advised that the Ministry of Finance will henceforth submit ten-day reports on the trends shown by individual taxpayers. “We will be consistent and the government will abide by its commitment: we will be too tough to such taxpayers as may try to break the agreement,” the Premier added.

Concerning the media-circulated information about Garni pagan temple and Zvartnots, Hovik Abrahamyan said that the matter is kept in focus: he has had a serious talk with the Minister of Culture urging her to have those responsible brought to justice.

“I will keep the matter in spotlight. Arrangements like that, as well as any such problem of public concern should be ruled out from now on,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

Talking about the pension reform, the Prime Minister said that according to the new bill, the mandatory social payment will be applied from July 1 with regard to more than 200 thousand public sector employees, who will see their wages up in the near future.

Specifically, 38 billion drams will be allocated to that end. At the same time, Hovik Abrahamyan said that the government will settle the social payment for those employed in local authorities, cultural centers, music schools, kindergartens and other public institutions as they get a minimum salary.

Coming down to the proposals made by four opposition parties, the Prime Minister noted that most of them are reflected in the National Assembly-approved government program. Hovik Abrahamyan reaffirmed that his government is ready to cooperate with all political forces and will accept any reasonable proposal.