The Government of the Republic of Armenia

The official visit of Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan-led delegation to the Czech Republic continues. On June 2, attended by the Prime Ministers of Armenia and the Czech Republic, an Armenian-Czech business forum was opened on the margins of the visit.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan made an opening speech. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and himself, welcoming all participants and organizers of the business forum, Hovik Abrahamyan said: “With my Czech counterpart Mr. Sobotka, we have just discussed the dynamics of Armenian-Czech relations, and we both agreed that the last two years have been particularly active in the history of our relations, and that to maintain such a positive dynamics political will alone is not enough, and a lot is also in the hands of the private sector.

Today’s business forum is important in terms of both further expansion of friendly relations and economic cooperation between our countries, but also in respect of identification of new opportunities and markets for our entrepreneurs. It is my pleasure to note that it is the third business forum for the last year and a half, which, of course, indicates the presence of mutual interest. One of the most important preconditions of economic development of the Republic of Armenia is the improvement of business and investment environment.

In this connection, I would like to stress the leading role of Armenia among a number of CIS countries in the international rankings of doing business. Today Armenia is an attractive country in terms of the business environment we implement the policy of “open doors” without practically applying any restrictions on investment, and ensuring full protection of investment by law. Today, we have created an effective system of investment incentives in areas with export potential.

Armenia has free trade agreements with almost all CIS countries. By joining the Eurasian Economic Union in January 2015, Armenia has gained an unobstructed entrance to the 170 million-strong single market. At the same time, we enjoy a preferential right to import 750 types of goods from third countries and duty-free import of raw materials from the EAEC countries.

Armenia currently enjoys the Generalized System of Preferences» (GSP) of the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Japan and Norway, and is included in the list of countries benefiting the GSP + system of the EU, which is a serious stimulus for Armenian producers.

At the same time, Armenia’s integration in the Eurasian Economic Union creates new prospects for European entrepreneurs who, taking advantage of Armenia’s opportunities, may reach millions of consumers in the Eurasian market in a more simplified manner and use the wealth of raw materials.

I can assure you that we are prepared to offer a special “based on the needs of investors” approach for any investment program. I am pleased to invite Czech businessmen and Czech companies to do business in Armenia. We invite Czech companies to invest in Armenia, in particular, in the areas of renewable energy, food processing, tourism and agribusiness.

In recent years, Armenia has made significant progress in the development of information technology and has all the necessary prerequisites and the potential to become a regional center and an important player in the region. A new area of cooperation could be created in Armenia’s free economic zones. The Government of Armenia attaches great importance to the formation of an innovation ecosystem in Armenia and is making consistent efforts to strengthen international cooperation in the sphere of innovation, support newly created companies in the sphere of technological innovation, develop the necessary infrastructure.

From the perspective of enabling far-reaching business relationships, implementing mutually beneficial programs and long-term investment, it is extremely important to have trust-based partnerships. I am convinced that from this point of view, Armenia can become a promising partner for the Czech Republic.

I am confident that today’s meeting will contribute significantly to the expansion of friendly relations and economic cooperation between the two countries and help make of Armenia as a country of opportunities for Czech entrepreneurs.

Wrapping up my speech, once again I wish to thank you for your hospitality and warm welcome, I wish all participants of the Forum fruitful work and new significant achievements in the best interest of our peoples and states".

Then a welcoming speech was delivered by Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka of the Czech Republic.

Note that the Armenian-Czech business forum was attended by over 50 entrepreneurs from Armenia and some 100 entrepreneurs from the Czech Republic.