The Government of the Republic of Armenia

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan on November 18 paid a working visit to Aragatsotn Marz. The Prime Minister first called at Ashtarak, where he was presented a tourism development project in the city. In particular, it is planned nearby the ancient Ashtarak Bridge of the 11th century, where there is a church, cultural and historical monuments, the Hippodrome, a recreational area, restore the color of the city, which can be attractive to tourists. The purpose of the project is to make Ashtarak one of the most interesting tourist destinations.

A tourism program is to be developed in the city, under which infrastructure projects may be implemented. It was noted that Ashtarak in terms of tourism is the focus and the program must be carried out under public-private partnership, also with the involvement of international organizations. Prime Minister Karapetyan welcomed the initiative and requested to develop the program as quickly as possible and submit it to the Government.

Then Karen Karapetyan met with the hail-affected residents of Aragatsotn community, listened to their problems, which related to the fulfillment of loan liabilities, payments for water and land tax. Karen Karapetyan suggested that community leader of Aragatsotn Melsik Ghazaryan should report back volume of liabilities of the villagers to the government. Turning to the villagers and the community leader, Karen Karapetyan noted: “The head of the community has to come over and talk in a practical way, noting that if the government gives a certain amount, what will they do with it in order get up on their feet, reduce the risks in order they did not constantly fell into such emergencies. Give the program, indicating what kind of load you take: how much the Governor, what the Minister and how much I myself.”

Prime Minister Karapetyan visited the Ashtarak-Talin road section under construction on the second tranche of the North-South highway, to get acquainted with the construction works. The Head of Government was informed that the 42 kilometer-long section of the road is being built in accordance with the established timetable. Note that currently 35 percent of work is complete. It is planned to put the road into operation in 2018. Karen Karapetyan noted the importance of strict adherence to quality indicators and graphics.

The Prime Minister next visited Golden Grape Armas operating in Aragatsotn Marz. The company is engaged in agricultural activities, Since 2007 vineyards have been established and grapes cultivated for brandy and wine and table grapes on the territory of more than 180 hectares of, and an area of 40 hectares there are orchards (peach, plum, apple, apricot, cherry and others.) .
Karen Karapetyan walked around the gardens, got acquainted with the ongoing farming activities and upcoming programs of the company. The total investment amounted to approximately EUR20 million, of which 7 million invested in the construction of a new plant for the production of wine and brandy. Harvesting capacity is up to 1000 tons of grapes annually. Golden Grape Armas also carries out programs aimed at the development of agro-tourism. It was reported that the company’s products are sold not only on the domestic market but also in the U.S., Europe, Russia and China. Work is in progress in the direction of the output to other markets.

The Head of Government in the community of Vardenut visited the slaughterhouse operated by Agate 777 LLC', which operates since 2015. For the construction of the slaughterhouse the Greek Government was said to have allocated more than 211,000 dollars, and the company invested about 450 thousand dollars. The slaughterhouse has three production lines in one shift can realize slaughtered 40 head of cattle, 100 head of sheep and goats and 100 pigs. Karen Karapetyan noted the importance of having modern slaughterhouses in Armenia in terms of food safety and to stimulate the development of cattle breeding.

At the end of his visit, the Prime Minister in Aragats community met with leaders of communities of Aragatsotn region. The Premier discussed the existing problems and the prospects for development. “We want to discuss the development program of Aragatsotn Marz, listen to the Governor, community leaders: what are the problems in the region, the proposed solutions and the development program. We need to single out several programs to identify those that can give a quick, tangible results, noting those programs are urgently needed, as well as see what makes the community what makes the regional administration, what makes the Ministry, other agencies and the Government of Armenia,” Karen Karapetyan noted, adding that all of the programs proposed by communities and the region will be most carefully studied in the Government.

According to the Prime Minister, the Government will respond to those programs that are most effective in that community, the regional administration, the business area will assume the load. The Prime Minister said we are talking about those programs that are aimed at creating jobs and solving other important problems.

Then Governor of Aragatsotn Marz Gabriel Gëzalyan presented the socio-economic situation and development trends and the projected activities. It was reported that the region is predominantly agricultural and 60 percent of GDP gives this area. In the current year, has cultivated 218 hectares of land, which is 600 hectares more than in 2015.

According to the Governor, the priorities are the implementation of production and an increase in irrigated areas. In connection with the latter, discussion are being held with the State Committee of Water Resources to ensure greater efficiency of water distribution process. According to Gabriel Gëzalyana, this year investments have been made mainly in the direction of the production of wine and brandy, the number of field of enterprises reached 13. Steps are being taken in the field of mining. Gabriel Gëzalyan noted that at present, work is underway to work out a development of program for the Marz, which will be presented to the Government by this December 25.

Referring to the program of development of the region, Karen Karapetyan presented their expectations from the community leaders. “In Yerevan there is not such a smart man to realize better than you the best development of your community and your region. For this reason, in the practical relations with Yerevan and contacts with the Government of the results are highly dependent on how much you are pragmatic concerning the development of the region, the community, the problems in what you need and what is missing. We have a limited budget, limited resources, but many opportunities to sufficiently good conditions to attract finance. Where do we need to send these funds? We shall send to the particular strategic objectives, as well as in those areas where we have the most rapid, profitable and effective programs. Which partner we shall work with? Who is fluent in question, I am sure that this program will be implemented, and will take over the load in parallel. As long as you do not imagine what you need, no one in Yerevan will do that for you” the Prime Minister said. According to the Head of the Government, if the Governor and community leaders will not represent what is necessary, never positive and effective changes will occur.

“In business, management has one argument, which is very important: if you can realize it then you have a chance to do it. You have to have an idea of what you want. It is necessary to sum up, prepare the material from which application will result, and we will be step by step move forward, we need to get out of the illusions, to sit down and talk in detail,” said Karen Karapetyan.
Then, during the meeting the sides discussed issues related to development healthcare, agriculture, education and other spheres in Tavush Marz. The Prime Minister inquired about the state of healthcare in the area, in particular, the efficiency of healthcare, the process of public procurement and other related issues. It was reported that, at present, work is underway towards reduction and cost optimization, the Tsaghkahovit Medical Center’s status is to be updated, which is facing financial problems. In particular, it is planned to close the inpatient service center and leave only outpatient services and emergency medical services. This will result in savings of 52 million drams.

The Head of Tsaghkahovit community expressed dissatisfaction with the program of optimization of the medical center and offered to give it in trust management. He said that there is such an investor already. Karen Karapetyan urged him to submit the program to the Ministry of Healthcare as soon as possible.

Speaking about the activities of an effective and transparent system of public procurement, the Prime Minister said that will be presented to the new system of public procurement, for which the citizens will have a choice. “We must not create the state order in healthcare institutions to avoid non-competitive and unfair conditions, no one should be put in a privileged position,” Prime Minister said. Karen Karapetyan instructed the Minister of Health and the responsible persons of healthcare to work together to present the program.

Speaking about the development of agriculture, the Head of Government stressed that he will wait for clear proposals on investment programs. Karen Karapetyan pointed out the importance of the effectiveness of education and noted the need for refresher courses for teachers on an ongoing basis, of video lessons in schools. “We need to make sure that the school be the main place where children gather,” the Prime Minister emphasized and informed that the introduction of a system of financial education is under currently discussion.

Summing up the meeting, the Head of Government told the heads of local communities to develop and submit to the respective ministries specific per-sector programs.