Saturday, 11 March 2017
Karen Karapetyan Gets Acquainted with Syunik Marz Development Programs
Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan paid a working visit to Syunik Marz of Armenia. The Prime Minister first visited the site of Tatever cableway where a consultative meeting was held, during which the representatives of the Foundation for Armenia Development Initiatives presented to the Prime Minister the Tatev Gate investment project.
As part of the program, the Tatev Gate complex will be built next to Halidzoe station of Tatever cableway, which will feature information, entertainment and service infrastructures and quality services designed to increase the flow of visitors.
The already finalized general development plan suggests establishing a visitor hub, a national kitchen and catering outlets, as well as a center of national traditions, ancient Armenian games and other entertainments.
The project implies investment of USD 95 million in six strategic directions that will result in about 1,500 jobs and increased influx of tourists up to 400,000 annually.
The project may be implemented mediating public-private sector partnership. Several infrastructure-related problems need to be addressed at Halidzor station. International financial organizations may be engaged in the project. Welcoming the idea, the Prime Minister urged those responsible to finalize the project and begin substantive discussions in the Government.
Then Karen Karapetyan called at the Armenian-French cardio center in Goris to get acquainted with the activities and services available. Built in 2013, the center is of regional importance, serving the population in Syunik, Vayots Dzor Marzes and Artsakh. On average, the center serves some 1500 patients a year, with about 500 surgeries performed annually.
The Premier took the opportunity to talk to the patients who expressed satisfaction with the quality of services provided in the Center. Regarding the distribution of State orders, the Prime Minister advised that the Government is going to reconsider its policies and implement systemic reforms in this area.
Karen Karapetyan next visited secondary school N1 in Tekh village. The Premier inspected the activities of Armath engineering lab, which had been opened at the initiative of the Association of Information Technology Enterprises, where free technological education will be provided to schoolchildren from both the local community and neighboring settlements. In addition to extra-curricular classes, pupils will participate in many other activities, where they will be able to show their knowledge and skills.
The Prime Minister was told that as equipped with a 3D printer, modern computers and robotics collections, the lab will give students the opportunity to learn the basics of programming and robotics.
In addition to overtime courses, students will also participate in a number of promotional events in the lab, where they will apply their new skills. They will find themselves in a creative environment and will get acquainted with the works of other schools’ teams.
Proceeding from the Government’s drive for balanced territorial development, Armath engineering labs have been set up in the provinces. The Armath network currently involves some 5 thousand schoolchildren from over 200 schools of Armenia and Artsakh.
Prioritizing the need for continued development of high-tech education in our country, Karen Karapetyan stressed that the IT sphere may become a driving force for economic progress in Armenia.
