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Armenia is a bridge with a geographical advantage between Asia and Europe and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) aims to leverage this advantage and continue its investments in that direction, EBRD Director for the Caucasus Alkis Vryenios Drakinos said.
He made the remarks at the International Trade and Investment Forum in Yerevan.
According to him, in addition to implementing various programs, the EBRD also pays attention to Armenia’s infrastructure.
“We are interested in joining forces to support Armenia’s geographical advantages. Armenia is in the Caucasus, and the Caucasus is a bridge between Asia and Europe. We want to work in this direction. We have already made some investments in this area, and they will continue on an ongoing basis,” Alkis Vryenios Drakinos said.
In his remarks, he emphasized that the EBRD has been active in Armenia for a long time, participating in various programs and initiatives. “To date, we have been able to invest over 2.5 billion euros. The number of projects we’ve implemented will soon reach 250. Currently, that number stands at 235, and we have an ambitious plan for the end of the year.”
He said that Armenia has come a long way and now has a viable economy that offers great potential for both its population and the wider region — as a connectivity hub and also as a source of renewable energy, harnessing its natural location, sun, wind, and, most importantly, its people, who are Armenia’s greatest resource.
The executive said that EBRD listens to the needs of companies in each country where it operates.
“In Armenia, we are providing strong support to the private sector. Our focus is on supporting private enterprise. I’m very proud of what we have achieved in helping Armenia’s small and medium-sized enterprises,” he said.