Armenia-UK Business Forum 2026 to Be Held in Yerevan: New Chapter of Armenian–British Cooperation
6 minute read
YEREVAN, Armenia — On 5–6 October 2026, Yerevan will host the inaugural Armenia-UK Business Forum 2026, strengthening business, investment and institutional ties between Armenia and the United Kingdom, opening with a Gala Concert on 5 October and continuing with the main business programme on 6 October.
Organised by the Oxford Alumni Business Club of Armenia (OABCA) in partnership with Government of Armenia, represented by the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Enterprise Armenia as well as the British-Armenian Chamber of Commerce (BACC), the Forum comes at a defining moment as Armenia continues to strengthen its position as a strategic destination for investment, trade and innovation. Amid deepening EU cooperation and initiatives such as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), Armenia is reinforcing its role as an emerging gateway linking Europe, the Middle East and Asia, creating new opportunities for investors seeking resilient, long-term growth markets.
The Forum will bring together 800+ invited participants, including 100+ UK delegates, 25+ featured speakers and 10+ institutional partners, spanning government, finance, infrastructure, nature resources and energy, AI, education and culture.
"Strong economic partnerships are built through trust, continuity and meaningful dialogue. Our ambition is to establish a platform that brings together the right people - not only to discuss opportunities, but to create them. We believe the Armenia–UK Business Forum can become a long-term catalyst for new investments, stronger institutional relationships and deeper business cooperation between our two countries," said Aleksandr Shagikyan, Chair of the Board of the Oxford Alumni Business Club of Armenia.
Held under the theme "Building Bridges for Capital, Talent and Innovation," the Forum is a curated platform for senior decision-makers, built around six pillars — Capital, Talent, Innovation, Infrastructure, Nature Resources and Energy, Partnership and Culture — bringing together government leaders, investors, executives, innovators and academics to foster dialogue, build strategic partnerships and unlock new opportunities for Armenian–British cooperation.
The programme opens on 5 October with an invitation-only Gala Concert at the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall — the Forum's first act of bridge-building, translating the theme into culture. British cellist Guy Johnston performs Elgar's Cello Concerto with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, founded by Sergey Smbatyan, conducted by Dr Marios Papadopoulos MBE, Founder and Music Director of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. The theme continues on 6 October with a dedicated panel, "The Cultural Bridge: Heritage, Music and Cultural Diplomacy."
The business programme will take place on 6 October at Dvin Music Hall, featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside conversations and curated business matchmaking. Speakers include Dr Alex Connock, Senior Fellow in Management Practice at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Bringing together public and private sector leaders, the programme will highlight successful partnerships, showcase practical case studies and explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation. The programme will culminate in the presentation of the Armenian–British Bridge Builder Award.
"Business leaders don't need another agenda full of panels — they need the right room, the right people, and the right moment to turn conversation into commitment. Through curated programming, structured networking and targeted B2B and B2G meetings, we are designing an environment where dialogue turns into partnership — and partnership into results," said Hayk Karapetyan, Founding Board Member of OABCA and Chair of the Organising Committee.
Following the Forum, selected UK delegates and Armenian counterparts will join curated B2B and B2G meetings on 7–8 October to advance sector-specific discussions and long-term commercial partnerships.
Registration is now open: forum.oabc.am.
About OABCA
The Oxford Alumni Business Club of Armenia is an NGO uniting Armenian graduates of the University of Oxford, including Saïd Business School alumni, across finance, telecommunications, consulting, data science and international relations. Founded by Oxford alumni who returned to Armenia, the Club applies international expertise locally, launches impact-driven projects, and expands access to education and global opportunities. The Club is governed by a Board of Directors and chaired by Aleksandr Shaghikyan.