4 minute read
The Armenian government has approved plans to rename three ministries to better reflect their expanding responsibilities.
The proposed changes, approved at the Cabinet meeting, affect the ministries responsible for foreign affairs, high-tech industry, and labor and social affairs.
Under the proposals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be renamed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Ministry of High-Tech Industry will become the Ministry of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs will be renamed the Ministry of Labor and Welfare.
According to the government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will develop and implement government policy in the areas of foreign affairs, the diplomatic service, representing the interests and rights of the Republic of Armenia in international relations, promoting foreign trade and ensuring access to export markets, supporting the attraction of foreign investment, conducting diplomatic and consular relations with foreign states and international organizations, managing the Republic of Armenia's international treaty relations, protecting the rights and legitimate interests of Armenian citizens and legal entities abroad, and ensuring the state's official protocol.
The draft also clarifies the functions of the Ministry of Economy.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Economy will develop and implement government policy across a wide range of sectors, including improving industrial competitiveness, enhancing the business environment, promoting foreign trade and investment, encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, tourism, intellectual property protection, regional economic development, improving competition, developing quality infrastructure, strengthening the consumer protection system, crop production, livestock farming, agricultural processing, veterinary services, phytosanitary control, food security and food safety, scientific and technical support and advisory services, agricultural production support services, monitoring agricultural land and ensuring its efficient use, improving and maintaining land reclamation systems, providing state support to agriculture, and regulating gaming activities.
The Ministry of Labor and Welfare will develop and implement government policy aimed at ensuring the well-being of individuals and families and improving quality of life. Its responsibilities will include labor and social protection, employment, volunteer work, social insurance during temporary incapacity for work, the state pension system, social assistance, the provision of integrated social services, the development of the social housing fund, demographic policy, the social protection of families, women, and children, the social protection of persons with disabilities and older persons, ensuring gender equality, preventing violence against women and domestic violence, combating human trafficking and exploitation, and supporting the integration or reintegration of refugees granted asylum in the Republic of Armenia, displaced persons, long-term migrants, and Armenian citizens returning under compulsory return procedures. The ministry's overarching goal is to ensure a dignified life, independence, and inclusive development for every individual, every family, and communities throughout all stages of life.