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YEREVAN, MARCH 15, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian Development Agency will continue the implementation of the programs directed toward involvement of investments to Armenia and promotion of export in 2010 as well. With the request of the “Armenpress” news agency the director general of the agency Robert Harutyunyan referred to the coming programs.
- Mr. Harutyunyan what steps will the agency undertake this year for involvement of investments and promotion of export and what spheres are more attractive for investors?
- In 2010 we have already singled out investment programs and pointed out the spheres which are promising for the involvement of investments and export. The programs are mainly connected with the high technology sphere and agriculture. In the direction of the works connected with the latter, I will particularly single out those connected with the creation of free economic zone in the territory of Zvartnots airport. The program involves creation of a whole system – gathering of fresh fruits, vegetables, check of quality and further export. It is a quite interesting and wide-scale work the first round of which will presuppose study of Armenia’s market to find out the opportunity of export or at least producing of fresh vegetable and fruits which may be used both in Armenia and abroad. The principle is to try to apply such technology which first of all will replace the imported goods with the local ones. Often, especially in winter, we are using the vegetables and fruits imported from other countries in case when we ourselves have that opportunity. It is just necessary to apply relevant technology for keeping them - to avoid serious fluctuations and import of the mentioned goods. We have several programs connected with the export which are of peculiar importance for us. One of them is export of cheese. In December 2009 we created “Armenian Cheese” company the goal of which is to export our Armenian cheese under one brand. In this respect there are many issues connected with the raw, development of standards, packaging and marketing. Within the UN program the German “Kraft” company will send experts which will present to us the international standards, technical parameters for making the Europeans accept our cheese. It is a very important issue for us, we will fix standards and the companies which will correspond to these standards will be able to export cheese under the “Armenian Cheese” brand.
- The agency is seeking the formation of cattle-breeding farms. Will this year the works continue?
- Of course will. According to approximate calculations, last year the export of cattle in Armenia raised twice and a half, and we will try to form that demand in Armenia. We are working with provinces, different companies, trying to bring the foreign experience to Armenia. Currently negotiations are being held with the Brazilian suchlike companies to create such a Brazilian farm in Armenia. The market exists, and they will come and invest. We want Armenia to have a farm corresponding to international standards on the basis of which we will be able to spread this experience on other farms as well, even by fixing standards. I think we will register success in the implementation of this program.
- What works are being carried out for getting clear magnesium?
- This program is also promising especially for the energy sphere. Initially it is planned to establish a pilot factory, after which it will be expanded. We do so as this is an innovative program, thus there is an issue to make first of all a small step to understand which issues it will raise so that afterwards to make big investments. Last year we were negotiating with Hungarian companies for the implementation of this program. Unfortunately, they wanted state guarantees and we were forced to review our approach. Now we are conducting discussions with investors for funding the project.
- Are companies interested in the production of basalt fibre?
- Though the construction industry suffered serious decline as a result of the financial crisis and last year this program was not so interesting, we find that its production is promising as a peculiar product will be received which may have a big demand especially in road construction sector. We will try to do our best to attract the attention of construction companies in this direction.