We need extra efforts to stimulate Armenian-Indian economic cooperation: Deputy Foreign Minister

September 18, 2013 YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS: Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Armenia Sergey Manasaryan’s interview to “Armenpress” news agency.

- We have been informed that the next 6th session of Armenian-Indian inter-governmental committee will be held in Delhi. What is your assessment of the current level of Armenian-Indian relations?

- When describing Armenian-Indian relations it is necessary to mention first that these relations have rich historical past. Much has been said and written about historical and cultural links between our two nations , however in my view these subject needs to be further studied. One thing is obvious: these links set the favorable ground, upon which the relations between newly independent Armenia and the Republic of India started to grow and develop.

During the past period several high-level visits and meetings took place, the foreign ministries of two countries established close cooperation with diplomatic representations of Armenia and India functioning actively in Delhi and Yerevan. By the way, during our visit to Delhi policy consultations between foreign ministries will take take place concurrently , where we will summarize the results of political contacts and outline the future joint steps. I would like to mention that visits of the President of the RA National Assembly and the Minister of Education and Science to India in the course of this year are already planned.

As it is known, several leading Armenian universities host students from India, and contacts of relevant responsible officials contribute greatly to the increased efficiency of these exchanges. In framework of Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) public servants and specialists from Armenia's various ministries and organizations passed trainings in India.

-Which spheres receive Indian technical support primarily? It is known that in 2011 with support of the Indian side Armenian-Indian center for Excellence in Information and Communication Technologies was opened in Yerevan.

- During past years India provided various humanitarian and technical support to our country, among which the agricultural techniques provided to Armenian agricultural sphere in 2005-2006, as well as the program of creation of computer classes in Armenian regions implemented under joint efforts of Indian embassy in Armenia and “Hayastan” All Armenian Fund . By the end of 2012 such halls have been opened in 72 schools of Tavush region should be specially mentioned. At present a similar program is being worked out for Lori marz. Of course the implementation of these programs was greatly facilitated by Armenian-Indian center for Excellence in Information and Communication Technologies which opened in November 2011 during the visit of India’s Minister of Communication and Information Technology Sachin Pilot to Armenia.

I would like to note with satisfaction that during this short period the Center has implemented large-scale work. Among its functions are the development of high-speed computer technologies, implementation of joint research programs, organization of educational lessons and exchange of specialists, business meetings, seminars and contests. It is the only organization in the region which has the“Param” super-computer produced in India. More than 15 scientific-research projects have been conducted on this computer, with the help of 8 Armenian specialists trained in India , and around 300 seminars have been organized. An arrangement was made to organize simlar visits of Armenian specialists from Gyumri Technopark to India. Naturally, the support of the Indian side is highly appreciated, it is favourable for development of the mentioned spheres and we are grateful to our Indian friends for that.

- What prospects Armenian-Indian cooperation has in other practical fields?

- Before moving on to practical interaction, let me briefly touch upon the contacts in humanitarian fields, where our countries closely cooperate. Recently a Boliwood “Sugar and Spice” dance troupe performed in Armenia. Cultural events deepen the mutual understading between our nations both by introducing modern folk arts and creating friendship ties between our youth. I would also like to mention another episode -, that happened this August. The Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Armenia applied to the Embassy of India in Yerevan, requesting its help in securing medicine for a Armenian children who suffer from Thalassemia and due to the active support of the Embassy the medicine was brought to Armenia in a short period.

Speaking about prospects of trade and economic cooperation I should mention that much is to be done yet. During last years the volume of turnover between Armenia and India stayed around 70 million USD, with imports from India making its major part. We need extra efforts to attract investments from India to Armenia and stimulate the exports of Armenian goods to India. At present, with the participation of the relevant ministries and agencies wea are wroking to make the coming session of inter-governmental committee more practical and efficient.