YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 24, ARMENPRESS. Executive Director of the Development Foundation of Armenia (DFA) Karen Mkrtchyan gave an interview to “fDi Magazine” of the Financial Times on Armenia’s economic advantages, the Foundation told “Armenpress”.

“ In 2017, we will make a major push to inform the global investor community about the advantages Armenia has to offer as a gateway to the regional markets”, Mkrtchyan told chief-in-editor of “fDi Magazine” Courtney Fingar. Mkrtchyan talked about ‘one-stop shop’ investor support services by attaching great importance to acquiring first-hand information for the potential investors interested in Armenia.

“We will also continue with our export promotion activities by helping Armenian exporters participate in international trade fairs and organizing our landmark export promotion event, the Made in Armenia trade show”, he said.

The DFA Executive Director informed that during this year investment forums will be held in the United Arab Emirates, France, Italy, Lebanon, Canada and the US.

The Armenian Diaspora will also take part in these events. “In 2017, we will undertake key outreach missions to various Diaspora communities to further engage them into making investments in Armenia”, Mkrtchyan said, adding that by the end of this year a forum will be held within Diaspora-Armenians who are engaged in garment industry in order to discuss the development prospects of the sector in Armenia and find optimal ways of cooperation to establish a globally competitive textile industry.

Asked how can the small market be turned into an advantage, Karen Mkrtchyan said: “Armenia’s geographic position and its integrated trade links with many regional economic blocs make it an attractive gateway to regional markets: full membership of the EEU, a common border with Iran and a GSP+ [Generalised Scheme of Preferences-plus] trade regime with the EU allow companies located in Armenia to have easy access to these markets”. Moreover, having a small market, Armenia offers a liberalized and open economy.

As for Armenia’s potential in tourism and attracting foreign investments in this sector, Karen Mkrtchyan said the government has identified tourism as a key driver of its economic development plan. He informed that Armenia works with both international financial institutions and foreign investors on tourism infrastructure development, on the one hand, and attracting investments on the other hand.