“If we give stimulus, a good job and salary to young people in Armenia we might even be able to create a satellite”

Technology and Science Dynamics Inc., which has been operating in Armenia under the name Armtab Technologies, is represented in 17 countries. It mainly works with scientific and research labs and universities of the world. Technology and Science Dynamics Inc. started its activities about five years ago. It is known in the world with its brand Minno. This company decided to turn down the Chinese services and move all of its production to Armenia. The company has already started the production of Armenians tablets named Armtabs and mobile phones, names Armphones. The company has already produced 5 different size tablets and 1 smartphone. In 2014 the company will start the mass production of tablets and smartphones. The guest of 168-Zham is the president of Technology and Science Dynamics Inc/Armtab Technologies, PhD Vahan Chakaryan.

-Will you tell us about the technical capacity of the smartphones and tablets?

-We have already created tablets in various sizes, which are currently in one screen size – 5 inches. All these devices work on Android system. Originally, the idea of creating these tablets was to use them in universities and in government. All these devices with their qualities do not yield any of the ones produced by top companies, such as Apple or Samsung. The tablets, for example, have a dual core processor, WiFi, 3g capacity, etc. Now we are planning their mass production and export those to the international market, mostly to US, Canada, South America, and certain European countries. In the meantime, we should suffice the demand of Armenia and nearby countries, such as Georgia. Now we are closely negotiating with Georgia and mostly with their education ministry. They are willing to annually buy 40 thousand items from us in order to use those in their schools.

-Are you not expecting cooperation with the education ministry of Armenia?

-During the meeting with the Armenian Prime Minister, we presented our suggestion in order to start to work together and implement the same project in the Armenian market.

-So was the reaction of the Prime Minister positive?

-Indeed very positive. This is a big step in the IT sector of Armenia and we have all the objective conditions to have successful production and realization in Armenia. Our company has been functioning for over five years now under the brand Minno. Now we are planning their mass production and export those to the international market, mostly to US, Canada, South America, and certain European countries. In the meantime, we should suffice the demand of Armenia and nearby countries. Besides the smartphones and tablets we are planning mass production of motherboards and chips. But these are our further plans, which I hope we will implement in the near two-three years. It means we will move all our production to Armenia.

-It is interesting that many people are leaving Armenia but you are coming here. Moreover, you have decided to move your production here. Why?

-First, let me mention that we have been closely cooperating with Armenian companies for the development of our brand. It is due to Armenian young scientists and engineers that we have such a good success abroad. And most importantly this is my motherland. We believe in those ideas and believe that our company will have a great success here.

-Mr. Chakaryan, we hear a lot that in Armenia a lot of attention should be paid to programming and software production because the production of devises is very costly and turns out you want to move all your production to Armenia. What are the risks and opportunities in Armenia?

-I should mention that when we were planning to move here we were very warmly welcomed by the Armenian government and high-rank officials. We were well received everywhere and our ideas have the highest support. This is going to be the first Armenian smartphone/tablet production and it’s going to be a big boom. When we call any state office or company they agree to meet us with pleasure. If this approach continues here it will become possible to initiate any kind of production here. Indeed, this production requires a lot of funds and expenses. But besides financial issues the support of the government is important in order to avoid additional bureaucracy. With the state support it will become possible to even build satellites.

-It is interesting I have spoken with various businessmen but I have honestly never heard anything like that from them. According to you, what does this support stem from? What is the benefit of the government?

-They don’t have any benefits or shares.

-Weren’t you expecting such a reception?

-Honestly not. And today my astonishment and joy doesn’t have any limits. I am admired and urge our Diaspora representatives to come, move here and start businesses in their motherland. We have very smart young people. We have hardworking people, great history and culture. I’d like to repeat once again. We can build whatever we want here, even a satellite.

-It means that the successful production besides the government support depends on human resources.

-Yes of course. We have wonderful youth. If we give stimulus, a good job and salary to young people in Armenia we might even be able to create everything.

-In Armenia your company works under the name ArmTab Technologies. How many people will you hire to work for you?

-In the beginning perhaps 25-50 people or a little more.

-You mentioned that the Georgian market is interested with your production. Does this mean that the further production in Armenia will depend on the number of orders you get in Georgia?

-In fact, we already have many orders for export. The question is whether we should start the production with a crew of 25 or 125. It is all about the scales.

-You mentioned that with their quality the Armenian tablets will not lag behind the world famous productions. How much will they cost though?

-Yes, with their technical capacity, they won’t lag behind the world famous brands but the Armenian products will be 50% cheaper. The only difference is the operative system. They are using iOS and we will be using Android. As of the prices then the range of smartphones will be around 170-180 USD and the tablets will cost 225-275 USD.

-Will there be much difference with the retail?

-I can’t tell for sure because we have never dealt with retail.

By Lusine Movsisyan