The EU, boosting Armenia’s economic growth, doesn’t pursue selfish purposes: Piotr Świtalski

Ambassador Piotr Świtalski, Head of EU Delegation to Armenia, and Garegin Melkonyan, First Deputy Minister of Investments, launched EU4Business events today in Yerevan. The events to be held in Yerevan throughout October 24-28 will support the SMEs. A range of other events will also take place, directed to boosting the dialogue between public-private sectors. At the press conference Ambassador Świtalski stated that the events make Armenia an axis of events and initiatives.

In his words, these initiatives introduce the EU’s role and support to economic development, innovation and businesses in all EaP countries.

“It’s symbolic, that the events week was launched with the meeting, devoted to business development. SMEs provide the majority of employees, thus, economic opportunities provided by SMEs should also be highlighted. This initiative is a powerful signal for the EU in supporting businesses, economic practical interests, as well as boosting competitiveness of the country and the region,” the Ambassador said. The latter introduced the events, to be held this week.

Piotr Świtalski stated that as EU, they are deeply grateful to the RA Government and state bodies for assuming an active role in organization of these events. In his words, axis of RA new Government’s Action Plan is boosting economic growth and the EU is ready to support RA Government in its efforts, to be directed towards reforms, economic transition to a more productive variant.

“Currently one of the tools is development of SMEs. During another event I have already reflected to comparisons, insisting what a great unrealized potential is available for the SMEs in Armenia,” the Ambassador said.

He stated that foreign investments are also important. “We believe that numerous events, including new framework agreement between Armenia and the EU, a range of interstate reforms in Armenia, will boost engagement of foreign investment particularly from the EU member states. We consider, that our economic cooperation is in a mutually beneficial condition, the EU, fostering economic growth in Armenia and other European Neighborhood countries, doesn’t pursue any selfish purposes. We consider this is a classic example of mutually beneficial condition. The luckier Armenia’s economy is, the better it’ll be for the EU interests,” Ambassador Świtalski said.

In his turn, Garegin Melkonyan said that these events are best reflection of our mutual interest and shared purpose—progressing implementation of joint program—on expanding and deepening the cooperation.

By Araks Martirosyan