Today, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his spouse Anna Hakobyan attended the closing ceremony of the business forum held at TUMO Center for Creative Technologies on the margins of the 17th Summit of La Francophonie in Yerevan.

In his speech, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated, in part:

“Honorable Mr. President,
Distinguished President of the International Organization of La Francophonie,
Dear ministers,
Dear heads of country delegations,
Dear representatives of business circles,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,

I am glad to welcome you to Armenia, in this symbolic TUMO center, which personifies the New Armenia, based on a centuries-old history with a 2800-year-old capital, and especially on the enthusiasm of young people who, in fact, are the future of our country and our people.

As you may know, Armenia is undergoing transformations aimed at bolstering its commitment to such noble values as freedom, democracy, equality, human rights, which are at the heart of La Francophonie – values that were the motto of our Velvet Revolution.

The Velvet Revolution was not only a political campaign, but also a revolution of values. Here, I should emphasize that after all the revolution will be depreciated if we fail to implement an economic revolution. In this sense, today we are at the most important stage of our revolution, and we must ensure Armenia’s economic success with its clear rules for those who want and can start economic activity in our country.

We have repeatedly talked about these rules, but availing myself of the presence of so many business women and businessmen, I would like to repeat that we are setting forth only two preconditions for all those who are committed or want to engage in economic activity in Armenia.

Any activity must fully comply with the law, and we will help everyone to create as many jobs as possible and, of course, pay taxes. Please be assured that the government of the Republic of Armenia will back you if these two conditions are met.

Dear friends, I am very glad that the main focus of your work is on the digital economy, since in its economic vision my government seeks to turn Armenia into a country of high technologies. And this is not just ambition. Those who know Armenia may be aware that we boast the necessary human resources and other preconditions for implementing the aforementioned economic transformation.

I would like to express satisfaction with the results of your discussions which, as far as I know, have identified exciting business initiatives. I welcome the establishment of a network of Francophone ministers in the field of new technologies. I would like to thank all forum participants, all those who have authored this wonderful initiative.

Once again, you are welcome to Armenia. I welcome your creative and innovative ideas and reaffirm that they will be supported in the Republic of Armenia. Thank you.”