On 16 November, the Business Ombudsman’s Office was opened in Gavar City in the scope of the “New SME Development Strategy for Armenia.”

It should be noted that “New SME Development Strategy for Armenia” Project is implemented in the scope of the sub-grant provided in the framework of the EU funded “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” Project.

Business Ombudsman’s Office is located in the office of the “Regional Business Center” Business Support NGO.

Deputy Governor of Gegharqkunik marz Aram Tarverdyan, Head of Regional Development Programs, Tourism and Analysis Department Varduhi Mnatsakanyan, representatives of the City Hall, Head of “Impact Business Club” Gevorg Poghosyan, Executive Director of “SME Cooperation Association” Tigran Gasparyan and representatives of SMEs operating in theregion attended the event.

Ms Satik Badeyan, President of the Association of Social Enterprises of Armenia (EITI) opened the event. She presented the project implemented by the “Armenian Business Coalition”, its goals and objectives, the main events within the framework of the program, specifically the opening of the offices of the Business Ombudsman.

She mentioned that another opening event of a similar Office was also taking place a the very moment in “Shirak Chamber of Commerce and Industry” in Gyumri.

Gevorg Poghosyan presented the detailed objectives of the creation of the office creation in detail, namely to support business, to identify the problems of small and medium businesses, to test the draft law that has not yet been adopted, and to introduce new mechanisms, if necessary. He mentioned that those were the pilot offices, they do not have legal force, but they can play a big role in protecting the interests of SMEs and can obtain legal status in the future.

Ms Varduhi Mnatsakanyan, Head of the Regional Development Programs, Tourism and Analysis Department, welcomed the idea and mentioned that there were really problems in the region and if necessary, she will direct the business representatives to this office.

During the questions and answers session the SME representatives tried to get answers to their issues of interests.