On May 12, the RA Ministry of Diaspora and the Armenian Trade Network (ATN), in collaboration with the Unions of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia and Artsakh, organized the 4^th session of the ATN General Assembly and the 2^nd Business Forum. During the events, Hayern Aysor’s correspondent sat down for briefings with several participants.

Arayik Vardanyan: member of the presidency of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Armenia, chief of staff

Even during the forum I said that I noticed a positive change compared to the previous forums. In the past, the participants would never talk about making investments in Armenia. Diaspora Armenian businessmen would only try to collaborate with each other. Now, they want to engage Armenia and Artsakh in all programs, and of course, this is commendable.

These forums greatly promote the repatriation of Diaspora Armenians to Armenia. I’m feeling positive.

Hagop Koshetsian: member of the Armenian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry

As far as the development of trade and industry in Armenia is concerned, I must say that there are more programs being developed than there are being implemented. So, I suggest focusing on implementing programs. From what I’ve seen, Armenia lacks marketing and management experts for the growth of businesses. I think those experts need to undergo good training. Despite all that, I notice trends for development.

I’m an individual entrepreneur in France. I have a textile industry, sell construction materials and work on construction and more. I mainly work with French real estate agencies.

Raffi Elliott: founder of Getreated IT company in Armenia

I repatriated to Armenia from Canada four years ago. After moving to Armenia, I established a small IT company.

I’m happy to see such forums organized in Armenia. They’re very important for us.

However, I have one observation. The field here is small and the opportunities are limited, and this hinders development.

What I personally prefer to do during such forums is not just sit and talk, but take action and adopt a specific and clear-cut working style.

David Khachatryan: member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania

First, I must say that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania was established in 2005 and has always been interested in maintaining and enhancing trade relations between Armenia and Romania.

In this framework, in 2013, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania organized an Armenian-Romanian business forum for increasing the trade turnover.

Participating in this forum provided us once again with an opportunity to present Romania’s projects connected to Armenia, after which we will establish mutually beneficial cooperation.

We’ll also sum up the tasks that are incomplete. There are programs that we need to advance.

I also attach importance to the organizing of these forums in the sense that we can find partners, establish close ties and find new paths for cooperation.

By Gevorg Chichyan