German Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Matthias Kisler highly appreciates the Armenian government’s efforts aimed at supporting Syrian-Armenians. During a press conference following the “New Perspectives for Syrian-Armenians” exhibit opened at Yerevan Expo complex, the Ambassador stated that Armenia is making great efforts to help Syrian refugees.

“The participation of the President of the Republic of Armenia in this event goes to show how highly interested the Armenian authorities are in the Syrian-Armenians’ integration. Different countries are facing great challenges caused by the events in Syria.

Armenia has assumed responsibility to support the Syrian-Armenians, and I would say it is a greater responsibility than that of many countries across Europe. What impresses me is the fact that Armenia has managed to receive 20,000 refugees. This is the result of combined efforts,” the Ambassador said. The Ambassador mentioned that refugees are very often viewed as a burden, but the Germans’ approach is that refugees can serve as great potential for a given country, especially the Armenians of Syria, who have great traditions of craftsmanship. According to the Ambassador, that potential can be used to create conditions for the people from Syria to see a future for the economy in Armenia. RA Deputy Minister of Economy Hovhannes Hovhannisyan stated that the issue on supporting Syrian-Armenians is in the government’s focus. “I am particularly not stating the word “refugee” so that they are viewed as full-fledged citizens of Armenia, not refugees. This is the desire of the people and political authorities of Armenia. The Government of the Republic of Armenia is taking steps for the Syrian-Armenians’ integration. The government has established a task force that will assess the Syrian-Armenians’ needs, set the specific goals and suggest concrete measures for support,” Hovhannes Hovhannisyan said.

The Deputy Minister stated that Armenia’s tax legislation is new to Syrian-Armenians and that they need to become familiar with the legislative provisions. He assured that the government would advance the process of providing support to the Syrian-Armenians. The government will draft leaflets and provide them to Syrian-Armenian businessmen, presenting the types of taxes, how they need to be paid, what the privileges are and how they can benefit from them. Besides, there will be specific support programs. The Ambassador added that Germany has a good experience from the perspective of providing more opportunities to small and medium enterprises.

On May 19-22, the German Society for International Cooperation is holding the Economic Opportunities Week business forum, and the “New Perspectives for Syrian-Armenians” exhibition is taking place on the sidelines of the forum. Over 60 Syrian-Armenian businessmen are presenting their products and services in separate pavilions. The event will provide Syrian-Armenians with the opportunity to establish contacts. There will be more support to Syrian-Armenians soon, and their potential will be reinforced. The process is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and employment, discovering economic opportunities and establishing new contacts.