On March 18, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to the Republic of Armenia John Ronald Kur and President of the Armenian Trade Network Vahram Pirjanian gave a press conference devoted to “The Opportunities for the Development of Armenian-Canadian Economic Cooperation” at the RA Ministry of Diaspora.

The participants of the press conference were introduced by press secretary of the RA Minister of Diaspora Seyranuhi Geghamyan.

Greeting the guests, Canada’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia John Ronald Kur expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Diaspora for providing this unique opportunity and particularly mentioned the following: “It’s a great honor for me to lead Canadian businessmen on their visit to Armenia. The delegation included 14 businessmen who had practical and constructive meetings with their Armenian partners.” The Ambassador attached special importance to the programs aimed at promoting the development of agriculture, the production of agricultural products, the information and high technologies sector and the mining industry. Mr. Kur also praised the fruitful efforts of the Ministry of Diaspora and the Armenian Trade Network aimed at consolidating the potential of Diaspora Armenians.

President of the Armenian Trade Network, Mr. Pirjanian expressed his satisfaction with the meetings in Armenia and added: “We weren’t expecting such success. Based on our meetings, it’s safe to say that Canadian businessmen will be carrying out investment programs in Armenia.” The Canadian-Armenian businessman also mentioned that the businessmen would return in May and would hold the fourth meeting in Shushi.

The goal of the Armenian Trade Network is to enhance economic relations between Armenia and the Diaspora and strengthen the bonds between Armenians within the Armenian Diaspora. Mr. Pirjanian voiced hope that the meetings would help expand business opportunities in Armenia and abroad.

Afterwards, journalist asked the Ambassador and the President of the Armenian Trade Network questions about Armenia-Canada relations, the perspective of specific investments in Armenia, the creation of jobs, increase in exports from Armenia and the amount of trade turnover between Armenia and Canada.

Let us mention that the Armenian Trade Network (ATN) (Pan-Armenian Association of Armenian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Unions of Businessmen) was established at the initiative of the RA Ministry of Diaspora after the two-day discussions held during the Forum for Representatives of Armenian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Unions of Businessmen organized with the support of the Canada-Armenia Business Council and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Armenia on April 30, 2011. The ATN has approved its statute, the composition of the council and has established the procedure for membership.