The RA Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan had a meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia Shombi Sharp.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Ministers Varos Simonyan and Avag Avanesyan, as well as representatives of the Ministry and the UN Resident Coordinator’s office.

Shombi Sharp congratulated the Minister on his appointment as the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia.

The UN Resident Coordinator noted that the UN Development Assistance Framework for 2021-2025 being discussed with the Government of Armenia is a good opportunity to review and give new impetus to cooperation․ “On behalf of the UN Office in Armenia, I would like to note that we greatly appreciate our large-scale cooperation with the Ministry of Economy to ensure the overall well-being and stability of people and communities. We are now expanding our joint efforts to ensure a better recovery from the latest challenges and we will soon launch a new five-year UN Partnership framework that is based on green, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth for Armenia”, said Shombi Sharp. He added that cooperation can be continued in the areas of SME development, promotion of investments, financing of innovations, and establishment of venture funds.

Welcoming the projects jointly implemented with the UN in Armenia, Vahan Kerobyan noted that the meeting is a good opportunity to outline and clarify the directions of further cooperation. The Minister inquired about the possibilities of establishing offices of the UN economic structures in Armenia, as well as presented the Ministry’s vision on availability of financial resources for SMEs and development of the capital market.

Vahan Kerobyan informed about the Ministry’s work being carried out on development of the knowledge-based economic policy. He also informed about the initiative to create non-agricultural jobs in rural areas, which will allow rural community residents to work also in tourism, light industry, and other sectors.

During the conversation reference was made to implementation of water infrastructure development programs. Mr. Sharp noted the need for training of the workforce in rural communities, including training programs for women.

At the end of the meeting the parties reaffirmed their readiness and commitment to enhance cooperation in mutually agreed directions.