PM: ARMENIA CAN BECOME REGIONAL CENTER OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 20 2006

YEREVAN, September 20. /ARKA/. Armenia can become the regional center
in information technologies area, Armenian Prime Minister Andranik
Margaryan said at Innovative Information and Communication Technologies
International Conference launched Wednesday in Yerevan.

In his words, investments in innovative technologies sector grew a
great deal recently. It makes 1.7% of GDP.

In his opinion, Armenia has sufficient capacity to become the regional
center.

Margaryan stressed the importance of information and telecommunication
technologies’ role in Armenian economy development.

He said Armenia government does whatever necessary to ensure the
development.

As an example of the government’s efforts, the premier singled
out the government-affiliated Council for Information Technologies
Development set up to discuss strategic and legislative issues related
to information society building.

The PM stressed that Armenian information technologies area
presentation is increasingly widening and pointed out Digites annual
exhibition that is becoming traditional in Yerevan.

In his words, the government, taking into consideration the sector’s
quick development, has decided to hold Information Technologies Month
between September 15 and October 15 in Armenia.

"I’m convinced these efforts will produce results very soon",
Margaryan said.

He also attached great importance to cooperation between Armenia and
Armenian communities worldwide in this area.

"Our overseas nationals take direct and active part in the process of
establishing IT-companies. I think this cooperation will be continued
and will become comprehensive", the premier said.

He wished good luck to the conference participants. M.V. -0—