SECOND ARMAGROFORUM KICKS OFF IN YEREVAN

Panorama.am
16:09 22/09/06

"I am sure the forum will create opportunities for international
cooperation in the agricultural sector," Davit Lokyan, minister of
agriculture, addressed the forum, which kicked off today in Yerevan
as part of III "Armenia-Diaspora" Conference. Lokyan said it aims to
step up mutually beneficial relations between the local and foreign
entrepreneurs.

Minister Lokyan read out the address of President Robert Kocharyan
which says, "Serious achievements have been made since the first
Armagroforum."

Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan also made a speech at
the opening ceremony. In his words, the government attaches great
significance to the rural sector of the republic. "Privatization of
land has created a number of problems in line with positive results,"
he said. He said government support is needed to address part of the
problems, including, development of irrigation system, food safety,
plant protection, credits to rural communities and sale of agricultural
products.

The Armenian government and Yerevan offices of USAID, AMCOR and
a number of other international organizations support the second
international Armagroforum. Representatives from 35 countries,
international organizations, educational establishments within Newly
Independent State, state sector of Armenia and the diplomatic corps
take part in the event. /Panorama.am/