EXTENDED SESSION OF A COUNCIL SUPPORTING BUSINESSMEN CONDUCTED TODAY

ARMENPRESS
May 15, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 15, ARMENPRESS: An extended session of a council of
support to businessmen affiliated to the Armenian prime minister
took place today chaired by the head of the council, Prime Minister
Tigran Sargsian.

Governmental press service told Armenpress that besides the members
of the council leadership of customs and tax committees, chairman
of the Protection of Armenian Competitiveness Commission, heads of
non-governmental and other organizations participated in the session
which discussed issues on strategy of the council stemming from the
Armenia’s government’s program and its further activity.

Opening the session Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsian said that
the newly formed government underscores the activity of the council
the main issue of which is to create such a business environment in
the country which will not only be considered the best one in the
region but will compete on an international level.

Referring to the main aim of the meeting, the prime minister said
that they are three – first to discuss the approaches the newly
formed government has adopted and which are put in the basis of the
program of the government, second, to discuss with the businessmen
the existing issues and what organizational approaches are necessary
for the council to work more effectively, and the third to discuss
the program of the council for 2008-2009.

Tigran Sargsian presented in details his viewpoints connected with the
implementation of the goals of the council, implementation of reforms,
establishment of state-private sector cooperation.

The representatives of business environment underscored in their
speeches the necessity of constructive dialogue, ensuring participation
of the private sector in the implementation of the government’s
program, consolidation of trust towards each other for reaching real
reforms in the country.

They positively assessed the open discussions conducted over important
issues with unprecedented bravery, publicity and suggestions. The
businessmen said that the reforms inspire hope that the fight against
corruption, shadow economy, sponsorship and other bad phenomena will
be more effective.

After the exchange of opinions, prime minister assigned to present
all remarks and suggestions over the strategy of the council to its
secretariat in two weeks. He said after their discussion in smaller
membership the document will be presented at an extended session.