gov.am, Armenia
Nov 8 2009

The Armenian high-tech industry congress started in San Jose (USA)as
attended by a Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan-headed delegation from
Armenia

The Prime Minister addressed the congress during the opening ceremony:
`High technologies continue to be an important part of economic
competition. In our capacity of a leader in the field of information
technologies, we wish to push ahead with the development of
bio-technologies, fundamental research, nuclear physics, green energy
and information services. Innovation, aspiration and active efforts
are pre-requisites to success.’ The Prime Minister referred to last
forum’s outcome, spoke about the efforts made so far to address the
tasks set previously, touched upon his government’s anti-crisis action
highlighting the infrastructure-focused projects, inclusive of the
North-South transport corridor, the new NPP, internet and computer
accessibility, pension reform and the activities of the National
Competitiveness Council. The head of government also spoke about the
establishment of Luys Foundation and All-Armenian Bank: `The
All-Armenian Bank has already been established in line with Armenia’s
legislation. A specialized company has been invited to assist us with
the design of a business plan.’ To begin with, the Bank will act as an
investment fund raising funds for national competitiveness-oriented
projects: `Though we cherish a more ambitious vision, namely to make
of it an institution serving pan-Armenian goals as the financial
dimension of the Armenian world,’ the Prime Minister noted.

Then Tigran Sargsyan headed to San Francisco to attend an event hosted
by the World Trade Council.

Next, the head of government traveled to Santa Clara where he met with
vice-president of Intel John Davies. Mr. Davies briefed Tigran
Sargsyan on his company’s four main development areas: accessibility,
development of communication facilities, education and training,
content of information services. Tigran Sargsyan said his government’s
programs are in harmony with Intel’s visions and went on to stress the
importance of joint educational endeavors covering the training of
computer literacy specialists and the furnishing of schools with
computers and internet accessibility. The parties evoked the
activities of the national council on information technology
development, as well as the government-operated changes to domestic
legislation aimed at ensuring rapid and continued expansion of the
sphere.

With reference to internet services, Tigran Sargsyan said that the
ongoing projects will ensure a breakthrough in this area. To provide
for continuity in the implementation of educational programs and the
agreements reached during the meeting, RA Minister of Economy Nerces
Yeritsyan was told to keep on negotiating with the Company on the
matters discussed.

The Armenian delegation discussed a broad range of issues with CEO of
Cisco John Chambers ` internet accessibility, providing Gyunri town
with a status of town of technologies, development of Armenia’s postal
system etc. The new cooperation areas were said to be able to open up
new possibilities for effective interaction.

Later on, the Prime Minister took part in a gala evening to celebrate
Craig Barrett, holder of a presidential award for significant global
contribution to the development of information technologies. In
conclusion, Tigran Sargsyan received the representatives of the
Armenian communities of San Francisco and answered numerous questions
asked by them.