ARKA RECEIVES HONORARY DIPLOMA OF VTB BANK (ARMENIA)

ARKA
Nov 9, 2009

YEREVAN, November 9. / ARKA /. ARKA News Agency represented by the
Director Konstantine Petrosov was awarded with a diploma of CJSC VTB
Bank (Armenia) and recognized as the best media partner of the bank.

"This project is a good start of information openness of the market and
opportunities to all bank customers to use the information in the open
mode," the General Director and Chairman of the Directorate of Bank
VTB (Armenia) Valery Ovsyannikov said at the launch of a new financial
product of ARKA News Agency, the portal, on Friday.

He also expressed his wish of possible creation of an Armenian economic
newspaper, and possibly a television channel.

"It all helps us to open information access for users and customers
who can safely choose to work with any organization," Ovsyannikov said.

As part of its strategy to develop Internet-based businesses, ARKA
News Agency has launched three new projects at ,
, on October 2009.

In addition to operational information, the portal will have available
analytical and exclusive materials and data regarding banks, insurance
and credit institutions, and their comparative financial indicators,
statistical information.

The customers can take advantage of the new services, which are
on-line conference and on-line consultation. The site also has a loan
calculator and a currency converter.

ARKA News Agency started its first specialized Internet project in
telecommunications and high technology at http://teleÑ~Aom.arka.am
in October 2008.

The agency plans to expand its specialized Internet-based resources.

ARKA News Agency has been operating since May 1, 1996. In 2002 and 2003
ARKA News Agency was awarded the International Star Award for Quality
in Gold Category of the Business Initiative Directions organizations.

It is the first news agency in Armenia, specialized in providing
financial and business information.

Among its partners are the biggest world and Russian news agencies
and databases, such as DowJones, Reuters, Internet securities Inc.,
Rosbusinessconsulting (RBC).

Other subscribers are different organizations, including the
Government of Armenia, the Central Bank of Armenia, other government
and commercial structures, banks, international financial institutions,
consulting companies, embassies and mass media outlets.