Category: 2024

 15:26,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. Nicolas Anelka, the French professional football manager and retired player has arrived in Armenia.

At a meeting with young footballers at the Khoren Hovhannisyan Football Academy on Wednesday, Anelka announced plans to open a new football academy in Armenia.

“We want to open a new football academy here. I know that your country has big football potential. Besides our plans to open an academy, we also intend to work in textile production for children. Major football opportunities are opening here for us. I am sure that there are very good kids here, but we must work with them. Becoming a football player is their big dream, and why not, maybe we can give them that opportunity” Anelka said.

The former French footballer told the children at the academy to enjoy each training session and go out to the field with excitement.  He arrived in Armenia at the invitation of the French-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI France Arménie).  

 14:00,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Amundi-ACBA Asset Management are joining forces to facilitate access to local currency financing and strengthen the local capital market in Armenia.

In an innovative move, the EBRD and Amundi-ACBA have executed the first cross-currency repo transaction, setting a new threshold for secure and strategic financial transactions in Armenia. The transaction was executed under the Global Master Repurchase Agreement, which the two entities signed on 21 June 2023.

This landmark transaction has allowed the EBRD to pledge high-quality liquid assets denominated in hard currency and receive local currency funds in return. This cross-currency repo agreement serves as a secure avenue for Amundi-ACBA to deploy pension fund assets, while remaining aligned with its commitment to prudent financial management.

For the EBRD, the transaction secures long-term Armenian dram funds at onshore market rates, helping to strengthen and diversify its funding sources.

The economic impact of the transaction is significant, and the EBRD is dedicated to maximising its effect. The proceeds will be strategically reinvested into the real economy, creating a positive transition impact and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Gursu Keles, EBRD Associate Director, Senior Trader, said: “The EBRD continues to invest in the local market’s financial capacity and know-how by employing simple yet innovative products in its portfolio management. Cross-currency repos will be an additional tool to expand and strengthen our funding base in Armenian dram.”

Hrayr Aslanyan, Deputy CEO at Amundi-ACBA, said: “This is another innovation we are pleased to introduce to the market, together with the EBRD. This scheme will allow us to deploy pension fund assets more effectively, contribute to developing the local capital market and, ultimately, help to finance the local economy.”

Amundi-ACBA Asset Management manages three mandatory pension funds in Armenia, with assets under management surpassing AMD 400 billion (€900 million). The company has extensive expertise in fund management and is owned by Amundi, a leading European asset manager, and ACBA Bank, one of the leading banks in Armenia.

This is the second time the EBRD has engaged with Amundi-ACBA Asset Management in Armenia. The agreement is part of the Bank’s efforts to step up its local currency lending and further develop the capital markets in Armenia. This innovative transaction secures reliable access to domestic currency liquidity, while eliminating foreign currency risks for local borrowers.

The EBRD is the leading institutional investor in Armenia, active in all sectors of the economy. Since the start of its operations in the country, the Bank has invested more than €2 billion in 210 projects in its financial, corporate, infrastructure and energy sectors, with 92 per cent of investments in the private sector.

 16:41,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. The History Museum of Armenia and the Czech National Museum will sign a memorandum of cooperation. The signing ceremony will take place in early February, when the Castles and Chateaux of Czechia exhibition will be opened in Yerevan, the Director of the History Museum of Armenia Davit Poghosyan said.

The exhibition will be organized jointly with the Embassy of Czechia in Armenia and the National Museum of Czechia.

The exhibition will feature pictures of UNESCO-listed castles and chateaux in two historical regions of Czechia – Bohemia and Moravia.

 17:05,

YEREVAN, 17 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 17 January, USD exchange rate down by 0.12 drams to 405.49 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.54 drams to 440.89 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.04 drams to 4.58 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.79 drams to 514.12 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 161.10 drams to 26570.96 drams. Silver price down by 2.17 drams to 300.50 drams.

 17:21,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. The Green for Growth Fund (GGF), an impact investment fund advised by Finance in Motion, is re-engaging with the leading Armenian SME bank ARARATBANK through the provision of a USD 5 million loan facility. In a significant move to drive sustainable development in Armenia, this strategic partnership with ARARATBANK aims to broaden the network of GGF partners on the ground and provide critical support for green lending initiatives directed at SMEs and retail clients.

The funding will help the Bank in meeting the growing demand for green capital expenditures in key sectors, such as agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, and construction. Additionally, it will support individual households in adopting energy efficient systems and eco-friendly practices, including the implementation of small renewable energy measures. 

The Fund’s support extends beyond financing, incorporating a dedicated Technical Assistance (TA) package that is designed to augment ARARATBANK’s capacity for green lending by utilizing GGF’s vast experience and expertise in the field. This aligns with GGF's broader mission to promote sustainable finance practices and underscores a holistic approach to support ARARATBANK’s commitment to green initiatives.

Christopher Knowles, Chairperson of the GGF, expressed enthusiasm about the Fund’s re-engagement with ARARATBANK, stating: “We are very pleased to deepen our collaboration with ARARATBANK, a partner that shares our commitment to driving sustainable development. This loan investment showcases the potential for positive change through collective efforts and highlights our joint commitment to improving energy and resource efficiency to accelerate the country’s green transition.”

Mher Ananyan, Chairman of the Executive Board of ARARATBANK, commented: "We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with the Green for Growth Fund in providing 5 million USD to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their journey towards energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to UN Global Principle 8, which urges businesses to undertake initiatives that promote greater environmental responsibility. By empowering SMEs to adopt sustainable practices, we are not only fostering a greener future but also driving economic growth and resilience. Together, we can make a tangible impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable world for generations to come.”

 18:18,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS.  During Wednesday’s question-and-answer session in the National Assembly of Armenia, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded to opposition lawmaker Agnesa Khamoyan, stating that legitimacy is the political and diplomatic defense strategy of Armenia. The question pertained to the limits of the authorities' 'giving' process, considering that Azerbaijan may not stop.

"It will stop at the legitimate borders of the Republic of Armenia. Legitimacy is and will remain the strategy of our political and diplomatic defense.

I share the concerns you raised. Moreover, I hope that the purpose of the statements coming from Baku is not to bring the peace process to a dead end.

I myself have noted that Armenia and Azerbaijan speak different diplomatic languages. Our task is to align the diplomatic languages of both Armenia and Azerbaijan with legitimacy,” Pashinyan said.

 19:23,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. Since 1991, Azerbaijan has never been ready to concede, not even for a second. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this during the Wednesday’s question-and-answer session in the National Assembly, addressing the accusations from the opposition lawmaker Anna Grigoryan regarding concessions.

"Since 1991, Azerbaijan has never been ready to concede, not even for a second," Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said.

"He said, 'Do you want me to give the highest autonomy (to the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh)?' Within the framework of the Madrid principles, an agreement was reached that this autonomy will be Armenian-Azerbaijani autonomy," Pashinyan explained.

 17:32,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. All government actions continue to be aimed at establishing and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this during Wednesday’s question-and-answer session in the National Assembly of Armenia, responding to the MP Artur Khachatryan's question about the solutions the government offers in the new security situation created in the region.

"Throughout our entire period of independence, we have not clearly defined and have blurred Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is a fundamental problem.

All actions continue to be aimed at establishing and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia.

In these common security challenges, our strategic perception is as follows that all our positions must be based on legitimacy-exclusively legitimate.

As for the announcements coming from official Baku, I have publicly responded to them, and I will not hesitate to provide a specific response to your question. In fact, 'Crossroads of Peace' encompasses the answer to your question," said Pashinyan.

The Prime Minister also addressed a question regarding statements from Baku, highlighting that in response to inquiries from the Armenian side, Azerbaijan presents two counterarguments.

"The first is that if Armenia is not ready to open the roads, then Azerbaijan will make use of the passage through the territory of Iran. The second question is why there should be any inspection processes during the transition from the main part of Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan, which is 47 kilometers. 

 And we answer in the following way: Armenia is ready to give that passage under the same conditions as Iran. If the passage through the territory of Armenia is 47 kilometers, it is 49 kilometers through the territory of Iran. If inspection functions can be accepted for 49 kilometers, naturally they cannot be unacceptable for 47 kilometers,’’ said the PM.

 19:32,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS.  Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan will pay an official visit to Croatia on January 18-19, the foreign ministry said.

During the visit, meetings are scheduled with Croatian FM Gordan Grlic Radman, as well as high-ranking members of the executive and legislative bodies of Croatia.

 19:37,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. Armenia announced the peace agenda not in the logic of Azerbaijan, but within the framework of its own logic, of course, with the understanding that peace is not a one-sided process.

Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, stated this during today’s question-and-answer session in the National Assembly while addressing the question raised by the opposition MP Kristine Vardanyan.

"We have not given up on the peace agenda, we are not giving up and we will not give up. This is a very important fact, because this is our political vision, and we will continue, because we did not announce the peace agenda in accordance with the logic of Azerbaijan, we announced the peace agenda in accordance with our logic, of course, with the understanding that peace is this not a one-sided process,” Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister added that if, for example, Azerbaijan retreats from the peace agenda and it does not imply that the Armenian side should also retreat from it.

On the contrary, perhaps we need to emphasize more, substantiate more deeply and argue more,"  the Prime Minister said.