Chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the Government continues discussing public agencies’ budget allocation bids.

Minister of High-Tech Industry Hakob Arshakyan said his agency’s budget request was based on the context of planned reforms and proposed priorities, as well as on the need to deal with the existing problems. Speaking about their plans for the coming fiscal year, the minister noted that they intend to train several thousand specialists in cooperation with a private university, develop innovative grant projects, organize entrepreneurship and business courses, introduce mechanisms for tapping the potential available in the Diaspora, launch a national venture fund and attract international managers. Allowance is made for the development of new technology parks in the provinces. Construction activities are underway in the Engineering City.

The minister reminded that during Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s visit to Silicon Valley, agreement was reached to create an Armenian corner and an environment where Armenian specialists could develop their capabilities.

The minister next dwelt on programs relating to military industry. In this connection, it was noted that large-scale research programs will be implemented in the given field, work is underway to develop military-industrial capabilities and work out new models of cooperation between the state and the private sector. Efforts are underway to implement new investment programs with the participation of private companies. Reference was made to the programs envisaged in the sphere of telecommunications.

Prime Minister Pashinyan stressed the importance of developing effective programs and taking concrete steps aimed at developing the aforementioned spheres.

In conclusion, the meeting discussed the 2020 budget request submitted by the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia.