As part of his working visit to the Russian Federation, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Russia-based Armenian businessmen in Moscow. Before discussing cooperation-related issues, the Premier touched upon the results of his meeting with RF President Vladimir Putin.

“Together with the Russian President, we stated that we face no problems in the Armenian-Russian relations, and that we have shared understanding on all issues. Among other questions of topical interest, we discussed issues related to the furtherance of economic cooperation. This is a strong incentive for you to make new investments in Armenia’s economy,” Nikol Pashinyan pointed out.

The Prime Minister presented his government’s vision of the development of our country, dwelling on the fight against corruption, the efforts aimed at protecting and promoting investments, improving the business environment, as well as the ongoing tax and public administration reforms. Among economic priorities, the Premier singled out light industry, diamond-processing, jewelry, tourism, intensive agriculture, and the development of high and information technologies. “We must strive to turn Armenia from an agrarian country into a technological one, as it stems from our country’s security interests,” Nikol Pashinyan said.

Touching upon the guarantees of investment protection, the Head of Government noted that the protection of both Armenian and foreign investments is guaranteed by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia: “The most important statement is that any business activity should be carried out within the framework of legality. We should create an atmosphere of cooperation and jointly develop our homeland.”

Nikol Pashinyan said the Government is discussing the possibility of introducing new investment protection mechanisms and a “one-stop-shop” facility in order to promote close contacts between business people and different government agencies and enhance the level of public-private sector dialogue.

Coming to the reform of tax legislation, the Prime Minister advised that the Government has initiated serious changes to simplify the taxation system and improve the business environment. Nikol Pashinyan stressed the need for rethinking the concept of Homeland-Diaspora relations.

“The logic of charity needs to be replaced with that of labor,” the Prime Minister said, adding that his government seeks to provide all necessary conditions for our Diaspora-based compatriots to invest in Armenia and create new jobs, proceeding from their business interests and the logic of profit.

Several businessmen came up with specific investment proposals. Nikol Pashinyan urged them to submit their projects to senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and to relevant ministries for further discussion. The speakers exchanged views on the ongoing political developments in Armenia and the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.