Tuesday, April 25 2017 18:10

ArmInfo. IDeA Foundation has  implemented 1.3 billion dollars investments  over the next 15 years.  As Government press-service informed ArmInfo, Prime Minister Karen  Karapetyan received the representatives of the Armenia Development  Initiatives (IDeA) Foundation, led by IDeA co-founder Ruben  Vardanyan. The meeting discussed the Foundation's development  programs and new initiatives relevant to various sectors.

Prioritizing the design of a general vision for the development of  our nation, Ruben Vardanyan stressed the need for public-private  sector cooperation in the implementation of development programs. Mr  Vardanyan noted that in cooperation with their partners and donors,  IDeA Foundation has implemented different projects since 2007 to a  total cost of USD 550 million and is going to attract additional 1.3  billion dollars over the next 15 years that will have a serious  positive impact on the socio- economic development of Armenia. The  co-founder of IDeA presented a package of proposals for new  development projects in Armenia to ensure both continuity of the  already existing programs and embark upon new directions. Noting that  IDeA has focused on 10 destinations to serve as a platform for the  development of its activities in Armenia, Ruben Vardanyan gave  details of the programs targeting information technology, education,  tourism, healthcare, agriculture, mining industry,  telecommunications, infrastructure, cultural heritage and the  financial system, He singled out the investment projects intended for  the development of Artsakh. As he said, these programs may have a  long-term socio-economic impact and will help enhance Armenia's  recognition worldwide. Addressing issues related to the  implementation of the proposed programs, Ruben Vardanyan suggested  improving management, enhancing the effectiveness of public-private  cooperation mechanisms and taking steps toward specifying criteria  and approaches.

Welcoming the activities of the Armenia Development Initiatives  Foundation, Prime Minister Karapetyan deemed them to be crucial for  the country's progress and future. "I wish to thank Mr Vardanyan and  his colleagues for their shared concern for Armenia and consistent  efforts in our country. We must encourage them with adequate  response. The Government is keen to see that any investor feels  comfortable and protected in our country. That is why public-private  partnerships should be understandable and affordable for our  counteragents. We are ready to consider any proposal," the Premier  said.  Coming to the proposed initiatives, the Prime Minister  instructed the responsible agencies to actively work on each specific  program developed by IDeA Foundation. "All programs should be given  adequate response so that the initiative group could get clear  information on the steps to take.  We are using this platform to  identify joint projects and develop general approaches to move  forward," the Prime Minister said.