Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan called a consultative meeting to discuss the best five-year development projects submitted by Kotayk and Tavush Marz communities.
The meeting looked at various business and social development programs with a focus on light industry, greenhouses, wine-making, agricultural machinery leasing programs, establishment of horticultural facilities, Jerusalem artichoke production expansion, tourism promotion and development of community infrastructure. Reference was made to the programs and actions designed to increase community revenues in this direction.
Among many other projects, the Berd community leader presented a program of expansion of garment industry, under which it is expected to create 650 new jobs over the next three years, with 200 new jobs to be provided by this yearend. An investment of USD 6.5 million was said to have been made in textile production in Tavush Marz. 2 million dollars will be invested in the Berd project.
Prime Minister Karapetyan appreciated the investment program and instructed to consider the possibility of granting a credit.
The head of Chinar community said the UN Development Program is set to rehabilitate the gardens in their community, establish new ones, which will provide the local households with the necessary income. In addition, efforts are underway to develop viticulture and tobacco plantations.
It is also planned to found a 500 square meter-wide seedling farm, launch strawberries production and 2 wine-making factories in Chinari. Pointing to the shortage in agricultural machinery, the community leader said if available, machinery might help add 100 hectares of cultivated agricultural lands.
Karen Karapetyan urged him to work with the Ministry of Agriculture on the issue. “The government will provide the leasing fee advance payment of 20%. We support as mich as possible. In fact, he knows exactly what to do,” the Premier said. The Head of Government instructed the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development to include the international projects in the community development programs.
The head of Byureghavan community of Kotayk Marz dwelt on a program of production of leather goods. It was noted that the private investor is cooperating with Italian partners and plans to export some of the products and create new jobs. The project is expected to involve a loan of AMD 200 million. The Prime Minister instructed those responsible to explore the lending opportunities and submit suggestions.
The leader of Solak community presented a tractor park development program, which calls for an investment of 60 million drams. He expressed confidence that the project will help provide new jobs, consolidate the small plots of land and increase the cultivated areas.
Karen Karapetyan urged him to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture in the matters concerning this project.