The “New Business Opportunities EU-Armenia CEPA implementation” event is co-organized by the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments of the Republic of Armenia together with the Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission.
H.E. Mr. Piotr ŚWITALSKI, Ambassador, Head of the European Union Delegation to Armenia, Mr. Petros SOURMELIS, Head of Unit, Directorate General Trade, European Commission and Ms. Mane ADAMIAN, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investments will deliver opening speeches.
The event aims to present the benefits and the new business opportunities offered by the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for Armenian and European businesses. CEPA is a comprehensive agreement meant to bring the EU-Armenian cooperation to a higher and broader level. It improves conditions for bilateral trade compared to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and to the WTO framework.
Several topics of high interest for the business community will be introduced. Among those, the liberalization of bilateral trade in services, beyond what is established in GATS, which is a major achievement of the agreement. This will give EU and Armenia traders, investors and services suppliers greater certainty and enhance further the trading environment. It will also create the conditions for increased cross-border investments.
There will also, be a discussion on mutual additional market access in the Public procurement field. Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) plus rules will apply regarding the publication of tenders through a single internet portal and regarding the updating of review procedures.
Moreover, there will be a discussion on how Armenian operators and consumers will benefit from an ambitious system of protection of Geographical Indications and how Armenian companies, artists and inventors creating and selling innovative, artistic, distinct and high quality products will be able to rely on strong intellectual property rights protection system in their own country, just like they can in the European Union.
The representatives of the European Union, Armenian Government, Diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia and International organizations, as well as representatives of business community are invited.
