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Press releases
29
09, 2011
Official visit of President Serzh Sargsyan to France
In the evening of September 28, President Serzh Sargsyan together with the President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy in the Olympia Concert Hall in Paris was present at the concert of the world-famous Armenian-French chansonnier Charles Aznavour dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.
In the framework of the visit, today President Serzh Sargsyan had a working lunch with the Armenian and French businessmen at the Union of French Entrepreneurs.
***
Speech by President Serzh Sargsyan at the working lunch with the Armenian and French businessmen
Distinguished Entrepreneurs,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I cordially greet you and thank you for organizing this important meeting.
Centuries-long friendship of the Armenian and French people is anchored in the spiritual and cultural commonalities of our two nations. These commonalities are so deep that geographic position has never impeded strengthening of our friendship which originated ages ago.
Our cooperation in the economic area also has deep historical roots. French geologist Jean Morgan was the first who in 19th century in Armenia’s Alaverdi region conducted geological exploration and created a map of the geological evidence of the region. From that time on, copper fusion in Armenia was set on the industrial basis. Today, production of copper and molybdenum continues to comprise a considerable part of our economy. Armenian railroads too were built by French engineers who at that time had accomplished a huge, essential work for Armenia. Armenians in their turn also had their part in the economic development of France. Today, in the center of Avignon city there is a statue of the agriculturist of the Armenian descent Jean Altouni, whose actual name is Hovhannes Altunian, who had introduced in France the production of dyer’s madder. Today, we all admire charming and unique Parisian cafés however it’s not universally known that back in 1672 such a café was opened by the Armenian entrepreneur Harutyun Pascal. Hundreds of thousand French citizens of the Armenian descent today too through their creative work contribute to the development of France and Armenia and reinforce relations between our two countries.
Role of France in the development of independent Armenia is invaluable. Armenia has always been attaching great importance to the deepening of its economic relations with France, and our today’s meeting also serves the purpose. France is Armenia’s important investment and trade partner and is the second largest investor in the Armenian economy: French investments as of July 2011 were estimated nearly 700 million USD, or to be more precise - 695 million USD. One hundred fifty-five joint Armenian-French enterprises are registered in Armenia. There are successful examples of French investments in almost every area – telecommunications, beverage production, banking, pharmacy, medicine, tourism, agriculture, light industry. Major French companies such as Credit Agricol Bank, Orange, Pernod Ricard, Alcatel, Grande Thornton Amio are represented in Armenia. I believe, these are classical examples of successful investing. The necessary legal field for the development of economic relations has also been established.
Yet, along with all these achievements there are still unexplored opportunities and perspectives. For instance, invigoration of trade relations: the fact that France is not on the list of our top ten trade partners is simply unacceptable from the viewpoint of our advanced relations.
We are realizing major programs: North-South highway and railroad construction, construction of a new unit of the nuclear power station and in these areas we anticipate active participation of our French partners. These are great, large-scale projects which will required billions of dollars and, certainly, we would like to see active participation of French companies particularly because French companies have acquired considerable experience in these areas. Recently, I learned with satisfaction that Alstom and Areva companies are interested in doing business in Armenia’s transportations infrastructure and energy sectors, and if the news are correct, it will be a very pleasing fact. Such examples are commendable, and we will hold them in the center of our attention and consideration.
I believe, we will yet have opportunities to speak in detail about economic reforms implemented in Armenia. However, I would like to underscore that the macroeconomic situation is stable, and this is not our estimate but that of reputable international organizations. Financial, monetary and credit policy situation is steady. To attract foreign investments, Armenia has announced the policy of Open Doors, and most favorable regime, our national considerate approach and protection of all kinds of ownership have been made key principles.
Commencement of the Eastern Partnership program has elevated the Armenia-EU relations to a qualitatively new level. These opens new serious opportunities for the Armenian-French business cooperation as well. First, we will be negotiating on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Zone. As a result, we will have a Euro-integrated and liberal system of economic relations with Europe. Second, we will conclude the agreement on liberalization of visa regime which will facilitate mutual contacts, particularly between medium businesses. And third, with the assistance of the European financial and technical expert structures, we have initiated deep reformation in our country – in the areas of taxation and customs, judiciary system, facilitation of business procedures which will definitely make work easier for you and of course for the Armenian businesses as well.
I urge our French friends to establish active cooperation with Armenian businessmen, certainly without underestimating the significance of business profit. Certainly, business comes first but along with it you will bring you crucial participation to the proportioned development of our region and consequently to the security and creation in the vicinity of the European Union of a peaceful and stable zone. And finally, you will contribute significantly to the development of the Armenian-French friendly relations because it is well-known that if the relations lack the economic component, sooner or later they start to limp. And we want our relations to develop perpetually.
Thank you.
In the framework of the visit, today President Serzh Sargsyan had a working lunch with the Armenian and French businessmen at the Union of French Entrepreneurs.
***
Speech by President Serzh Sargsyan at the working lunch with the Armenian and French businessmen
Distinguished Entrepreneurs,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I cordially greet you and thank you for organizing this important meeting.
Centuries-long friendship of the Armenian and French people is anchored in the spiritual and cultural commonalities of our two nations. These commonalities are so deep that geographic position has never impeded strengthening of our friendship which originated ages ago.
Our cooperation in the economic area also has deep historical roots. French geologist Jean Morgan was the first who in 19th century in Armenia’s Alaverdi region conducted geological exploration and created a map of the geological evidence of the region. From that time on, copper fusion in Armenia was set on the industrial basis. Today, production of copper and molybdenum continues to comprise a considerable part of our economy. Armenian railroads too were built by French engineers who at that time had accomplished a huge, essential work for Armenia. Armenians in their turn also had their part in the economic development of France. Today, in the center of Avignon city there is a statue of the agriculturist of the Armenian descent Jean Altouni, whose actual name is Hovhannes Altunian, who had introduced in France the production of dyer’s madder. Today, we all admire charming and unique Parisian cafés however it’s not universally known that back in 1672 such a café was opened by the Armenian entrepreneur Harutyun Pascal. Hundreds of thousand French citizens of the Armenian descent today too through their creative work contribute to the development of France and Armenia and reinforce relations between our two countries.
Role of France in the development of independent Armenia is invaluable. Armenia has always been attaching great importance to the deepening of its economic relations with France, and our today’s meeting also serves the purpose. France is Armenia’s important investment and trade partner and is the second largest investor in the Armenian economy: French investments as of July 2011 were estimated nearly 700 million USD, or to be more precise - 695 million USD. One hundred fifty-five joint Armenian-French enterprises are registered in Armenia. There are successful examples of French investments in almost every area – telecommunications, beverage production, banking, pharmacy, medicine, tourism, agriculture, light industry. Major French companies such as Credit Agricol Bank, Orange, Pernod Ricard, Alcatel, Grande Thornton Amio are represented in Armenia. I believe, these are classical examples of successful investing. The necessary legal field for the development of economic relations has also been established.
Yet, along with all these achievements there are still unexplored opportunities and perspectives. For instance, invigoration of trade relations: the fact that France is not on the list of our top ten trade partners is simply unacceptable from the viewpoint of our advanced relations.
We are realizing major programs: North-South highway and railroad construction, construction of a new unit of the nuclear power station and in these areas we anticipate active participation of our French partners. These are great, large-scale projects which will required billions of dollars and, certainly, we would like to see active participation of French companies particularly because French companies have acquired considerable experience in these areas. Recently, I learned with satisfaction that Alstom and Areva companies are interested in doing business in Armenia’s transportations infrastructure and energy sectors, and if the news are correct, it will be a very pleasing fact. Such examples are commendable, and we will hold them in the center of our attention and consideration.
I believe, we will yet have opportunities to speak in detail about economic reforms implemented in Armenia. However, I would like to underscore that the macroeconomic situation is stable, and this is not our estimate but that of reputable international organizations. Financial, monetary and credit policy situation is steady. To attract foreign investments, Armenia has announced the policy of Open Doors, and most favorable regime, our national considerate approach and protection of all kinds of ownership have been made key principles.
Commencement of the Eastern Partnership program has elevated the Armenia-EU relations to a qualitatively new level. These opens new serious opportunities for the Armenian-French business cooperation as well. First, we will be negotiating on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Zone. As a result, we will have a Euro-integrated and liberal system of economic relations with Europe. Second, we will conclude the agreement on liberalization of visa regime which will facilitate mutual contacts, particularly between medium businesses. And third, with the assistance of the European financial and technical expert structures, we have initiated deep reformation in our country – in the areas of taxation and customs, judiciary system, facilitation of business procedures which will definitely make work easier for you and of course for the Armenian businesses as well.
I urge our French friends to establish active cooperation with Armenian businessmen, certainly without underestimating the significance of business profit. Certainly, business comes first but along with it you will bring you crucial participation to the proportioned development of our region and consequently to the security and creation in the vicinity of the European Union of a peaceful and stable zone. And finally, you will contribute significantly to the development of the Armenian-French friendly relations because it is well-known that if the relations lack the economic component, sooner or later they start to limp. And we want our relations to develop perpetually.
Thank you.