Armenia's Economic Pulse

[Mos]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

Yeh but Japan and south Korea dont share a border with Armenia nor have they offered any partnerships like Iran has. I am very optomistic about our relations with Iran.

Don't have to share a border to have joint projects. I'm optimistic too about relations with Iran, all I was saying is I don't like the quality of Iranian cars that I see.

[Haykakan]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

ARMENIA-IRAN RAILROAD AND NORTH-SOUTH ROAD CORRIDOR OPEN UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES - SERZH SARGSYAN

news.am
January 23, 2013 | 13:23

YEREVAN.- Armenian President said the railroad connecting Armenia
and Iran as well as North-South transport corridor will open up new
opportunities for country's external communication.

Serzh Sargsyan met with voters in Meghri within the framework of his
campaign events in Syunik Region in Armenia's south.

Addressing residents of Meghri, Sargsyan called them "protectors
of Armenia's southern gates", Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent
reported. He thanked the locals for "protecting Armenia with your
peaceful work."

Development of transport communication amid blockade by two neighboring
states is a key challenge for Armenia.

"After a large-scale preparation we have launched road construction of
North-South road corridor. It is a time-consuming project, we plan to
finish construction in 2017. The new highway, meeting international
requirements, will connect us with two neighboring states - Iran and
Georgia," presidential candidate said.

Speaking about advantages of highway, he said the government would
spare no effort to implement the project.

He touched upon Iran-Armenia railway project stressing an agreement
had been signed several days ago.

"I want to thank Islamic Republic for efficient cooperation on this
and other projects," President said, adding that Armenia values friends
who extend a helping hand in a difficult period for the country.

[Federate]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

Dubai-based Investment Company, Rasia, Awarded $3 Billion Railway and High Speed Road Projects in Armenia
PRNewswire
Published: 24 January 2013 09:01 AM

YEREVAN, Armenia, Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Pursuant to an instruction by the President of the Republic of Armenia, Minister Gagik Beglaryan of the Ministry of Transport and Communication of the Republic of Armenia announced the launch of the Southern Armenia Railway and Southern Armenia High Speed Road Projects, a strategic infrastructure investment for Armenia valued at approximately US$3 billion.
During a presentation, signing ceremony and public announcement attended by senior government officials, ambassadors, investment and sovereign funds, and corporate executives from Armenia, China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on regional cooperation towards the development of the Southern Armenia Railway was signed between Rasia FZE, South Caucasus Railway CJSC, and the Ministry of Transport and Communication of the Republic of Armenia.
The Southern Armenia Railway is anticipated to be a 316km long electrified single track railway, which will connect Gavar, near Lake Sevan, to the southern border of Armenia by Meghri and will be integrated with the existing central railway system of the Republic of Armenia, operated by South Caucasus Railway CJSC and the operating railway system of Iran. The Southern Armenia High Speed Road, to be constructed in Armenia's southern province of Syunik, is anticipated to be a 110km long expressway connecting the town of Sisian to the southern border of Armenia by Meghri.
Both projects will form a part of the International North-South Transport Corridor, which will play a pivotal role in improving regional connectivity and driving economic growth along the Corridor, and will create the shortest transportation route from the ports of the Black Sea to the ports of the Persian Gulf. When the projects are completed, transport costs and times for the region are expected to improve substantially, fostering greater regional trade and economic growth while dramatically strengthening the Armenian economy. The implementation of these projects is envisaged by the electoral program of the President of the Republic of Armenia Mr. Serzh Sargsyan and is among the top strategic priorities for the Republic of Armenia.
In 2012, the Republic of Armenia signed with Dubai-based investment company, Rasia FZE, two concession agreements for the vitally important transport projects in order to develop them on a Public-Private Partnership basis. The concession terms provide specific periods for completing feasibility studies, engineering designs, project financing and construction and are followed by a 30-year operating period, renewable by Rasia for an additional 20 years. Among other strengths, the concession terms confer upon Rasia the right to freely establish freight rates and tolls while providing protection from competing projects. Chairman and CEO of Rasia, Mr. Joseph Borkowski said, "As the key missing link in the International North-South Transport Corridor, the projects have attracted significant regional interest from both strategic and financial partners waiting to participate in their development." Rasia is already implementing a consortium-based strategy for the feasibility, design, financing, development and operation of the projects.
Rasia has successfully negotiated and recently signed framework and commercial agreements with China Communications Construction Company Ltd, one of the world leading companies involved in railway, high speed road, tunnel, bridge, and port construction, to become the lead member of the development consortium. Feasibility study works commenced on December 31, 2012.
The territory along the North-South Transport Corridor is endowed with significant natural resources, which has already attracted a number of foreign companies who have made major investments in the region. Mr. Borkowski indicated that, "Rasia and its consortium members will aim to boost potential local and international transit freight volumes by investing in the development of mineral and agricultural projects along the Corridor. We have already held early stage discussions with China state-owned enterprises regarding potential joint venture investments in mineral and agricultural projects which will have the effect of enhancing the economic appeal of the railway and road projects. There will be additional effort to seek the involvement of nations, and companies, benefiting from the Corridor including Russia, Iran, India and the countries of Europe, Central Asia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council ("GCC") in order to enhance regional trade relations."
Rasia also entered into a cooperation agreement with Hayah Resources, a global natural resources investment group backed by ultra-high net worth families in the GCC and Chaired by UAE businessman H.E. Rashid Al Malik; this investment group will focus on mineral investments along the Corridor and the development of the railway and high speed road projects.
The implementation of the projects is already marked by strong regional cooperation. Three separate Memoranda of Understanding were previously signed between the respective Ministries in the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran related to the construction of a direct railway connection between Armenia and Iran. Rasia has recently entered into negotiations with the Ministries for signing a new tripartite Memorandum of Understanding unifying the efforts for developing direct railway communication between Armenia and Iran.
During the announcement presentation, Mr. Viktor Rebets, General Director, South Caucasus Railway CJSC elaborated on the work already completed in Armenia in support of a North-South Transport Corridor. Mr. Rebets stated "During the period between 2008 and 2012, our investment program exceeded 90 billion drams (US$225 million) which was allocated by Russian Railways OJSC. A massive reconstruction program of railway infrastructure was implemented using these funds including track and station facilities, systems of electrification and power supply, communication, centralization and blocking."
During this time, as a part of the infrastructure modernization program, more than 300 km of track, 160 technological objects, 33 artificial structures, 130 km of contact network, and 140 km of power lines were repaired. In 2012, 3 major railway bridges that were built in 1898 were commissioned including the Zamanlinsky bridge, the Satanikamurj bridge, and the bridge on the Kober-Tumanian span. Infrastructure improvements over the past 4 years have now allowed for the increase of substantial traffic volumes. Expansion of the railway network of Armenia and increased mining activity in Armenia are creating new jobs, economic growth, and increases in traffic volume.
South Caucasus Railway also has the capacity to operate the new Southern Armenia Railway section for Rasia. The company has created a strong base for the maintenance and repair of locomotives and rolling stock, introduced modern technologies for transportation process management, and improved the qualifications of technical staff. Construction of the Southern section of the railway in Armenia and connection to the railway network of Iran will form a new international transport corridor linking the countries of the Black Sea region with the Persian Gulf countries and India.
About the Parties
Rasia FZE ("Rasia") and Rasia Group, Rasia Management LLC, Southern Armenia Railway Pte Ltd., and Southern Armenia High Speed Road Pte Ltd. are members of the "Rasia" group of investment and investment management companies based in Dubai, UAE, the Cayman Islands, Armenia and Singapore. Rasia is involved in direct principal investments and investment management primarily in mining and strategic infrastructure.
China Communications Construction Company Ltd ("CCCC") is one of the world's largest construction companies and international general contractors based in the People's Republic of China, specializing in planning and design, project development, equipment procurement, trade, construction and facilities management. CCCC is one of the leading companies involved in railway, high speed road, tunnel, bridge, and port construction worldwide.
South Caucasus Railway CJSC ("SCR") is a 100% subsidiary of Russian Railways OJSC and provides concession management of the existing railway system in Armenia. Armenian Railways CJSC was referred to the concession management of SCR according to a Concession Agreement signed on February 13, 2008. The term of the concession management is 30 years with possible extension for another 10 years. Currently South Caucasian Railway CJSC is a member of the International Union of Railways (UIC), the International Rail Transport Committee (CIT), and the Organization for Railways Cooperation (ORC) with the status of associated enterprise.
For further information please contact by email:
[email protected]
Public RelationsRasia FZEEmirates TowersLevel 41Sheikh Zayed RoadDubai, United Arab EmiratesP.O. Box 31303

http://www.providencejournal.com/business/press-releases/20130124-dubai-based-investment-company-rasia-awarded-3-billion-railway-and-high-speed-road-projects-in-armenia.ece

[Haykakan]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

SERZH SARGSYAN: STEPANEKRT AIRPORT TO START OPERATING SOON
Karen Ghazaryan

"Radiolur"
12:30 30.01.2013

"The Stepanekert Airport will start operating soon. There is no
problem," presidential candidate, incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan
told voters in Tavush marz.

He said works are underway to ensure the full security of the flights.

Serzh Sargsyan is holding meetings with voters in Tavush and Lori
marzes as part of the election campaign.

[TomServo]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

http://www.itechnology.am/

[Haykakan]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

GENERAL MOTORS
Haik Aramyan

11:05 31/01/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

http://www.lragir.am/index.php/eng/0/comments/view/28760

During the visit of the Russian minister of defense Shoygu and CSTO
Secretary General Borduzha areas and timing of military economic
cooperation were defined. Agreement was reached to produce Russian
military Kamaz truck spare parts in Armenia.

It is remembered that at the end of 1990s General Motors was said to
set up a plant in Armenia. At that time the representative of General
Motors to the CIS was Levon Hairapetyan.

The Russians quickly prevented it. The ex-mayor of Moscow Luzhkov
rushed to Armenia together with the director of Moskvich and signed an
agreement on setting up a plant of spare parts in Yerevan. At that
time, Luzhkov had a tremendous plan of revival of Moskvich cars, even
some new models were produced. However, enthusiasm died right away,
and the agreement remained on paper. After all, it is possible to
revive anything by Moskvich cars.

However, it was the secondary issue because the primary one was to
block the way of General Motors to Armenia with the help of Luzhkov's
car campaign. It is hard to tell what role each had and how interested
the "participants" were. Eventually, General Motors set up its plant
in Russia, while Armenia suffered both politically and economically.

By the way, General Motors is not just industry but the symbol of the
Western hi-tech civilization. The Russians would never allow this
symbol to Armenia. And Moskvich was used to show the Armenians to
their place.

Kamaz is not Moskvich, of course. Kamaz team wins Paris-Dakar almost
every year but it does not boost serial production and export.

Nevertheless, Kamaz is a good car, the best in the region. If the
agreement on the production of Kamaz spare parts is brought into
being, it will indicate the willingness of Russians to change the
nature of relations with Armenia. These relations are still far from
hi-tech but quite bearable considering the nature of the Armenian
elite. For the time being, the Russians and Armenians are not capable
of more.

[KarotheGreat]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

Carrefour’s entering Armenian market will enhance competition - Economy Minister

Carrefour’s entering Armenian market will enhance competition - Economy MinisterFebruary 14, 2013 | 13:18

YEREVAN.- Carrefour Group’s entering Armenian market will improve competition here, Armenian Economy Minister told reporters on Thursday.

Tigran Davtyan noted that a number of goods and services would become more available to the consumers.

The government is interested in Carrefour’s entering Armenia, as it is not only business but culture, he stressed.

“We are doing our best to attract Carrefour as soon as possible, it refers to all transnational companies,” Davtyan added.

In his words, the government provided $40 million for holding talks to attract transnational companies.

He noted that Carrefour’s coming into the Armenian market is conditioned exclusively by problems with a private entity. However, Davtyan stressed it is a usual thing for business.

Yes it is normal to have two companies competing and fighting. I mean look at Samsung and Apple and all the lawsuits that they have against each other.
However when the owner of said business is part of the ruling elite, member of parliament and friends with the president of the country then it is not a usual thing for business!

[KarotheGreat]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

How will international reaction be to obstructing Carrefour hypermarket chain’s entry to Armenia? – newspaper

How will international reaction be to obstructing Carrefour hypermarket chain’s entry to Armenia? – newspaperFebruary 14, 2013 | 08:07

YEREVAN. – Commenting on the news being disseminated with respect to the obstacles being set before the well-known French Carrefour hypermarket chain’s entry into Armenia, Michael Weichert, the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Regional Director for South Caucasus, told Zhamanak daily as follows:

‘“Carrefour could have an impact on politics and, in general, on the country’s economy. And those that have monopolies, those that have an influence over the government, on the policy being conducted, perhaps would fear having a competitor in this domain.

If your government ultimately prohibits Carrefour from coming to Armenia, this could have an impact in connection with other investors, since they would contemplate whether or not doing business [in Armenia].’

According to him, the international donors would change their mind and not make investments in Armenia,” Zhamanak writes.

[TomServo]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

Oh, Armenia. Try to be a real country, please.

This is just sad.

[Serjik]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

Maybe its hard for you but try to think of it this way, many companies and individuals including turkish ones have enough money to buy all of Armenia in one shot. Dodi Gago types are indirectly helping Armenia from being bought by anyone with money and maybe also by its enemies. what if our enemies use a major company in europe or america to buy into Armenia to spy on the country or just take over the economy? so why dont you try to be a real Armenian before you talk trash about anything that has to do with Armenia!!!!!

Oh, Armenia. Try to be a real country, please.

This is just sad.