Role of women entrepreneurs discussed at OSCE-supported seminar in Yerevan

YEREVAN, 19 June 2006 - A two-day seminar on promoting small and medium entrepreneurship (SME) for sustainable development, took place in Yerevan on 17 and 18 June.

The event, organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan, the Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the "Businesswomen Support Centre" Foundation, focused on key problem areas for the development of women's entrepreneurship in Armenia, including tax legislation, modern marketing techniques, and computer technologies.

An exhibition of goods and services, from enterprises run by women, which was being held on the sidelines of the seminar, helped exchange experiences and find new business partners.

"A business environment that allows start-up entrepreneurs to fulfill their rights and freedoms is a precondition for SME development," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office. "We believe that this discussion will help identify existing problems and find common solutions."

Lilia Gevorgyan, the President of the "Businesswomen Support Centre" Foundation, thanked the OSCE Office for organizing the discussion and presentation, adding: "The promotion of a balanced and non-stereotyped image of businesswomen as equal players in the country's economic growth is a difficult task, and events like this are of great help."

The OSCE Office in Yerevan encourages SME development in Armenia by assisting the authorities in formulating and implementing State policy, improving the legislative framework and encouraging business start-up development in the regions.