OSCE supports investment in Syunik region

The OSCE is supporting economic security efforts in the southern region of Syunik in Armenia, which is heavily dependent on the mining industry. An investment forum was organized by the Syunik regional administration on 11-13 November 2013 with OSCE support to present non-mining investment opportunities to private investors and the donor community.

It is hoped that fresh investment will diversify the region’s economy by creating jobs and generating income in alternative industry sectors.

The forum gathered an unprecedented 172 representatives from central and local government and private businesses, including Vice Prime Minister Armen Gevorgyan and heads of diplomatic missions to Armenia. Discussions focused on agricultural production, food processing and tourism opportunities. Felix Kumi-Ampofo, an OSCE expert introduced economic development modelling as a tool for promoting investment to participants.

Beyond official discussions, the event also included a number of field visits to local production facilities, environmental projects and tourist attractions, which provided first-hand impressions of the region's opportunities.