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MONTHLY №12 NEWSLETTER for a better business environment
December 2019 AmCham is an independent business association operating in Armenia since 2000. AmCham represents the interests of 140+ member companies from almost all sectors of the economy. AmCham’s goal is to enhance the US-Armenia business relations and improve the business and investment climate in the country. The Chamber is pleased to have both local companies and companies from all over the world among its members. AmCham Armenia is a member of US Chamber of Commerce and European Council of American Chambers of Commerce.
CONTACT US 1 Amiryan St., Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan, 3rd floor, room 315, 317, Yerevan 0010, RA Email: info@amcham.am / events@amcham.am Tel: (+374 10) 599 902 (+374 55) 599 187 Visit our page: www.amcham.am
PUBLISHED AND DESIGNED BY
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN ARMENIA
AMCHAM COOPERATION INITIATIVE: AUA ON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT PROJECT FOR BUSINESSES, MINISTRY OF HIGH-TECH INDUSTRY AND THE OFFICE OF HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR DIASPORA AFFAIRS ON NERUZH PROJECT On 4 December 2019, AmCham in cooperation with its member company American University of Armenia (AUA) has started a Pilot Project with the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics (CBE) - Student Engagement Project for Businesses in the view of the high need of skilled workforce in Armenia that the businesses face, and in order to fill the talent pipeline gap at our Member Companies. During the Meeting Mr. Karén Sarkavagyan, CBE Industry Liaison, AUA, and Dr. Vache Gabrielyan, Dean of CBE presented the project, specifically, various cooperation opportunities between AUA/CBE and the industry, including but not limited to: Course-level group projects, Internships, Graduation Capstone projects, anticipated business environment surveys and managerial practices research and called for active participation of the AmCham Member companies. In the 2nd part of the Meeting the Ministry of High-Tech Industry of Armenia and the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of Armenia presented NerUzh Project with Gayane Serobyan, Advisor to the Minister of High-Tech Industry of Armenia. The project aims to bring the vast potential of the Armenian Diaspora (7 million strong living outside Armenia in countries across the globe) to participate in the advancement of Armenia by funding their startup in the country to seek for potential partnership/cooperation opportunities. The event was attended by Mr. Grigor Hovhannisyan, Armenia Business Angels Network, Mr. David Bequette, Fast Foundation, Ms. Emma Arakelyan, Orion Worldwide (via Viber call). The NerUzh project launch took place in Armenia with a 4-day event from December 16th – 20th, 2019 at UWC Dilijan, Armenia. The organizers are open for any partnership opportunities for 2020.
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AMCHAM BOARD MEMBER MR. DAVID SARGSYAN Please meet Mr. David Sargsyan, who has been serving as an AmCham Board Member from 2011 to 2012 and from 2016 to present. Mr. David Sargsyan joined Ameria advisory team back in 1998 and soon became a Partner. Currently, Mr. Sargsyan successfully manages supervision of two legal teams acting as a General Director of “Ameria” CJSC and Legal Director of “Ameriabank” CJSC. He is responsible for the smooth operation of the teams’ day-to-day activities as well as provides legal advice to the Ameriabank CEO. Mr. Sargsyan has a proven experience and in-depth knowledge in the field of legal advice and analysis, legislative review and drafting. He was instrumental on assisting and advising major international players on the entrance into the Armenian market of. He provided legal assistance to the Government of Armenia, as well as advised to numerous foreign experts visiting Armenia. As a person who totally dedicates himself, to whatever he is into, Mr. Sargsyan has always been a devoted father for his two young sons. He is a huge fan of football and may spend weekends on visiting football matches with his sons or organizing competitions right with them. Mr.Armenia Sargsyan master’s degree in Dame Political Science and International Affairs awarded Yerevan State University, Yerevan, asholds well as LLM from Notre Law School, University of Notre Dame, NotrebyDame, Indiana. He is a visiting lecturer at the Russian-Armenian University.
DIGITAL ECONOMY COMMITTEE 1ST MEETING On 6 December, 2019, AmCham Armenia Digital Economy Committee 1st meeting took place at Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan. Overall 12 companies with 15 members are enrolled in the Committee. During the meeting AmCham Members as well as AmCham Armenia Executive Team discussed the Committee mission and objectives. The participants were introduced to the Committee Policy Rules and Procedures. As it was the 1st Committee Meeting the attendees elected Mr. Artashes Kalantaryan, Dom Daniel as a Chair and Ms. Astghik Movsisyan, Save The Children as a vice-Chair. The Digital Economy Committee will play a significant role for developing strategic documents in the sector via cooperating with different interested parties and AmCham member companies. Various AmCham Member companies participated at the meeting: Ms. Diana Ghazaryan, Microsoft Armenia, who also represents the AmCham Board at the Committee, Mr. Artashes Kalantaryan, Dom Daniel, Mr. Gurgen Ararktsyan, Dom Daniel, Mr. Arthur Varderesyan, Intellectual Property Owners Club Human Rights (IPOC), Mr. Levon Gevorgyan, EY, Ms. Lilit Gevorgyan, Philip Morris Armenia, Ms. Armine Grigoryan, Philip Morris Armenia, Ms. Astghik Movsisyan, Save The Children Armenia, Mr. Arthur Avtandilyan, Save the Children Armenia Country Office, Mr. Vladislav Muradyan, Grant Thornton and Ms. Anna Vardanyants, Oracle (as a potential AmCham Member).
21st CENTURY BUSINESS CULTURE BY MS. EILEEN BREWER On 16 December, 2019 AmCham Members participated in a meeting dedicated to the 21st Century Business Culture, Trends and Required Soft Skills. Ms. Eileen Brewer, a Global Consultant, International Speaker and Trainer on Entrepreneurship and STEM, who was invited by AmCham Member company the American Councils, kindly agreed to contribute her time and have a presentation for the AmCham Member companies on a pro-bono basis. All the participants gained a valuable information on the industry trends for the 21st century and how to update the company business culture to attract and retain employees for a successful business operations. The presentation included below mentioned topics: • 21st Century Industry Trends • 21st Century Soft Skills • 21st Century Business Cultures We hope the attendees will have their input for their organization’s development in the changing world.
US GOVERNMENT ALUMNI CONFERENCE BY AMERICAN COUNCILS AND US EMBASSY TO ARMENIA On December 13-14, American Councils for International Education launched the USG Alumni Conference: Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Networking. Funded by the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, the two-year initiative will gather alumni leaders to harness their contributions to the business community across Armenia. During a two-day kickoff event, around 100 alumni reconnected and expanded their professional networks. Silicon Valley trainer Ms. Eileen Brewer led discussions on tech trends and branding. Ten teams generated ideas for a new social enterprise to solve a global or local problem and pitched to a panel of judges who selected four winning teams: • A waste management smart bin eco-tool designed to solve issues related to hygiene and polluted air and environment through separated waste collection. • A unified payment system to simplify e-commerce between member states of 13 customs unions in developing countries. • An online platform to bridge the 21st century skills knowledge gap through Armenian-language video tutorials, guidance, and support to boost soft skills. • A smart trash can with an online dashboard.
DID YOU KNOW? Anti-Corruption Day In 2003 the Convention against corruption passed by United Nations, and on 9 December declared the International Anti-Corruption Day. Corruption is a serious problem throughout the world and it occurs in all civilizations. Corruption has various negative effects on the economy and the society. According to the statistics provided by the UN, it is estimated that annually $1 trillion is paid in bribes, and approximately $2.6 trillion are stolen every year through corruption. In Armenia corruption is a major problem, which has a serious negative effect on the country’s economy. On December 9, 2019 in Yerevan a conference was held, which was dedicated to the International AntiCorruption Day. The conference was attended by Mr. Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of RA, Mr. Shombi Sharp, the UN Resident Coordinator to Armenia and other top officials. The Government of RA has taken several actions against corruption. Currently, the new country strategy is planning to implement corruption prevention mechanisms. Three main goals will be the prevention of the corruption, the investigating of the corruption related crimes, anticorruption education and awareness raising among the wide public.
TAX, CUSTOMS AND FISCAL POLICY COMMITTEE 2ND MEETING On 5 December, 2019 AmCham Armenia 2nd Meeting of Tax, Customs and Fiscal Policy (TCuFP) Committee took place at Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan. During the meeting the main topic was the 6% health insurance tax which is introduced by the Ministry of Health. It was decided that a thorough research will be done to understand best practices in the sector and come up with a position paper which further will be shared with AmCham Members in order to get feedback on recommendation. Members from various AmCham member companies participated at the meeting: Mr. Nerses Nersisyan, KPMG Armenia, Mr. Aharon Chilingaryan, BDO Armenia, Mr. Suren S. Ghalumyan, Deloitte Armenia, Mr. Kamo Karapetyan, EY Armenia, Mr. Mikayel Arzumanyan, EY Armenia, Ms. Lusine Mnatsakanyan, Coca-Cola HBC Armenia , Anzhela Mesropyan, PwC Armenia.
BRONZE ASSOCIATE MEMBER – HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS Holiday Inn Express Yerevan is the first IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) hotel in Armenia, operating since 2018. IHG is one of the leading hotel chains, combining the world known brands that stand out with their True Hospitality. The IHG Rewards Club is a true value for the consumer which aims to benefit the travelers and business partners worldwide. Holiday Inn Express, being the fastest growing hotel brand in the IHG chain, is the first choice for travelers who seek a simple and smart place to rest, re-charge and get work done. The hotel is located in the very heart of Yerevan city and makes the most popular spots accessible by walk. The beautiful park in front of the hotel gives the opportunity to rest and have a good night sleep. Their well trained and professional hotel staff, always ensures their guests experience comfortable stay and unforgettable meetings. Holiday Inn Express runs a highly sustainable business bringing the impact on the environment to a minimum, by eliminating plastic, reducing the carbon emission and using renewable sources of energy such as sun-pipes, and by building a green roof. Every year our team tries to make an impact on our community by covering multiple voluntarily events, raising awareness for environmental and other important issues, and helping the ones in need. We know what matters…
BRONZE ASSOCIATE MEMBER – TEACH FOR ARMENIA Teach For Armenia began in 2013 with an ambitious mission to transform Armenia’s public education system. Founded by Larisa Hovannisisan, at Teach For Armenia, they help to build a movement of committed and diverse leaders who will contribute to ensure a better Armenia where all children are given an equal opportunity to acquire an excellent education and reach their full potential. During the program, they place each leader into a pathway of a professional experience: Public Policy and School Leadership through Teacher Development, Social Innovations and Entrepreneurship, and Corporate/ Private Sectors. They provide the additional training, professional experience and internship opportunities as well as resources throughout the two years’ program and strongly encourage their leaders to continue in one of these pathways after being inducted as Alumni Ambassadors. When their leaders complete their commitment, they join their Alumni Network as Alumni Ambassadors for an Educational Equity. Their transition into careers is as diverse as business, teaching, educational reform and politics. Today, Teach For Armenia is present in Armenia and Artsakh and works with 100+ partner schools impacting over 14,000+ children. Currently, they have 120+ Teacher-Leaders and 80+ Alumni Ambassadors actively working to enable the long-term vision of Teach For Armenia, until all children in even the most remote communities of Armenia have access to an excellent education.