President invited a meeting to discuss social and economic situation in Vayots Dzor marz and priorities of the region

President Serzh Sargsyan invited today a meeting with the participation of the governor of the region and officials from the regional administration, related to the social and economic situation in the marz in year 2014 and January-September period of year 2015, problems faced by the region, its priorities, and programs of development.

“Vayots Dzor is one of the smallest regions of our Republic, while its population is the smallest compared to other marzes. However, it does not mean that our attention towards this region can be less, or that we don’t have things to do here, not at all. First of all, Vayots Dzor is one of our tourism and recreation center, and in recent years serious work has been conducted here aimed at the development of infrastructure, construction of new hotels, roads, etc. and works on these directions should undoubtedly continue. However new favorable opportunities have presented themselves, and we have to use these opportunities not to limit ourselves with the recreational capabilities of Jermuk, or prospects provided by the caves of Noravank, Mozrov or Areni. What are these new opportunities: first, we have already have an agreement with the World Bank and in coming years equivalent of 55 million USD will be invested in the Republic earmarked for the development of the tourism sector. Second, our most important traffic artery will run through Vayots Dzor marz, and will cut through it – up and down. These two circumstances provide us with the opportunity to adopt a “net method” towards the tourism industry of this region. Vayk is very rich with historical and cultural monuments, and if I am not mistaken, three years ago the Primate of the Vayots Dzor Diocese said that there were over a one thousand of Christian monuments in the marz; over a one thousand of Christian monuments in a small marz like this is of a great cultural and historical value. Taking this fact into consideration, I believe it won’t be difficult to develop attractive tourist routes. There are funds, the issue of main traffic routes has been partly solved and will be solved; I have no doubt that maximum in three-four years all road-related issues will be solved, and it will provide huge opportunities for us to develop that sector in the marz. Of course, tourism is not only about sightseeing. Tourism also means consumption of agricultural products, means a more vivacious life, improvement of services, etc. There is another thing which will have a significant impact on the economic development of the region. I am speaking about the development of auriferous mines of Amoulsar. Though it’s been quite a while, 8 or 9 years we have been speaking about it, actually not only speaking, but carrying out significant work to conduct international ecological expertise. I believe the time has come, and the mining company is ready to start the construction of the plant in spring of 2016. It will mean over a one thousand new jobs for the marz, which I believe is even a little more than required. With this regard, the governor, the administrative office and local government bodies have to face two critical issues: together with the Ministers of Culture and Economy to develop a modern and efficient program for tourism development. Both Ministers are aware, and can start working right away. And the second issue: we have worked really long to get ecological expertise, taking into consideration all international standards in choosing the place for the plant and development of the mines. The task of the Administrative Office of the region and of the three communities is not to compromise even on one inch when it comes to ecological issues but instead to repay for this approach by providing swift and quality solution to all problems related to the mining and construction of the plant. These are very important issues. And the last but not the least is the issue of development of the region’s health care system. I want you to be sure that in the process of implementing programs on the even development of the regions, particularly with regard to solving medical problems in the marzes in the most contemporary way, we didn’t forget Vayots Dzor or left it outside the program because of its small size. Medical institutions in Vayots Dzor are not in bad shape compared to other marzes. However the Minister of Health has already been given instructions to start the implementation of the program in this marz. Very soon he will tell when it is going to happen. On this too, you should provide assistance and tips: which hospital or medical institution should be the first to undergo the upgrade and in what timeframe.

I wish that in 2020 the latest, in Vayots Dzor we have an extended and intertwined net of touristic sites, where the private sector can provide high quality programs, moreover so considering the fact that the geopolitical situation requires that. If we are a secure country, if other countries face problems, why shouldn’t we take advantage of that situation?

Another issue: unfortunately, statistics reveal that in Vayots Dzor the percentage of undeveloped land is pretty high. It is surprising because this land has always produced excellent fruits, excellent vegetables, wheat, what’s the problem now? We provide you with fuel which is much cheaper than the market price, we supply you with fertilizers, you have no problems with transport when it comes to stocking. This problem should be paid attention to, and increase should take place every year, which means there should be incentives to provide for that increase. I know that some would say that Areni sort of grapes is not procured for a good price, etc., etc. First, Areni in not growing in all communities, this is one. Second, if contracts with the wholesale buyers are signed beforehand, not a single gram of grapes, including Areni will be left behind, and farmers will have no problems. Farmers should grow products which are in great demand with consumers or processing industry,” said President Serzh Sargsyan at the beginning of the meeting.

Governor Harutyun Sarkissian presented area by area works accomplished or ongoing in Vayots Dzor in the mentioned period, development programs, existing problems and priorities. He assured that with regard to the tasks assigned by the President of Armenia, the Administrative Office of the marz in cooperation with relevant Ministries and structures will make every effort to carry out all programs in time and properly.

The Executive Director of Armenia’s Fund for Regional Development (AFRD) Ashot Kirakossian reported on the first component investments to be made in the communities of the marz.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Serzh Sargsyan gave instructions to the participants. In particular, the governor of Vayots Dzor was instructed together with the Minister of Agriculture to develop a precise list and a timetable of the measures necessary for the increased use of arable land, and to present corresponding proposals to the Government.

The Minister of Agriculture was tasked together with the Minister of Economy to discuss possibilities of using target mechanism for the promotion of investment programs aimed at the augmentation of arable land, increase of planting stock for fruits and berries, and creation of gardens with intensive cultivation.

In order to develop Vayots Dzor’s tourism potential, the Minister of Economy was tasked together with the Minister of Culture and Executive Director of AFRD to include in the forthcoming programs aimed at the development of tourism area, the main directions for the creation of necessary infrastructure and efficient tourist services to enhance the general milieu of the marz’s historical, cultural and archeological values. It was also suggested that local self-governance bodies and tourism services should be engaged in the process of developing proposals.

The governor of Vayots Dzor was instructed also along with the Ministry of Ecology within the scope of their responsibilities to take measure throughout the development of the Amulsar auriferous quartzite to uphold all ecological standards set forward by the experts and ensure proper supervision of the works.

The governor of Vayots Dzor was instructed also along with the Minister of Health to study the main directions for the modernization of the health system of the region and to take measures for further improvement of the medical system in the marz, including the modernization of the medical center of Vayk, retraining of the medical personnel and attraction of narrow specialists.