President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan delivered a speech at the Annual Investment Conference in Abu Dhabi.
"First of all, I would like to express my satisfaction with the Emirati side for organizing the Annual Investment Conference at a high level.
I am glad to be in the United Arab Emirates, which is a reliable partner for Armenia in sustainable development and innovation and in realizing technological opportunities at the regional and international levels.
I fully share the vision that investments play a vital role in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. Finally, strengthening international cooperation is essential to promoting global financial stability and ensuring a level playing field for all investors in the global market.
You will agree that today's world order is changing at a rather dynamic pace. We are living at an unpredictable turning point in history, and any information carries a negative tone that creates a sense of uncertainty.
Armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, crises, economic instability, the threat of climate change, human rights violations, social upheaval, poverty, and inequality all challenge the foundations of global stability.
Let us not forget about the role of artificial intelligence, which is growing at an incredible pace in modern conditions and is vital to improving people's lives and resilience, responding to emerging challenges. Collective commitment is needed to confront these challenges effectively: dialogue, mutually beneficial solutions, and negotiations. I want to quote the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, the Founding President of the UAE, who said that unity is the path to strength, honor, and the common good.
In the context of geopolitical changes and the revision of the previous order, Armenia, as a country open to dialogue, peace-loving, democratic, and with a developing technological vision, is building a modern, viable political and competitive economic system. Our most important capital is an educated, hardworking, and law-abiding society. The government, in turn, is investing in the necessary infrastructure to support technological growth. Technology centers and parks are being created, such as the KOAF and TUMO Creative Technologies Training Centers, which are focused on developing young talents and educating a competitive generation.
It is not news that young people are very interested in high technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, and innovation.
We offer one of the region's most open and attractive investment environments, pursuing an "open door" policy.
With the development of democracy, we are continuously strengthening the country's fair and competitive economic environment, the rule of law, and an independent judiciary, which directly contributes to the reliability, protection, and development of the investment environment.
The authorities' deep and comprehensive reforms of the business environment offer favorable conditions for attracting foreign investments.
Armenia provides legal guarantees for foreign investors, including property protection, free movement of capital, and a transparent tax system.
In recent years, Armenia has registered high ratings in international indices in indicators such as democracy and human rights protection, uncompromising fight against corruption, economic freedom, and business and investment liberalization. Armenia has bilateral investment protection agreements with more than 40 countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
Armenia offers several free economic zones, which provide favorable conditions for foreign investors. These zones offer tax benefits, simplified customs procedures, and access to regional markets.
My delegation is here with specific investment programs my colleagues will share. We are ready for practical negotiations, the creation of joint ventures, and the exchange of experience and technologies.
At the same time, it is important that our colleagues also take this opportunity to be informed about the challenges in the South Caucasus region.
Normalizing relations with neighbors is one of the main priorities of the Republic of Armenia.
Our country continues to adhere to the agenda for achieving peace, an essential part of which is the "Crossroads of Peace" project presented by the Government of the Republic of Armenia to establish peace in the region and promote economic ties. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for regional stability, economic development, and the operation of international trade corridors.
The project's key idea is to develop communications through the repair, construction, and operation of roads, railways, pipelines, communication cables, and power lines. Ultimately, this will create opportunities for people-to-people contacts, which is a crucial component of peace.
The unblocking of all regional infrastructures in the South Caucasus, based on respect for states' sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of equality and reciprocity, will create exceptional opportunities for the movement of goods and citizens.
I am confident that peace in the region has no alternative. Moreover, the South Caucasus should become a region without closed borders, which in turn will contribute to the deepening of economic cooperation and the activation of people-to-people contacts while ensuring sustainable economic growth of the entire region.
