For a Better Business Environment
MONTHLY MONTHLY N1
№10 NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER
American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia
October 2018 AmCham is an independent business association operating in Armenia since 2000. AmCham represents the interests of about 130 member companies from almost all sectors of the economy. AmCham’s goal is to enhance US-Armenia business relations and improve 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 10) 599 187 Visit our page: www.amcham.am
PUBLISHED AND DESIGNED BY AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN ARMENIA
US AMBASSADOR’S FARWELL REMARKS AND RECEPTION AT AMCHAM PLATFORM On 9 October 2018, AmCham Armenia was honored to host U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard M. Mills, Jr., as he delivered farewell remarks prior to his departure from Armenia. In his remarks, Ambassador Mills reflected on his service in Armenia and the future of the U.S. – Armenia relationship. Ambassador Mills thanked AmCham members for their support and cooperation during his tenure. In his remarks, Ambassador Mills reiterated the four priorities he set forth for broadening and deepening U.S. – Armenia ties. He noted specific examples of significant progress according to those priorities: to partner together in the fight against corruption; to strengthen democratic institutions, human rights, and civil society in Armenia; to deepen business and trade relations between the United States and Armenia; and to improve the communication of U.S. foreign policy to Armenian audiences. Ambassador Mills acknowledged increased global interest in Armenia and Armenia’s responsibilities as a member of the international community. Ambassador Mills also announced an increase in U.S. assistance funding for Armenia to support different areas of bilateral cooperation, including governance, transparency and accountability, political inclusion, legislative strengthening, and local governance reforms. Attendees at the farewell event included AmCham members as well as representatives of the Armenian government, principals of various sections of the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, members of the press, and other distinguished guests. The meeting was followed by a reception where guests had the opportunity to network and continue an off-the-record discussion on the themes presented by the Ambassador in his remarks. Special thanks to our partners: ArmAs Wines, Mono Patisserie, Gaudeamus Translation & Interpretation Services, and Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan!
AMCHAM ARMENIA PARTICIPATES AT ACE BEST PRACTICE CONFERENCE IN TEL AVIV, ISRAEL On October 14-17, executives from 33 AmChams in Europe gathered in Tel Aviv, Israel for the annual European conference, devoted to the sharing of best practices and knowledge exchange. During the conference, AmCham executives shared best practices within the areas of Member Retention and Acquisition, Governance, Communications, Committee Management and Staff Management / KPI’s. Additionally, the five finalists for the 2018 Creative Network award delivered inspirational presentations – with AmCham UK (BAB) as the winner for their Finding Your Way program. The “Responsible Business Network” (RBN) project of AmCham Armenia was among the top finalists. The conference dinner featured speeches from Garty Yaniv, Chair AmCham Israel (Intel Israel), Ireas Cook, Counselor for Commercial Affairs (U.S. Embassy), Myron Brilliant, Executive V.P. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce) and Patrick Mikkelsen, Chair, AmChams in Europe. Executives also had an opportunity to learn about the unique innovation environment in Israel, with a visit to the Center for Israeli Innovation plus an exclusive Immersive Innovation Day sponsored by Intel Israel. A special thanks to AmCham Israel for hosting an exceptional conference.
AMCHAM LEADERSHIP MEETS WITH DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE GEORGE KENT On October 16, the AmCham Board held a meeting with George Kent, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, who oversees policy towards Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. DAS Kent sat down with the AmCham Board as part of a broader regional trip. During his visit to Armenia, he met with representatives from government, the business community, and civil society to promote the continued development of U.S. – Armenia bilateral economic and political relations. The discussion with the AmCham Board centered on improving the business environment, strengthening the rule of law and creating the conditions for economic dynamism in Armenia. Key parts of the conversation focused on how best to spur job creation in Armenia and generate opportunities that provide for economic security and sustainable growth. DAS Kent welcomed the energy and focus of the AmCham Board and expressed a desire to seek repeated interactions with AmCham and its members during future visits to Armenia.
AMCHAM PLANS TO TEAM-UP WITH ITS PARTNERS On 26 October 2018, AmCham initiated a business breakfast with its partner chambers: Armenian British Business Chamber (ABBC) and CCI France Arménie. AmCham President and two Vice Presidents were also present at the meeting. The main topic on the agenda was to establish new grounds for cooperation between the Chambers mainly on economic development projects, CSR awareness and to enhance the investment climate in the country. The importance of promoting educational and cultural development in Armenia and emphasizing the link between education, culture and economic development development was also discussed during the meeting. It was agreed to have a follow up meeting with the Executives of the Chambers and also to involve other Chambers to the discussion to develop a join action plan for 2019.
AMCHAM GM BRUNCH AT NOVA HOTEL Continuing its GM talks, AmCham organized business brunch with the Members on 30 October 2018 at Nova Hotel Yerevan. AmCham was pleased to host the executives of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia, Seraphim Industries, Dom-Daniel, Workfront Armenia, Cactus Mexican Restaurant, Lugera and Makler, Megerian Carpet, Zeppelin Armenia, McCann Erickson, Save the Children International Armenian Representative Office, Converse Bank, Cisco Internetworking and Rosgosstrakh-Armenia at Nova Hotel Yerevan. During the meeting AmCham welcomed the new Members, introduced its platform and updated on its ongoing initiatives and plans.
Welcoming New Members! GOLD Member