AmCham Monthly Newsletter №1 2019

For a Better Business Environment

American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia

MONTHLY â„–1 NEWSLETTER January 2019

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 55) 599 187 Visit our page: www.amcham.am PUBLISHED AND DESIGNED BY AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN ARMENIA

AMCHAM LOOK AHEAD 2019 promises to be a productive and fruitful year for AmCham full of new projects and opportunities. As per usual AmCham will continue to represent the interests of its member companies (currently there are more than 130 companies from almost all the sectors of the economy) in front of the Government, to promote foreign investments in Armenia, and to improve the business image and the business climate in the country.

This year AmCham plans to develop a Strategic Plan for 2019-2025 with short and long-term objectives and will expand the number of working groups and committees operating on its platform. Meanwhile, interesting and active networking events like the General Managers Talks and General Managers Breakfasts, meetings in the scope of Responsible Business Network, series of Be My Guest events and of course Friday nights are on the AmCham Agenda 2019.

In January 2019, AmCham Armenia changed its legal status from Union of Legal Entities to Public Organization.

A NEW FORMAT OF ARMENIAN-ITALIAN DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS: a bunch of cultural events in Yerevan and Gyumri During last months, Yerevan and Gyumri were flooded with the vibes of Italian culture, which included culinary, cultural, and various charitable events.

Today we will speak about these events with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic in the Republic of Armenia Mr. Vincenzo Del Monaco.

Mr. Ambassador, we are very happy to host you here. We know that you have been implementing various programs to strengthen the diplomatic relations between our countries. Especially remarkable are the recent cultural events, such as Italian film screenings, different lectures, master classes of distinguished Italian chefs, the celebrations for Gioacchino Rossini’s 150th Anniversary, and the introduction of Italian art in National Gallery of Armenia.

-Can you please elaborate on them, what were your expectations, and whether they have been justified.

- 2018 was a really unique year for the diplomatic relations between our countries. It was characterized by the enhanced political dialogue and the launch of the cooperation in the scientific and technological fields. Culture is one of the cornerstones of diplomacy, especially for countries like Italy and Armenia. Both are ancient countries with an extraordinary cultural heritage.

Actually, culture defines our existence in the world, it is an important trademark of our respective Countries.

-How the idea of such largescale and multifaceted activities was born?

-The ideas mature when they find a fertile soil, and I have found this ideal environment in Armenia. Moreover, The cultural program of the Embassy was perfectly compatible and consistent with the program of the Armenian Government. Several events took place also in Gyumri. I am amazed with the history of that city, the charm of its central streets. Gyumri was broken by the earthquake in 1988, though it never knelt thanks to the positive energy of its brave people.

-In November, you invited world-known three Michelin star Chef Italo Bassi to Yerevan, who gave master classes and with famous Italian chefs introduced Italian cuisine in different restaurants in Yerevan. Will you tell a little about these events, with what impressions did Chefs leave Armenia.

-No one could have accompanied us better in this jouney of taste, full of experience, culture and history but Chef Bassi. Thanks to the generosity of 17 November Gala Dinner guests and Chef Bassi we had the opportunity to support the children with disabilities, under the care of Armenian Caritas.

With the proceeds we managed to cover the annual rehabilitation of 55 children, the salaries of three physiotherapists and the costs of education materials for 100 children. Italian Embassy along with Ferrero also donated sweets to the children of charitable NGO Orran. Chef Bassi took with him to Italy his positive impressions about the country, its elegance and the solidarity of Armenian people.

-Can you tell a little bit about the idea of holding an exhibition of “Bernini school: Roman Baroque” in National Gallery of Armenia, what was its mission and whether this can be considered an opportunity to present Armenian art in Rome as well?

-Baroque embodies the passion for beauty, it emphasizes the rise of individual, the aspiration for perfection. I really wanted such valuable works to be available in Armenia for Armenian people and for the many tourists who visit this wonderful country. In the same way, I would sincerely wish that valuable pieces of Armenian artworks be available in Italy as well.

-What new projects are expected in future?

-Every achievement should be viewed as a stimulus for more and better. I will do my best in 2019. Italian Embassy is always an open “building site”

AMCHAM BOARD MEMBER OF THE MONTH: AMCHAM PRESIDENT MR. ARA HOVSEPYAN Please meet Mr. Ara Hovsepyan, who has been serving as AmCham President since 2016. Mr. Hovsepyan was re-elected as the President of AmCham for another 2 years term at the General Meeting in November 2018.

In his full-time occupation, Mr. Hovsepyan is the General Manager of the ContourGlobal Hydro Cascade, a local subsidiary of the ContourGlobal – a big American company specializing in energy production, operation and refurbishment. He has started his career as a diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but then moved into development programs and public infrastructure projects. He has led the projects

by DFID (British development agency), as well as the Millennium Challenge and North-South programs. Besides professional endeavors, Mr. Hovsepyan spends his free time travelling, skiing, playing tennis, as well as watching movies and TV series.

He has a master’s degree in political science from the American University in Armenia and a post-graduate diploma in Diplomacy from the Oxford University, UK. “AmCham members should promote a work culture where transparency, integrity of human relations, efficient operations must go side by side with Target Zero incidents in health and safety and environmental damage, as well minimal social risks and continuously investing in sustainable social initiatives.”

DID YOU KNOW? Armenia Marked its Army Day on January 28th On January 28th, 2019 Armenians celebrated the 27th anniversary of the Armenian National Army Day. This is a public holiday which commemorates the formation of the armed forces of the newly independent Republic of Armenia in 1992. On this holiday Armenians honor their armed forces by paying visits to memorials and military sites.

The United States of America Celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 21st January 21, 2019 was officially celebrated as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States. Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday which takes place on the third Monday of January. The day is special as it celebrates the achievements and life of Martin Luther King Jr. He was a powerful and influential American civil rights leader. Martin Luther King Jr. was well-known for his active involvement in movements and campaigns to eradicate racial segregation and promote racial equality in the United States. Americans mark this holiday via commemoration in their schools and community centers.

Welcome New Members!

Gold Member Aregak UCO

Regular Member

Associate Members

Special dinner menu with the opportunity to be part of the lucky draw with special gifts : * Three course menu with unlimited wine and soft drinks * Two tickets to Paris by Air France for one couple * Cucina dinner voucher for one couple * One month Pool and Gym membership for one couple * Music entertainment by Rena De * Price for two 55,000 AMD For reservations please call 010-599000