ArmInfo. The Armenian government is ready to take the necessary steps for developing the field of information and communication technologies (ICT), Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan stated at the regular meeting with the representatives of the filed in Yerevan on January 16, the press service of the government informs.
The Prime Minister was presented a package of programs in ICT field aimed at preparing highly qualified staff and ensuring relevant technological solutions. The package has been developed due to joint efforts of stakeholders and representatives of the field and envisages reforms in the field of education and training of specialists based on state-private sector cooperation. As a result of the implementation of the planned activities 40 thsd new job places for engineers and technicians will be opened in Armenia by 2025 and new specialists from abroad will be attracted.
The Prime Minister welcomed the development of the programs mentioning the importance of establishing consistent cooperation between the companies of ICT field, state structures and educational centers. The Prime Minister emphasized the government's readiness to take necessary steps aimed at preparing qualified employees and stimulating the field. Karen Karapetyan urged the representatives of the ICT field to present their proposals aimed at improving business climate.
To note, according to the data for 2015, there are nearly 500 IT companies in Armenia. The IT sector ensures 20-25% annual growth. The share of IT in Armenia's GDP is 3.8%. The IT development strategy envisages ensuring USD 1 billion turnover in the IT sector by 2018. In Jan-Nov 2016, the revenues of the communication sector of Armenia amounted to 139.1 bln AMD (down 8.7% versus Jan-Nov 2015). According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, telecommunications secured 95% of the total revenues, or 131.7 bln AMD (down 8.7% versus Jan-Nov 2015). In Nov 2016 the total revenues of the communication sector dropped by 1.5% to 12.2 bln AMD. Telecommunications secured 11.4 bln AMD (down 1.8% versus Oct 2016). As compared to Nov 2015, the revenues of communication fell by 7.6% (8% decline in telecommunications).For comparison, in Jan-Nov 2015 the revenues of the communication sector of Armenia totaled 153.7 bln AMD, with the share of telecommunications being 145.6 bln AMD.