ArmInfo. The annual award is carried out under the auspices of the RA Prime Minister, with support of the RA Ministry of Economic Development and Investments. The event has been organized and conducted by the "Small and Medium Entrepreneurship Development National Center" Foundation (SME DNC). The Asian Development Bank (ADB), the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), and the USAID/PRP program funded by the US AID have provided financial support to the organization of the Award.
As ArmInfo was told, this year's award ceremony was accompanied by a two-day expo-fair that has been initiated by the Asian Development Bank, with support from the English Speaking Association.
The RA Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan welcomed the participants and awarded the prizes to women entrepreneurs.
In his opening remarks, the Country Director of the Asian Development Bank's Armenia Resident Mission - Shane Rosenthal noted that this event is a good opportunity to celebrate women's entrepreneurship in Armenia, to acknowledge accomplishments, and create awareness of the important role that women-owned and managed business are playing in today's economy. "This is a story of leadership, of partnership, and of the incredible potential that Armenia has to diversify its economy, help individual businesses to thrive, and create jobs", - said Mr. Shane Rosenthal.
The main objectives of the Award are: encouraging the entrepreneurial activity and initiative of women in the sphere of economic development of the Republic of Armenia, properly valuing and supporting the achievements of women entrepreneurs in the different sectors of the economy," - noted Levon Mnatsakanyan, Director of the SME DNC.