ArmInfo. The German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), within the framework of the program "Economic Integration of Syrian Refugees in Armenia", which started in November 2015, sent 2.5 million EUR to assist Syrian Armenians in the issue of social and economic integration.
On January 23, Firdus Zakaryan, head of the staff of the RA Ministry of Diaspora informed the journalists on the margins of the final event timed to the results of the program.
He noted that within the framework of the program a working group of 24 members was created under the chairmanship of the RA Ministry of Economic Development and Investments, which worked on solving the problems of Syrian Armenians, from household to business assistance. In general, about 3,100 Syrians (entrepreneurs and job-seekers) were assisted, who took part in exhibitions held both in Armenia and abroad. In addition, the beneficiaries of the program had the opportunity to participate in various business forums, training seminars aimed at increasing financial literacy, developing skills, in particular, in marketing, business management, etc. According to him, to date, Armenia resides about 20-22 thousand Syrian Armenians. "However, in recent years, more and more Syrian refugees have returned to Syria, and less and less arrive in Armenia. For example, in 2017 only 170 people arrived from Syria to Armenia, "he said.
Answering the question of ArmInfo, F. Zakaryan noted that no difficulties with finding a job are the main problem of the Syrian Armenians in Armenia. In this regard, he stressed that more than 500 Syrians are SME subjects and help with employment for their compatriots. "The main problem of the Syrian Armenians is the search for a highly paid work," Zakaryan stressed.
For his part, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Armenia Matthias Kiesler noted: "In fact, Armenia has done a tremendous job, having accepted over 20 thousand Syrian refugees, many of whom have arrived empty-handed, but with many ideas that have become novelty for Armenia. According to the Ambassador, this program implemented by GIZ is only part of a larger program that will help create a more stable economic environment in Armenia. Speaking about the beneficiaries of the program M. Kiesler stressed: "Syrian Armenians created business opportunities not only for themselves, but for the entire Armenian public, having formed a kind of business environment in Armenia."