EU to allocate EUR11 million for next 5 years to implement R2D Syunik  project

ArmInfo. The EU will allocate 11 million euros for the next 5 years to implement the Resilient Syunik  (R2D) project.  Head of the EU mission to Armenia Vassilis Maragos stated during an event dedicated to the launch of the program.  

He noted that the program will stimulate investment in the private  sector, help create sustainable jobs, as well as retrain those who  are looking for work, develop their existing skills or acquire new  ones, including through vocational education, which will give the  region the opportunity to have new services and products.

Maragos recalled that last fall Syunik received a large number of  refugees from Artsakh as a result of the Azerbaijani aggression.  However, according to the ambassador, along with the challenges, new  opportunities were created in the form of the launch of this program.  "This program is of significant importance in the context of  attracting investment in the private sector, opening jobs, which is  extremely important in the context of employing Artsakh refugees. But  we are trying to use existing partnerships, including for local  residents. And here it is important for all of us to work together,"  said the head of the mission.

He noted that the Syunik region was affected by conflicts and the  mass displacement of citizens from Artsakh, who have experienced a  traumatic experience, but at the same time are ready to invest their  talent and potential in Syunik. In addition, the region has problems  with infrastructure and the well-being of residents.

"We are primarily concerned about the issue of employment, since this  is what affects real life and can show tangible results in the  context of inclusive growth," noted Maragos. 

In turn, Head of the Austrian Coordination Office Yerevan Klaus Kaper  noted that the program will help ensure the development of Syunik  SMEs, as well as focus on community infrastructures. "We have 11  million euros for 5 years. The international community pays special  attention to Syunik, and we are happy to be part of all this," he  said. Kaper noted that within the framework of the program, the  Austrian side, represented by the Austrian Development Agency, can  pay special attention not only to the development of agriculture in  the region, but also to other areas of private sector activity.  The  event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Economy Tatevik  Sargsyan, who attached importance to the implementation of the  program in Syunik. However, no representatives of the Syunik regional  administration were present at the meeting.

The Resilient Syunik is a joint initiative of the European Union, the  European Investment Bank, EU member states - Austria, France,  Germany, Poland, Sweden, as well as Switzerland, which is a partner.  The project is co-funded by the European Union and the Austrian  Development Agency and implemented by the Austrian Development  Agency. The latter aims to increase the competitiveness of micro,  small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and support the restoration of  sustainable infrastructure of small communities in Syunik.