ArmInfo. On October 30, the State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia and Grant Thornton Armenia officially launched a new skills development program for refugees, organized by the State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia and Grant Thornton Armenia with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
According to the State Revenue Committee, the initiative aims to support citizens displaced by the 2023 conflict to integrate into the Armenian labor market and acquire necessary skills. The program is funded by the Taiwan Business-EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund and is part of the EBRD's Refugee Crisis Response Initiative. Approximately 150 participants will have the opportunity to develop English language skills and acquire digital competencies necessary for work in the public and private sectors in customs and logistics. The event was attended by government officials, migration experts, and representatives of public and international organizations. Vrezh Mkhitaryan, First Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia, welcomed the participants and noted the launch of the program, emphasizing its importance in supporting displaced persons.
"The goal of the program is to support partners displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh in their reintegration into the labor market and effective participation in the civil service system. The Training Center at the State Revenue Committee has always attached great importance to the continuous professional development of our employees and partners, and today, thanks to the "Initiative to Develop the Skills of Our Citizens Displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh," these efforts are also directed at those who have served in Nagorno- Karabakh for years, becoming an integral part of the State Revenue Committee system and the civil service. Through this initiative, we contribute not only to strengthening professional skills but also to fostering a culture of cooperation, mutual assistance, and inclusiveness," the Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee said.
According to Giorgi Akhalkatsi, Head of the EBRD Resident Office in Armenia, the project reflects the EBRD's approach to integrating refugees into the labour market. "Through the Refugee Assistance Programme in Armenia, we aim to support and restore the economic well-being of refugees. The goal is to provide targeted training to refugees and align these efforts with the needs of employers and the labour market, enhancing their employability and professional skills," Giorgi Akhalkatsi noted. During the event, Grant Thornton Armenia presented approaches to assessing the needs of beneficiaries, as well as potential employment opportunities in Armenia's customs and logistics sectors. The assessment results will provide a comprehensive picture of the displaced specialists' skills. A panel discussion followed the greeting ceremony, focusing on the impact of the refugee influx on the Armenian labor market after 2023, as well as the opportunities and challenges of their integration. The need to ensure equal access to employment and create inclusive working conditions was also emphasized. Additionally, the project plans to develop a special training module that will promote gender equality and include mapping of services available to refugees, ensuring their awareness and access to relevant support systems.
