ArmInfo. With the support of Estonia, ESTDEV (Estonian Centre for International Development) and the Visionest Institute, the Armenian Ministry of Economy has launched a new export accelerator program.
According to the ESTDEV website, export accelerator programme aims to accelerate economic diversification and export growth in Armenia by supporting the entry of larger manufacturing and service companies into new markets. The Visionest Institute, in cooperation with Armenia's Ministry of Economy and Estonian partners, is conducting a practical export planning, training and mentoring programme, during which companies create export business plans using digital and AI-based tools under the guidance of international mentors. is aimed at training and mentoring in export planning.
At the launch of the program, Armenian Deputy Minister of Economy Anushik Avetyan emphasized the importance of consistently developing cooperation between Armenia and Estonia. She described it as a partnership based on mutual trust, a shared commitment to reform, competitiveness, and innovation. Avetyan also welcomed the opening of the Estonian Embassy in Armenia, expressing confidence that it will give new impetus to bilateral relations and facilitate the discovery of new opportunities, particularly in digital government services and data management, cybersecurity, high technology and innovation, as well as export development and market diversification.
Avetyan noted that for Armenia, export promotion is not only an economic priority but also a key factor in positioning itself in global markets and ensuring economic sustainability. "This promotes company development, innovation, the application of new business models, and the expansion of export markets," the Deputy Minister said. In this context, she praised the contribution of Estonian partners, including the Visionest Institute, in facilitating the program's implementation, emphasizing that such initiatives create practical opportunities for Armenian businesses. Avetyan noted that support from development partners is most effective when it is aligned with Armenia's national priorities, is practical, and delivers measurable results for businesses.
The ESTDEV website states that only 272 exporting companies operate in Armenia, a significantly low number both in absolute terms and compared to other countris (for comparison, Estonia had over 14,000 exporting companies in 2024). "This indicates not only a shortage of companies in foreign markets, but also limited export experience, skills, and connections across the economy," the source noted. According to the RA Customs Service, in the first half of 2025, the customs value of goods exported from Armenia to Estonia decreased by almost half, totaling $267.2 thousand. The customs value of goods imported from Estonia to Armenia increased by 7.8% to $1.2 million.
