ArmInfo. The Georgian-Armenian Business Association (GABA) has launched its activities in Armenia, introducing its first project in the recruitment sector — Helio AI. The presentation of the project, implemented with the support of the "Her Power, Her Future" program by CARE Caucasus, took place on April 15, attended by representatives from Armenia's public and private sectors.
Lali Svimonya, Founder and Head of GABA, told reporters that after more than 13 years in Armenia's banking sector, she has returned to Yerevan to build bridges between Armenian and Georgian businesses. Introducing GABA's debut project, Helio AI, she also noted that 20 Georgian companies interested in the Armenian market have arrived in Yerevan. These companies represent various industries, including winemaking, logistics, consulting, construction, and AI.
According to Lali Svimonya, while there are about 600 Armenian companies registered in Georgia, only 10 Georgian businesses operate in Armenia. "The gap is colossal. However, we see the opportunities this opens up for the Armenian market," Svimonya emphasized.
Responding to a question from an ArmInfo correspondent regarding the interest of Georgian firms in Armenia, she noted that Armenia is developing very rapidly. This growth creates new opportunities for international companies, which is the primary reason for the interest in cooperation.
Iako Jikia, Director of the Georgian company Helio AI, told journalists that they offer Armenian companies AI-powered recruitment automation services. Armenia will be the company's 8th market. Speaking to ArmInfo, she noted that the Armenian market is well-developed and shows rapid technological growth. "Given the high level of Armenian-Georgian relations, entering this market is a significant step for us," said the Director of Helio AI.
Over the next three months, the company plans to actively hold meetings with representatives of various businesses in Armenia, present the opportunities they offer, and conduct an information campaign.
"The core value that Helio AI brings is the automation of internal corporate processes. Currently, about 70% of HR processes are performed manually, which prevents companies from fully focusing on people. We help automate and simplify these tasks to free up time for more meaningful work," Jikia explained. Initially, the company will focus on Yerevan due to the high concentration of businesses, including international firms, in the capital; however, it does not intend to limit its presence to this location alone.
Nino Bolkvadze, Executive Director of CARE Caucasus, stated that for five years, the organization has been supporting women entrepreneurs in Georgia and Armenia. Through the "Her Power, Her Future" program, they provide grants to women in business. "But cross-border cooperation and the development of trade and economic ties between Armenia and Georgia are equally important to us," Bolkvadze noted. During the event, Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia Lilya Sirakanyan delivered a welcoming speech. Welcoming the entry of the Georgian company into the Armenian market, she remarked that this demonstrates the region is becoming a hub for technological cooperation and innovation. The Deputy Minister also noted that economic cooperation serves as a vital foundation for stability and peace in the region.
"Armenia and Georgia are not just neighboring countries, but strategic trade and economic partners. Our relations are built on a solid diplomatic foundation; we maintain a high-level political dialogue and have fostered an environment of mutual trust. This is a crucial condition for the further development of economic cooperation," stated the Deputy Minister.
She also highlighted the active dynamics of economic cooperation between Armenia and Georgia in recent years, including in investments, tourism, and services. According to Sirakanyan, mutual trade turnover reached $52 million in January alone, with exports growing by more than 70%, indicating a rising demand for Armenian-made goods in Georgia. She noted that as of the end of 2025, the gross volume of Georgian investments in Armenia's real sector totaled 21 billion drams, and over the past year, 288,000 tourists from Georgia visited Armenia. "The creation of this association is a significant step toward institutionalizing business ties. We are confident that GABA will become an effective platform to support market entry, develop SMEs, and stimulate the creation of new businesses," the Deputy Minister added.
The Georgian-Armenian Business Association (GABA) officially launched its operations in Armenia with the support of the "Her Power, Her Future" women's economic security program, implemented by CARE Caucasus. The launch marks a milestone in strengthening economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Georgia and Armenia, providing a structured platform for cross-border business interaction.
Established as a regional platform, GABA aims to bolster commercial ties between the two nations by assisting companies in entering neighboring markets and expanding their operations. The association facilitates dialogue between the public and private sectors while promoting investment, trade, partnerships, and knowledge exchange to drive sustainable economic growth in the region. GABA strives to serve as a bridge between the two markets, offering businesses practical support, strategic contacts, and a collaborative environment for companies operating in both countries.
According to the Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, foreign trade turnover between Armenia and Georgia in 2025 decreased by 16.2%, totaling $279.5 million. Export volumes fell by 22.2% to $133.2 million, while imports decreased by 9.9% to $146.3 million.
