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Honourable Rouque,

Honourable Mr. Ambassador,

Dear entrepreneurs,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I welcome the conduct of the economic forum titled “Armenia as an Entrance to the Eurasian Economic Union Market” in the French National Assembly.

I am glad that the RA NA delegation visit to France is marked by the conduct of the French-Armenian business forum by the participation of the representation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Armenia in France.

I especially note with joy that it is convened in the National Assembly of France under the auspice of René Rouquet, the Head of the NA France-Armenia Friendship Group in France.

I will mention with satisfaction that during the recent 22 years comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation between Armenia and France has been developing. We are happy to have the French business community comprised of 180 established companies in Armenia, where more than twenty large enterprises exist, including “Pernod Ricard,” “Orange,” “Credit Agricole,” “Veolia,” “Saur,” “Alcatel,” etc. This assumes, for sure, important contributions, which have exceeded 1mln dollar threshold during recent six years about ten times higher than in the figures of the previous time period.

It is pleasing that one more company, “Carrefour” network of hypermarkets will accompany the French large companies in Armenia soon. This fact testifies that there are favourable conditions provided for foreign contributions in Armenia.

Based on this positive experience we should expand and intensify our economic ties.

Dear businessmen, today’s economic forum titles “Armenia as an Entrance to the Eurasian Economic Union Market”. It is in terms of time due and rapid response of the organizers to the nowadays created situation, which is considered to be advantages and opportunities.

Armenia has decided to join the Eurasian Economic Union taking into consideration national, economic and geopolitical interests.

Armenia’s decision to join the EEU doesn’t ever mean the role of the European Union as an important economic area is going to decrease anyway.

At the same time, Armenia’s integration to the Eurasian Economic Union creates exclusive opportunities also for the European investors, using the economic area of Armenia to come out in more facilitated way to the Eurasian market, as the economy of Armenia at the level of application of the economy freedom and market rules is the closest among the CIS countries to the European one. By the economic liberalization index in 2014 our country occupies the 41st place, and according to the “Doing Business – 2014” international rating annual report, Armenia is in the 37th among the 185 countries, in that list having place next to France.

The liquidation of the entrance visa regime for the European Union citizens and the facilitation of the providing the visas to the EU countries for citizens of Armenia create additional conditions for the activation of business contacts and development of tourism.

We realize also that in the developing economies the long-term success also depends on the circumstances of boosting the business. Thus, we are ready to continue at best encourage the entrance of the French companies to the market of Armenia.

Honourable businessmen, I am very hopeful that you will take the advantages assumed by the forum at utmost for establishing new partnership ties. With that expectation I wish you success.”