ArmInfo.France continues to attach great importance to business relations' development between Armenia and Turkey, Jean-Francois Charpentier, France Ambassador tyo Armenia stated during the meeting with Armenian and Turkish businessmen. With EU financial support, together with Angel Labs Californian company Armenian-Turkish business-forum took place on May 2 in Yerevan, dedicated to make inroads between the two countries with the help of business. Turkish Economy policy investigation fund also came up as one of the organizers.
According to France Ambassador, economic aspect is important factor in Armenian-Turkish relations' normalization. "Trade and economy should become prioritized directions in these relations", the diplomat stressed.
Tugje Ergyul Turkish by origin, Angel Labs company representative also expressed hope to move the ice in relations between the two countries with the help of business cooperation. "Start-up world is a world of changes, it is a worldwide language that could help start any conversation," Californian company representative expressed thins opinion.
Seda Muradyan, chairman of Social Journalism Club organization told about plans of creating united line 'angels business', aimed to help starter businessmen. Relying on international experience, she expressed opinion that under conditions of worldwide economy crisis 'angels business' played important role in bank problems solution and venture companies. Our goal is to pass our experience to Armenian-Turkish relations, which can promote the normalization of relations between the two countries", Seda Muradyan expressed this opinion.
The FAST (Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology) stated the formation of consultative board and appointment of executive .
The intention to set the FAST was first sounded by social investor and entrepreneur, IDeA co-founder Rouben Vardanyan in July 2016. During the 9 months from the first announcement of FAST, its co-founders have conducted a series of efficient discussions in different cities in the world with the participation of scientists, investors and entrepreneurs. The team in Yerevan has created a database of almost 5,000 scientists and engineers from Armenia and the Diaspora. More than 120 people from that database contributed to the discussions of the FAST initiative. A significant contribution into this preparatory work was made by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), American University of Armenia, Synopsis, NSF, National Instruments and more than a hundred people who made important and valuable suggestions. Enterpreneur Armen Orudjyan, an innovation ecosystems archFAST intends to become a platform for bringing the technological breakthrough in Armenia in the areas of IT and computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, advanced engineering and manufacturing technologies. The Foundation will be based on 4 pillars: education, research, start-ups and production. Expert council will be formed for every direction. The scope of the initial financing for the development of the Foundation will be up to USD 15 million. The co-founders will launch a global fundraising campaign to attract up to USD 250 million within five years.