16 Jul
Uncategorized

INLIMA Public-Private Dialogue Brings Together Stakeholders to Address Systemic Challenges in Armenia’s Dairy Value Chain

On 16 July 2026, the Innovative Livestock Management: Animal Migration, Breeding and Markets (INLIMA) project convened a multi-stakeholder dialogue titled “Strengthening Public-Private Sector Cooperation”, bringing together representatives of government institutions, the private sector, and other key stakeholders to jointly examine the systemic challenges facing Armenia’s dairy value chain and explore practical solutions.

The event was attended by Mkrtich Ayvazyan, Chairman of Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO, Vahe Sargsyan, Project Manager at the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) Office in Armenia; Tatevik Sargsyan, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia; Hayk Sargsyan, Deputy Head of the Food Safety Inspection Body of the Republic of Armenia; as well as representatives of the State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia, dairy producers and processors, farming enterprises, and other sector stakeholders.

The discussion focused on the key structural challenges affecting the dairy value chain, which continue to influence the sector’s competitiveness, consumer confidence, and market transparency. Participants exchanged views on a range of priority issues, including the clear differentiation between products made from natural milk and those containing milk-fat substitutes, dairy product labelling policies, tax administration and VAT regulations, export opportunities, and strengthening cooperation between dairy farmers and processors.

In their opening remarks, the keynote speakers underscored the importance of sustained public–private dialogue, emphasizing that the long-term development of Armenia’s dairy sector depends on shared responsibility, mutual trust, and coordinated collaboration among all actors.

Deputy Minister of Economy Tatevik Sargsyan expressed her appreciation to the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO, noting that through its years of dedicated work and continuous technical support, SDA has made a substantial contribution to strengthening the capacities of Armenia’s livestock sector, promoting the adoption of international standards, and fostering effective public-private cooperation. She highlighted that SDA’s sustained efforts have helped establish practical collaboration mechanisms that continue to support the sector’s modernization and long-term development.

Vahe Sargsyan, Project Manager at the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) Office in Armenia, reaffirmed that advancing agricultural development and promoting public-private dialogue remain among ADA’s key priorities in Armenia. He emphasized that initiatives built on strong collaboration between the public and private sectors are more likely to deliver sustainable, long-term results.

Hayk Sargsyan, Deputy Head of the Food Safety Inspectorate of the Republic of Armenia, also underscored the importance of such dialogue platforms, noting that they provide an effective forum for jointly addressing sector challenges, exchanging perspectives, and identifying practical solutions through constructive cooperation.

The event also featured presentations on the Ministry of Economy’s ongoing and planned state support programmes, as well as the Food Safety Inspection Body’s regulatory and supervisory activities. Participants had the opportunity to raise questions, provide practical recommendations, and engage directly with public authorities on issues affecting the sector.

Participants were also introduced to the progress and strategic priorities of the INLIMA project. Implemented by the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO with financial support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the project aims to foster the sustainable development of Armenia’s livestock sector by improving organized livestock migration systems, breeding practices, and market access.

The second part of the event was held in an open dialogue format, enabling representatives of public institutions, farmers, dairy processors, and other value chain actors to openly discuss the sector’s most pressing challenges, share practical experiences, propose policy and operational improvements, and jointly explore potential solutions.

Concluding the event, participants highlighted the importance of institutionalizing such dialogues as a mechanism for strengthening evidence-based policymaking, enhancing public-private cooperation, and improving the competitiveness of Armenia’s dairy value chain. The recommendations and key issues identified during the discussion will serve as an important foundation for future collaborative initiatives and targeted programme interventions aimed at advancing the sector’s sustainable development.

“Innovative Livestock Management: Animal Migration, Breeding & Markets” (INLIMA) project is implemented by Strategic Development Agency NGO and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation.

10 Jul
NEWSARM

MAVETA Our First Graduates Take Their First Big Step Toward a Professional Future

A significant milestone has been reached under the MAVETA Project as the first cohort of students specializing in Agricultural Mechanization successfully completed their final practical examination by performing professional tasks in a real working environment.

This was far more than a conventional examination. It provided students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge and practical skills acquired throughout their studies in authentic workplace conditions. During the assessment, they showcased their competencies in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery, addressing technical challenges, and carrying out professional tasks – demonstrating their readiness to enter today’s labour market.

One of MAVETA’s core objectives is to ensure that vocational education is closely aligned with the realities of the workplace. Conducting final assessments in real production environments is a key element of this approach, helping bridge the gap between education and employment.

This important achievement marks not only the successful completion of the students’ educational journey, but also the beginning of their professional careers as skilled, competent, and labour market-ready specialists who will contribute to the future development of Armenia’s agricultural sector.

Congratulations to our first graduates! We wish them continued professional success, new achievements, and a rewarding career ahead.

The MAVETA project is financed  by a broad coalition of international and local organisations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Austrian Development Agency and the Government of Armenia.  

The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).

03 Jul
NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM

RECONOMY Building Bridges Between Armenia and European Tourism Markets

As part of its Regional Tourism Development intervention, the RECONOMY programme has supported its partner tour operators in organizing a Familiarization (FAM) Tour to Armenia🇦🇲, welcoming European tour operators and travel companies to experience the country’s diverse tourism offerings firsthand.

This initiative builds on the business connections established during the New Deal Europe Marketplace 2026, transforming networking into meaningful partnerships and creating new opportunities to position Armenia on the European tourism map.

Over five immersive days, participants have discovered a country where ancient history meets modern hospitality. From the vibrant streets of Yerevan and its rich cultural heritage to the spectacular landscapes of Vayots Dzor and Dilijan, from centuries-old monasteries and breathtaking natural wonders to authentic culinary traditions, world-class wineries, artisan workshops, and unforgettable local experiences, every destination showcases the richness and diversity of Armenia’s tourism potential.

More than a study visit, this FAM Tour is an investment in long-term collaboration. By experiencing Armenia’s tourism products and services firsthand, participants gain valuable insight into the country’s unique offerings while exploring opportunities to develop new travel products, strengthen business relationships, and expand cooperation with Armenian tourism operators.

Tourism is built on connections – between people, cultures, and businesses. By connecting Armenian tourism businesses with European tour operators, RECONOMY is fostering long-term collaboration, expanding market opportunities, and strengthening Armenia’s position as an authentic, competitive, and sustainable destination for international travelers.

Welcome to Armenia. A country where every journey tells a story worth sharing.

RECONOMY is an inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by Helvetas in partnership with the Strategic Development Agency NGO and others in the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan countries.

24 Jun
Uncategorized

SEIRA Decent Work Begins with Unlocking Human Potential

When discussing access to employment, the conversation often focuses solely on the number of jobs available. Yet, in reality, decent work begins much earlier – with awareness, self-confidence, the ability to make one’s voice heard, and the capacity to recognize and seize opportunities.

This principle lay at the heart of the discussion sessions on “Accessible Services and Decent Employment”, organized in Armenia’s Syunik region under the Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia (SEIRA) project. Together with participants, we explored not only access to social services but also the broader factors that shape economic participation, social inclusion, and long-term resilience.

Throughout the sessions, participants gained a deeper understanding of state and community social services, the principles of decent and safe work, and opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship. However, the true value of these discussions extended far beyond the transfer of information.

Through a carefully designed participatory methodology, participants engaged in Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), self-reflection exercises, communication confidence self-assessments, and collaborative analysis. This approach enabled us not only to identify the barriers individuals face when entering or participating in the labour market, but also to uncover their underlying causes – from deeply rooted social norms and stereotypes to limited self-confidence and underestimation of personal capabilities.

An equally important component of the discussions was the examination of the relationship between unpaid domestic work and paid employment. This remains a critical issue, as the significant contribution of unpaid care and household work – performed predominantly by women – is still largely invisible in traditional assessments of economic participation. Recognizing and valuing this work is an essential step toward building a more inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive labour market.

The second part of the programme focused on business idea generation, opportunity identification, and collaborative problem-solving. Participants worked together to transform challenges into viable entrepreneurial opportunities, reinforcing the mindset that sustainable economic participation begins not only with access to resources, but also with the confidence and creativity to identify solutions.

Experiences such as these demonstrate that sustainable employment is about far more than creating jobs. It is about strengthening people’s capabilities, building self-confidence, enabling informed decision-making, and fostering the social capital that allows communities to thrive.

When individuals become more confident in expressing their perspectives, understand their rights, recognize available support services, and begin to see their own economic potential, the outcome is not only a more prepared workforce but also stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive communities.

Ultimately, decent work is not merely an economic concept – it is a matter of dignity, empowerment, participation, and the opportunity for every individual to realize their full potential.

 “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by the Strategic Development Agency NGO and the UN World Food Programme.

15 Jun
NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG

INLIMA From French Classrooms to the Pastures of Shirak

What does the livestock sector in Armenia look like today?  What challenges and opportunities do farmers face?  How are dairy and meat value chains evolving?

To explore these questions firsthand, students from the Master’s Programme in Agribusiness Management at IEDES (Panthéon-Sorbonne University, France)  visited Armenia’s Shirak region within the framework of the INLIMA project.

During their visit, the students were introduced to the work of the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) and the initiatives being implemented across Shirak. They also visited the villages of Tsaghkut and Aregnadem in the Amasia community, where they met with farmers Ruben Tovmasyan and Hayk Nikoghosyan, whose farms have benefited from projects implemented by SDA with funding from the Austrian Development Agency.

Through these field visits, the students gained valuable insights into pasture-based livestock farming, observed the day-to-day operations of local farms, explored the dynamics of dairy and meat markets, and engaged directly with farmers to learn about their experiences, challenges, and perspectives on the sector’s development.

The visit provided a unique opportunity to witness how knowledge, practical experience, and sustained commitment contribute to agricultural development and create new opportunities for rural communities.

Complementing the study visit, the group also discovered the rich cultural heritage of Gyumri, visiting the Aslamazyan Sisters Gallery, the Black Fortress, and strolling through the city’s historic streets.

Visits such as these serve as valuable platforms for international knowledge exchange, enabling future agribusiness professionals to gain first-hand exposure to agricultural value chains, farming systems, and community-based rural development practices in Armenia.

“Innovative Livestock Management: Animal Migration, Breeding & Markets” (INLIMA) project is implemented by Strategic Development Agency NGO and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation.

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