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RECONOMY Expanding Market Access for Regional Tourism Operators

Within RECONOMY’s “Digitalization of Sectors for Competitiveness” project, selected partners – Armenian Tourism Federation NGO, Phoenix Tour Armenia LLC, AM Travel LLC, and Visit Moldova – Infotourism Group SRL – participated in the New Deal Europe Marketplace and Forum 2026, held on March 24 at Emirates Stadium in London, UK.

As part of Workstream 2 – Market Entry & B2B, the initiative enabled targeted engagement with international buyers from the UK, EU, and USA, resulting in:

  • Increased visibility of cross-border, market-ready tourism products
  • New international business connections
  • Stronger positioning of Armenia and Moldova within multi-destination travel routes

A key outcome was the launch of a cooperation framework between the Armenian Tourism Federation and New Deal Europe, opening new avenues for sustained collaboration.

Through such strategic engagements, RECONOMY continues to strengthen the competitiveness of regional tourism SMEs – including women- and youth-led businesses – while accelerating access to international markets.

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.

SEIRA Meeting–Discussion with Refugees and Host Community Members

A meeting–discussion was held in the Chambarak and Vardenis communities of Gegharkunik region, bringing together displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh and local host residents to strengthen collaboration and promote joint income-generating activities

Within the framework of fodder production support, beneficiaries were provided with essential inputs, including barley, sainfoin, nitrogen fertilizers, and diesel fuel. This assistance aims to facilitate the joint cultivation of land and create sustainable income opportunities.

During the meeting, participants were introduced to effective and efficient approaches for utilizing the provided inputs. Practical questions were addressed, and experiences were exchanged, contributing to the more impactful implementation of the initiative.

Similar meetings are planned to continue in the Syunik region, further expanding the program’s reach and ensuring broader support to communities.

Such initiatives play a vital role in strengthening social cohesion, enhancing economic activity, and fostering the sustainable development of communities.

The “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.

Arman Khojoyan visited Ararat region to review the implementation progress and results of the IADAAM project

On March 10, the Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, Arman Khojoyan, visited Ararat region to review the implementation progress and results of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes” (IADAAM) project.

As part of the visit, a working meeting was organized in Avshar community with farmers who have applied to establish demonstration farms, with the participation of the project team. During the meeting, participants discussed the support packages offered within the project, opportunities for cooperation, as well as the selection process and future development of the demonstration farms.

The demonstration farms to be established under the IADAAM project are envisioned as important platforms for the promotion and dissemination of modern agricultural knowledge and innovative practices. They will serve not only as examples of efficient and modern agricultural production, but also as learning and knowledge-exchange hubs for farmers, agricultural professionals, and other stakeholders interested in the sector.

These farms will introduce and showcase modern irrigation systems, intensive horticulture technologies, and effective farm management approaches. The demonstration farms will provide farmers with the opportunity to observe the practical application of new technologies, assess their effectiveness, and gain hands-on knowledge that can be applied in their own farms.

The Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes (IADAAM) project, financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented with the support of the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement), aims to transform irrigated agriculture in Armenia.

Implemented by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, the project’s technical assistance is provided by a consortium comprising AESA – Agriconsulting Europe SA, Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO, and 3R Strategy LLC, with the aim of strengthening agricultural policy and advancing sector reforms.

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RECONOMY at ITB Berlin 2026: Showcasing the Power of Regional Tourism

Partner tour operators from Armenia and Moldova, supported by RECONOMY’s “Digitalization of Sectors for Competitiveness” project, participated in ITB Berlin 2026, presenting unique cross-border travel experiences across Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova.

Their presence at one of the world’s leading tourism trade fairs highlighted the growing potential of regional tourism routes that connect destinations, cultures, and communities across borders.

These cross-border experiences offer travelers authentic opportunities to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and diverse natural landscapes, while supporting local tourism businesses and communities.

By strengthening digital capacities, international visibility, and market access, the project is helping tourism operators better position their services in global tourism markets and attract new audiences from around the world.

Regional cooperation, innovation, and digital transformation are opening new pathways for sustainable tourism growth across the region.

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.

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SEIRA Strengthening Awareness and Access to State Support Programmes in Armenia’s Agricultural Sector

From 19 to 21 February 2026, a three-day event entitled “Awareness on State Support Programmes in the Agricultural Sector” was held within the framework of the “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) Project.

In her opening remarks, the Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, Ms. Tatevik Sargsyan, underscored the importance of ensuring the effective implementation of state support instruments in the agricultural sector, enhancing productivity, and promoting the adoption of modern technologies. She highlighted that strengthening the competitiveness of agriculture, improving resource efficiency, and fostering sustainable sector development – including the economic integration of vulnerable groups – remain key priorities of the Government’s policy agenda.

The primary objective of the three-day event was to enhance the awareness and capacity of beneficiaries, sector stakeholders, and representatives of community agriculture departments regarding existing state support programmes, contemporary approaches in livestock farming and beekeeping, and practical mechanisms for addressing sector-specific challenges. The event further aimed to promote the effective implementation of public support measures at the local level and to strengthen coordinated engagement with beneficiaries.

The first day featured sessions on modern livestock management technologies, with particular emphasis on practical pathways for transitioning from extensive to more intensive production systems. Discussions also addressed the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector and outlined mitigation and adaptation measures.

On the second day, participants examined the use of antibiotics in livestock production and the measures required to combat antimicrobial resistance. The discussions emphasized responsible use practices and preventive approaches essential for safeguarding both animal and public health.

Special attention was also given to beekeeping. Participants received detailed insights into varroatosis in bees, including its characteristics and effective prevention and control measures, particularly in relation to the pre- and post-winter management of bee colonies.

During the closing session, participants shared key observations and reaffirmed the importance of continued awareness-raising initiatives to enhance the accessibility, effectiveness, and impact of state support programmes in the agricultural sector.

The “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.