29 Apr
Uncategorized

RECONOMY: From Brazil to Moldova & Armenia: A Journey Through Wine, Culture & Heritage

Eight tour operators from Brazil took part in an extensive FAM trip across Moldova and Armenia, experiencing first-hand the region’s diverse and high-value tourism experiences.

The journey began in Chișinău with a networking event hosted by ANTRIM, where the “Moldova + Caucasus Experience” concept was presented, followed by B2B meetings with local stakeholders. 

Over five days in Moldova, participants explored a rich mix of cultural heritage and experiential tourism – from the monastic complex of Curchi Monastery and the historic landscape of Orheiul Vechi to immersive rural experiences, including traditional culinary masterclasses and visits to local guesthouses. The program also highlighted Moldova’s globally recognized wine sector, with visits and tastings at Cricova Cellars, Château Cojușna Winery, and Castel Mimi. 

The itinerary further showcased the country’s diversity through visits to Tighina Fortress and Tiraspol, as well as unique experiences such as caviar tasting at a sturgeon farm and a blind wine dinner.

The program then continued in Yerevan, where participants discovered Armenia’s cultural depth and gastronomy through city tours, curated food experiences, and visits to key landmarks including Khor Virap Monastery, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, and Zvartnots Temple. The itinerary also featured wine tastings at local wineries and hands-on culinary experiences such as lavash baking – a UNESCO-recognized heritage element.

The FAM trip was supported by RECONOMY’s “Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness” project, which facilitated coordination between Moldovan and Armenian partners, contributing to the successful delivery of a cross-regional tourism product.

This initiative not only strengthened connections with the Latin American market but also demonstrated the strong potential of positioning Moldova and the Caucasus as a joint, experience-driven destination.

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.

28 Apr
Uncategorized

Youth Vision at the Core of Agriculture’s Future

On April 28, the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia hosted the event “Agriculture of Armenia Through the Eyes of Agricultural Students,” offering a distinctive perspective on the sector through the lens of youth.

The event featured creative works by students of the Agricultural College after Anton Kochinyan, reflecting their interpretations of both the past and future of agriculture. These works went beyond artistic expression, capturing the students’ perspectives, aspirations, and vision for the development of the sector.

The materials required for the artworks were provided by the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO, with the support of the “Innovative Livestock Development: Animal Husbandry, Breeding and Markets” (INLIMA) project.

The exhibition was attended by RA Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan, along with Deputy Ministers Tatevik Sargsyan and Arman Khojoyan. They toured the exhibition, engaged with the students, and presented certificates of appreciation, acknowledging their active participation and creative contributions.

“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.

28 Apr
NEWSENG

RECONOMY: Presenting Regional Tourism Potential to Latin American Tour Operators

As part of RECONOMY’s “Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness” project, a dynamic networking event was organized by ANTRIM, bringing together international buyers from Latin America to explore Moldova’s diverse tourism offer. 

The event showcased the country’s core tourism assets – from rich cultural heritage and vibrant gastronomy to renowned wine tourism, scenic nature, and authentic local experiences that define Moldova as an emerging destination.

Participants engaged in an interactive Q&A session, fostering meaningful dialogue and exchange around market opportunities and partnership potential.

In addition, Elena Stepanov introduced a regional tourism development initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between Moldovan and Armenian tour companies. Her presentation also highlighted Moldova as a competitive and promising touristic destination, outlining its key attractions and untapped potential in the global tourism market.

Furthermore, Mher Sahakyan, Project Manager of RECONOMY’s “Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness” project, presented the project’s role in advancing regional tourism, emphasizing its efforts to foster cross-border cooperation, support sector digitalization, and enhance the overall competitiveness of tourism in the region.

The event served as an important platform to build connections, promote regional cooperation, and enhance the visibility of Moldova and the wider region among international tourism stakeholders.

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.

28 Apr
Uncategorized

IADAAM Study Tour to Croatia and Montenegro Successfully Completed

Within the framework of the IADAAM Project, an Armenian delegation has successfully completed a comprehensive study tour to Croatia and Montenegro, aimed at strengthening institutional capacities and enhancing practical knowledge in agricultural governance and rural development.

Over the course of the visit, participants engaged with key institutions, including Ministries of Agriculture, Paying Agencies, advisory services, agricultural chambers, and farmer organizations. The programme combined high-level policy discussions with hands-on field visits, ensuring both strategic and practical learning.

Key achievements and insights from the study tour include:

  • In-depth understanding of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including its structure, reform process, and implementation mechanisms
  • Valuable lessons from Croatia’s EU accession experience and policy development journey
  • Practical knowledge of IPARD and rural development programmes, including funding procedures, monitoring, and control systems
  • Exposure to institutional models, such as Paying Agencies, advisory services, and farmer representation bodies
  • Field visits to producer organizations and IPARD beneficiaries, demonstrating real-life application of EU support schemes
  • Insights into digital systems and databases used for agricultural administration and communication with farmers

The study tour fostered meaningful exchange between Armenian participants and European counterparts, enabling direct dialogue with policymakers, experts, and practitioners.

The knowledge and experience gained will directly contribute to ongoing reforms under the IADAAM Project, supporting more effective policy design, improved implementation mechanisms, and the modernization of Armenia’s agricultural sector.

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.

27 Apr
NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG

Advancing Digital Transformation and Tourism Competitiveness: RECONOMY Team Meets Moldova’s Minister of Culture

RECONOMY’s “Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness” project team met with Cristian Jardan, Minister of Culture of Moldova, to discuss ongoing project activities and strategic areas of collaboration.

The meeting focused on advancing sector competitiveness through digitalization, with a particular emphasis on unlocking regional tourism opportunities. Discussions also highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts to strengthen the tourism ecosystem and promote sustainable growth.

The team further reflected on its cooperation with ANTRIM, identifying avenues to deepen collaboration and enhance the sector’s resilience and visibility.

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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