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 Vahe Sargsyan, Programme 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.
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.