International Trade and Investment Forum 2025 took place in Yerevan, Armenia

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Council Meetings

Yerevan, 2025: The International Trade and Investment Forum 2025 (ITIF 2025), organised by the Investment Council of Armenia, successfully took place on October 17 at the Best Western Plus Congress Hotel in Yerevan.

The forum brought together over 250 participants — including distributors, investors, and trade network representatives from more than 20 countries — alongside Armenian producers and business representatives, international organizations, diplomatic and consular missions, business associations, and private sector representatives.

ITIF 2025 served as a unique platform to promote Armenian exports, present the country’s investment climate, and facilitate new business connections between local producers and international buyers. From October 16–18, visiting participants from the UK, UAE, Romania, Greece, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Georgia, Germany, France, USA, Iran, India, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Japan, Moldova, Oman, and other countries explored investment opportunities and met with Armenian companies. The event highlighted Armenia’s growing role as a reliable trade and investment hub, creating new opportunities for collaboration, market expansion, and sustainable partnerships.

The Forum opened with welcoming remarks. Mr. Alkis Drakinos, Director, Regional Head of the Caucasus for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), stated that: “Armenia’s transformation over the past three decades is a remarkable story of resilience and innovation. The EBRD is proud to have been a steadfast partner in this journey—from strengthening the financial sector to supporting inclusive reforms and sustainable infrastructure. With the backing from the UK Government, the EBRD is proud to support the Investment Council of Armenia—a cornerstone of the country’s reform architecture that fosters public-private dialogue and drives impactful, investor-friendly reforms.”

UK Ambassador Alexandra Cole, speaking at the International Trade and Investment Forum, Yerevan, stated that: “Armenia is undergoing a remarkable transformation. With its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and reform-driven agenda, it is fast becoming a dynamic and attractive destination for international business. Through the UK's support for good governance, institutional reform and private sector development, delivered in close collaboration with partners such as the Investment Council of Armenia and the Ministry of Economy, the United Kingdom is supporting the creation of a more competitive and vibrant business environment in the country. When the UK invests in Armenia's economic transformation, we are investing in resilience, innovation and our shared prosperity.”

Ms. Gohar Abajyan, CEO of the Enterprise Armenia, noted that: “Geography becomes an advantage when links are resilient. In Armenia, peace and stability are not abstract goals- they’re economic assets. Through the Crossroads of Peace initiative and TRIPP route, Armenia is building stronger multimodal connections across the Black Sea, Caspian, and Persian Gulf unlocking deeper regional integration.

For investors this means faster logistics, diversified routes and access to multiple markets from one base. The message is simple: invest once in Armenia, reach several markets efficiently”.

The opening remarks concluded with Mr. Hovsep Patvakanyan, Head of the EBRD Investment Council of Armenia, who stated that: “It’s a great honor to welcome all our participants from different countries to Yerevan, Armenia. Today, we have gathered distinguished guests, partners, and participants from around the world to take part in ITIF 2025 — a platform designed to foster new opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and showcase Armenia’s growing role in international trade and investment.

We hope this event will serve as an important platform to empower Armenian producers and showcase their products on the global stage”.

The opening session was followed by a keynote presentation delivered by Mr. Patvakanyan, titled “Armenia as a Regional Gateway: Trade Access, Innovation, and Collaboration,” providing an in-depth overview of the country’s trade opportunities, innovation ecosystem, and collaborative potential.

The forum continued with its first panel, “Armenia as an Investment Destination: At the Crossroads of Europe and Asia,” brought together leaders and entrepreneurs who shared their perspectives on why Armenia is becoming an increasingly attractive hub for global investors. Moderated by Mr. Mathew Zein, Head of Digital Nomad LTD UK, the discussion featured Mr. Alkis Vryenios Drakinos, Director and Regional Head of the Caucasus for the EBRD; Mr. Hiroki Tachiiri, Head of Tokyo HORECA Chain in Armenia; Mr. Michael Kerschbaumer, CEO of Moselle Armenia; Mr. Karapet Gyumjibashyan, Senior Director of Product at Krisp; and Ms. Nazeli Petrosyan, Senior Director of Organizational Effectiveness at Picsart.

The second panel, “Beyond the Border: Connecting Armenian Producers to Global Buyers,” focused on building bridges between local producers and international markets. Moderated by Mr. Patrick Elliott, CEO of PA Consulting, the panel featured Ms. Zabel Hayruni, General Director of RARE Waters in Armenia; Ms. Zarine Voskanyan, VDA Diamonds; Ms. Kristine Vardanyan, Commercial Director of Armenia Wine Winery; Mr. Armen Gharibyan, CEO of Aregi LLC; and Mr. Arshavir Minasaryan, CEO of Wellar Group in Armenia.

Following the panel discussions, the Forum continued with B2B sessions, where Armenian producers and international distributors and investors engaged in roundtable discussions and one-on-one meetings. These sessions provided participants with the opportunity to explore business partnerships, negotiate potential deals, and exchange insights directly with key industry players.

The program concluded with visits to 12 local factories, allowing participants to witness production processes firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of Armenia’s manufacturing capabilities, innovation, and high-quality products.

The overall program also offered cultural experiences, including traditional Armenian dinners and visits to landmarks such as Garni, Geghard, and TUMO Center for Creative Technologies. These activities gave international participants a deeper understanding of Armenia’s rich heritage and culture, complementing the business-focused sessions and fostering stronger connections among attendees.