Taron Margaryan, Mayor of Yerevan
Taron Margaryan, Mayor of Yerevan

Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan explains what makes Armenia’s capital city special.

European Times: Could you describe your duties as mayor?

Taron Margaryan: The mayor defines the city’s development strategies and helps create and support programmes geared to trade, poverty reduction, employment, education, culture, healthcare, and environmental protection, among others. We want to get our citizens involved in our city and to promote high quality of life. In 2013 we created around 400 new green spaces in Yerevan, among many other projects.

European Times: What are Yerevan’s main economic sectors?

Taron Margaryan: Yerevan is Armenia’s economic, educational and cultural hub as well as the country’s most important regional-trade centre. Yerevan’s economy is diverse, from food-processing to ICT. In 2012, Yerevan was the location of around 40.2% of Armenia’s industry, 54.5% of its construction, 84.5% of its retail trade, and 86.8% of its services. Our main industrial sectors are food and beverage products (including cognac and beer), textiles (including carpets), chemicals and metallurgy. The main services are ICT, finance and insurance, tourism, education, healthcare and cultural services, among others. Yerevan is also the gateway to Armenia for international visitors.

European Times: What are your plans for the future?

Taron Margaryan: This year the Elder’s Council, the city’s highest administrative organisation, has already adopted a new four-year development programme for priority sectors. We plan to forge more international partnerships and to continue to improve life in the city, including its road infrastructure, waste management and tourism development. We have already worked successfully with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the EBRD, the UN and others. Offering the right conditions for international investors is a priority in our development programme for 2014 to 2017.

European Times: What are the best opportunities for investors?

Taron Margaryan: High-potential sectors include construction, tourism (such as the planned new Victory Garden entertainment destination and the Noy Land resort zone), the preservation and modernisation of our cultural heritage, new technologies, partnerships with SMEs, and others. Investors can check the municipality’s web site for details.

European Times: What is your personal message about Yerevan?

Taron Margaryan: Yerevan was founded in 782 BC, 29 years before Rome, and has a very rich cultural heritage. Named a UNESCO World Book Capital in 2012, Yerevan attracted over 843,000 tourists last year. We welcome you to visit and do business in our beautiful, fascinating city, the capital of Armenia.