Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

Under the chairmanship of the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications of the Republic of Bulgaria Ivaylo Moskovski and the Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Armenia Gagik Beglaryan, took place the 7^th Session of the Intergovernmental Bulgarian-Armenian Committee on economic , scientific and technical cooperation.

During the meetings Minister Ivaylo Moskovski said that the experts from both delegations have assessed the situation and have identified prospects on development of bilateral relations in the economic field. In his words, the talks will provoke more active relations, strengthening of direct contacts and creating new opportunities for partnership and business.

Minister Moskovski pointed out that the Bulgarian government continues to follow a policy aimed at maintaining macroeconomic stability with particular emphasis on the creation of a favorable environment for investment and business. He added that the willingness of the Bulgarian side is to identify real and pragmatic steps to enhance cooperation and increase trade between Bulgaria and Armenia.

Minister Ivailo Moskovski said that there are real opportunities for extension of Bulgarian export. For this purpose it is necessary to be made special steps to popularize among businesses in both countries the conditions provided by industrial zones and technological parks. As an important element for the improvement of economic exchange Ivaylo Moskovski pointed out the development of transport links.

In his turn, Minister Gagik Beglaryan also expressed willingness towards increase of trade between Bulgaria and Armenia and for this purpose it is necessary to improve relations between business circles of the two countries. He added that Armenia is working hard to build a motorway link between the north and south of the country and a railroad. According to him, implementation of these projects will lead to improved transport links and increasing commodities’ turnover.

During the meetings in the field of road transport was discussed the signing of a new intergovernmental agreement on international road transport, reflecting the requirements and the provisions of the European Union in this field. The Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications is ready to present to the Armenian side a draft agreement for consideration and discussion by the experts of the two countries.

The representatives of the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications raised the issue of increasing the annual quota of universal permits valid for bilateral and transit road transport of goods. It was agreed that the quota shall be discussed at the next meeting of the Joint Bulgarian-Armenian committee on road transport.

In the field of information technology and communications were discussed opportunities for cooperation in the field of broadband infrastructure and rendering of broadband services to the population in sparsely populated and economically underdeveloped areas. Issues related to overcome of digital divide, e-government and information security were also discussed.

The Bulgarian side presented a draft of a new agreement on cooperation in the field of information technology , e-government and information security.

During the meeting were also discussed other current issues of the Bulgarian-Armenian economic relations and opportunities for extension of bilateral cooperation in many fields such as trade, tourism, agriculture, energy, environmental protection, social security.