FICC appears as a dynamically developing company

Irina Kotlyarova:

FICC appears as a dynamically developing company

PanARMENIAN.Net - The First Investment Consulting Company of Bulgaria (ПЬРВА) will establish an office in Yerevan on June 30, 2010. Company’s President Irina Kotlyarova commented on the plans and perspectives in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net.
How did you decided to enter the Armenian market?
The First Investment Consulting Company of Bulgaria (FICC) is rapidly developing. Last year we opened representations in different cities of Russia and decided not to stop. We are interested in Caucasus and eye Armenia as a promising country in the region. Bulgaria is attractive for investors and we suppose that there are people in Armenia willing to make proper investment, which can amount up to 15 000 – 20 000 euro. Besides, perfect tourism facilities offered by Bulgaria can’t be underestimated.

What difficulties did the company face when entering the Armenia market?
I would not say there were serious problems. The peculiarity is the Caucasian mentality. In Armenia, like in other countries of the region, everything rests on personal trust. To gain the interest of Armenian citizens you should first deserve their trust. That is what we are doing now. We treat this approach with understanding.

To what extent is the Armenian investment developed? Is it ready to admit a new actor?
I can’t say for sure… Probably, it would be correct not to view new actors as competitors, as the process can be mutually beneficial, the more so because this niche was vacant before.

What’s more important for you: to attract Armenian investors or to ensure the outlet for Bulgarian entrepreneurs to Armenian market?
Both are advisable. I am hopeful that the First Investment Consulting Company will help promote relations between Bulgaria and Armenia.

Are there any preliminary agreements with Armenian companies?
We are working at this. Currently negotiations are under way with several Armenian companies.

Would you, please, elaborate on your plans for the near future?
We are a developing company, going into competition with more mature enterprises. We are popular in Bulgaria and Russia. We believe that our products, i.e. real estate in Bulgaria at affordable prices, investments and assistance in business organization are a novelty for Armenia. Our office in Yerevan will officially open on June 30, with representative of Bulgarian Embassy attending. On July 1, we will hold an ‘open day’ when our consultants will provide the required information to all interested persons.

Victoria Araratyan / PanARMENIAN News
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