Armenia to host World Jewellery Confederation conference in 2016

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia is expected to host the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) conference next year, Tert.am reports.

About 1,000 representatives from different countries are expected to attend the conference, Nika Manukova, Manager of the Meridian free economic zone project, told reporters on Monday, May 18.

Different countries worldwide host the prestigious conference every year.

“Brazil is the host country this year; India will host the conference in 2017 and Australia - in 2018. The conference agenda envisages master-classes, a fair, and short-term trainings courses not only for jewelers, but also for designers, producers and so on,” she said.

The Meridian zone submitted documents on potential investors to Armenia’s government.

“We started negotiations with investors and companies before the free economic zone was launched, and we expect about ten companies before the end of this year, which will create 300 to 500 jobs,” Manukova said.

As to the standards companies are expected to meet, she said that Armenia’s government has set specific standards.

“First, a company is supposed to invest capital, operate diamond-cutting production, specialize in jewelry or watch-making. Investments must be in conformity with companies’ business programs, ensure creation of jobs and provide guarantees against the sale of end products in Armenia,” Manukova said.

All the applicants are foreign companies. Among them is the Voskerchakan Tun Hripsime company.

Hripsime Melikyan, founder of the company, stressed the importance of free economic zone in facilitating the company’s development.

“As you know, companies operating here will be exempted from taxes, which will enable them to save funds and invest them in improving competitiveness of their products. This is great support to businesses,” she said.

The Voskerchakan Tun Hripsime company exports its products to Russia, Kazakhstan, the United States, Middle East and so on.