The below is attributable to Acting Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power began her visit to Armenia with a conversation with private sector leaders on continuing to advance Armenia’s high-tech sector as a key driver of the country’s economic growth. USAID is working with local and diaspora-led companies to expand Armenia’s tech and engineering infrastructure development as a critical element of USAID’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and development in the country.
Administrator Power also spoke with displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh at a local small business that specializes in cuisine from the region. They discussed the challenges facing more than 100,000 people forcibly displaced last year, and how the Government of Armenia and USAID are providing support to those impacted.
The Administrator then met with young journalists, filmmakers, and social media influencers to discuss how to improve media literacy and strengthen information integrity in support of the robust civic discourse necessary to hold government institutions accountable and reinforce the Government of Armenia’s reform efforts. The conversation highlighted the U.S government’s continued support for information integrity, media literacy, and civic engagement in Armenia.
The Administrator then visited the National Polytechnic University of Armenia to discuss USAID’s support for Armenia’s energy independence. She was briefed on the Government of Armenia’s commitment to liberalize its energy sector, increase regional trade and to transition to renewable energy. With USAID support, the university will open a new high tech energy lab this fall.
