As part of events dedicated to Spitak Earthquake’s 30th anniversary, Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan toured Gyumri’s old quarter, including Jivani, Rustaveli, Nikolay Ghorghanian and Varpetats streets. The Acting Head of Government got acquainted with the ongoing rehabilitation work in Gyumri’s historical center.

Gyumri Mayor Samvel Balasanyan advised that the construction is scheduled completion in the second half of 2019. About 40km-long road sections will be rehabilitated with a €23 million loan provided by the World Bank and EBRD. The 12 km work has already been completed. Zoning will be implemented in the historical center.

Nikol Pashinyan attached importance to the effective implementation of the programs and expressed conviction that they will contribute to the development of the city, increase the number of tourists.

Then, the Acting Prime Minister watched an exercise organized by the Ministry of Emergency Situations with a conventional scenario that the rescuers drove the residents out of the ruins of the earthquake and managed to reach the first medical aid facility. The Acting Head of Government laid flowers at the monument to Charles Aznavour in Gyumri and paid tribute to his memory.

Nikol Pashinyan next called at Sastex clothing factory in Gyumri to get acquainted with the ongoing investment project, which will help provide 350-370 light industry jobs in Gyumri. 150 people are involved in the only one month-old facility. The entire lot of working clothes will be exported to European countries.

The Acting Prime Minister also participated in a ground-breaking ceremony. The executives noted that they are going to set up a garment factory in Spitak, and another such facility in Artik. The Acting Head of Government said he had attended the commissioning of two factories last week and was glad to see them initiated by Diaspora-based Armenians.

“This process corresponds to 100% of our perceptions of economic revolution. People do their part and ask the government to offer more favorable conditions for investments. I am convinced that such investment projects will contribute to our country’s economic development and are the most important steps towards building a prosperous country,” Nikol Pashinyan said, thanking all those investors who have been creating new jobs during the 27 years of independence.

“The status of a businessman is supposed to be unique and should be seriously reconsidered in Armenia. We must solve all the problems facing our country by getting richer and enriching others. Thank you for responding to our call,” Nikol Pashinyan said.

Then the Acting Prime Minister left Gyumri for Lori Marz. Nikol Pashinyan laid a wreath at the memorial to Earthquake’s victims and lit candles in Spitak’s Harutyun Church. The Acting Head of Government also laid a wreath at the khachkar (cross-stone) dedicated to the victims of the earthquake in Vanadzor, after which he attended a kindergarten opening ceremony.

The kindergarten was renovated under a project implemented by the Armenian Territorial Development Fund for which AMD 150 million has been spent. The kindergarten has been furnished with modern furniture and infrastructure, and the yard has been repaired. 100 children will attend the kindergarten. Nikol Pashinyan toured the renovated kindergarten and got acquainted with the work done.