Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had an informal meeting with representatives of information technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications and other technological areas.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy President of the National Assembly Hakob Arshakyan and Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan.

The Prime Minister made a speech, noting that it is a good idea to unify or compare ideas about strategic visions. According to Nikol Pashinyan, statistics show what has changed in the sector compared to 2018.

"Our statistics say, for example, that compared to 2018, the number of information or technology companies in Armenia has increased more than 12 times, that is, it has increased by approximately 1225%," the Prime Minister said, adding that money turnover has increased by 171%, that is, money turnover in the sector has almost quadrupled, and the number of employees in the sector has more than quintupled since 2018. As for non-statistical data, according to the Prime Minister, significant changes are taking place in the information technology sector, in particular, satellite internet, that is Starlink services, are operating throughout Armenia, which in turn contributes to balanced territorial development. Nikol Pashinyan also spoke about the modern supercomputer unveiled at Yerevan State University two days ago, which is the first to be acquired with the funding of the Republic of Armenia.

In the context of the development of the sector, the Prime Minister highlighted the new strategic nature of Armenia-United States relations. According to Nikol Pashinyan, within the framework of the TRIPP project, high technologies for border and customs control will be introduced, they will also be used at other border points of the republic, including at Zvartnots Airport. In this context, the Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of introducing a biometric passport system.

Next, the Prime Minister spoke about the importance of introducing artificial intelligence in increasing the efficiency of management and developing the regulatory impact assessment institute.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the development of the technological sector is impossible without the development of the education sector. “Therefore, what we are implementing in the general education sector, in preschool education, vocational education, higher education and postgraduate education, is all about technologies,” said Nikol Pashinyan.

The issues and prospects for the development of Armenia’s technological and digital future were discussed. The meeting was organized by the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises.

Among the issues discussed were the expected policy in the AI sector, the role of AI in the state’s economic growth doctrine, high and information technologies, measurable goals, as well as educational reforms in the sector, personnel training and the development of new specialists.

Prime Minister Pashinyan answered the questions of those present, which related not only to the development of the sector, but also to the TRIPP project, the priorities and programs of the Government of the Republic of Armenia.