On October 28, the Armenia–Slovenia Business Forum commenced in Yerevan with the participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia Tone Kajzer.

The Ministers of Armenia and Slovenia delivered opening remarks, highlighting the numerous favorable conditions for further developing existing economic and business ties, as well as the political support of both governments for fully utilizing the available opportunities.

The Forum brings together representatives of Armenian companies, and Slovenian companies, operating in the fields of advanced technologies, aviation, industry, tourism, infrastructure and investment and accompanying the delegation of the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia

The opening session was followed by networking opportunities for business representatives from both countries, presentations on the business environments in Armenia and Slovenia, as well as business-to-business meetings. On October 30, the Forum will continue with business-to-government (B2G) meetings, providing companies with an opportunity to engage with relevant Armenian authorities and discuss practical issues related to doing business in Armenia.

The full text of Minister Mirzoyan's remarks is presented below.

“Dear Minister Kajzer,

Distinguished representatives of the Armenian and Slovenian business communities,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Armenia–Slovenia–EU Innovation Cooperation Business Forum in Yerevan.

I am particularly pleased to open this forum together with my distinguished colleague, Minister Tone Kajzer, and to welcome the Slovenian business delegation to Armenia.

Dear colleagues,

First of all, it is well known that businesses seek opportunities where there is security and room to grow in a peaceful environment. As you know, following last year's Peace Summit in Washington and the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, my country has been working tirelessly to transform the region into a crossroads of peace, built on economic and transport connectivity and mutual benefit. And when you look at the map, it becomes clear that this role as a crossroads is by no means limited to our region. On the contrary, it opens up new opportunities stretching from Europe to Asia and vice versa.

With international trade now incorporated into the mandate of Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, economic diplomacy has become an even more important priority of our work. We are committed to supporting businesses in accessing new markets and developing international partnerships.

Dear colleagues,

I would like to emphasize that Armenia attaches great importance to strengthening economic cooperation with Slovenia as we are committed to diversify our export markets, attract investment and promote innovation.

Armenia's economic development offers a favourable environment for expanding our cooperation. During the first eight months of 2026, economic activity grew by 7.3%, opening up new opportunities for international businesses.

We are pleased to see that our bilateral economic relations are also gaining momentum. Trade turnover between Armenia and Slovenia reached approximately 22.1 million Euro (USD 24.8 million) in the first 8 months of 2026, already exceeding the total volume recorded throughout 2025. Moreover, with 19 companies with Slovenian capital already operating in Armenia, we have a solid foundation for building stronger investment partnerships. Our ambition is to translate these encouraging developments into more substantial trade flows, new investments and long-term cooperation between our business communities.

Let me underline that we highly appreciate the EU's Autonomous Trade Measures for Armenia, which entered into force on 10 October. These measures temporarily liberalise almost 80% of Armenian exports to the European Union, creating additional opportunities for Armenian producers to access European markets.

These developments are closely linked to Armenia's European aspirations and our commitment to deepening the Armenia–EU partnership. The Strategic Agenda for the Armenia–EU Partnership, adopted in December 2025, provides a framework for closer economic cooperation, regulatory alignment and connectivity, creating further opportunities for businesses.

Distinguished Guests,

I am pleased that today's forum brings together companies representing defence and advanced technologies, aviation, industrial safety, construction and sports infrastructure, tourism, hospitality and investment.

We see promising opportunities for technological partnerships, joint projects and mutual investments across these sectors. 

I am particularly pleased that following the official opening of today's forum, Armenian and Slovenian companies will engage directly through business-to-business meetings. I sincerely hope these discussions will result in concrete agreements, new partnerships and joint initiatives.

It is equally encouraging that business-to-government meetings are scheduled for 30 October, providing companies with an opportunity to engage with relevant Armenian institutions and address practical questions related to doing business in Armenia.

In this regard, I would like to highlight the role of Enterprise Armenia and SPIRIT Slovenia in facilitating business contacts and identifying new opportunities for cooperation.

Let me conclude by wishing all participants productive discussions, successful meetings and fruitful cooperation.

And with this note, I pass the floor to my dear friend and colleague.

Thank you”.