GABA bridges the Georgian and Armenian markets

The official launch of the Georgian-Armenian Business Association (GABA) took place in Yerevan on April 15, bringing together representatives of the Armenian and Georgian business communities, international organizations, state institutions, and private sector stakeholders.

The event was held within the framework of CARE Caucasus’ “Her Power, Her Future” program, highlighting the agenda of women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.

The initiative aims to deepen bilateral economic ties, promote trade and investment, and create a platform for structured business cooperation.

GABA founder and director Lali Svimonia presented the background and mission behind the association’s establishment.

“The Georgian-Armenian Business Association was created with a clear vision: to bridge the Georgian and Armenian markets,” Lali Svimonia noted. 

Recently, a growing interest of Georgian companies in the Armenian market has been recorded, emphasizing the need for a more systematic and coordinated approach.

Highlighting the imbalance in bilateral business presence, Svimonia noted that around 600 Armenian companies operate in Georgia, compared to only about 10 Georgian companies in Armenia. She stressed that this gap represents a significant opportunity for growth and expansion.

Lilya Sirakanyan, Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia, noted that the establishment of a business association is an important step toward institutionalizing business relations. 

“We are confident that it will become an effective platform to support market entry, promote partnerships, and develop small and medium-sized enterprises. The Government of Armenia will continue to take steps to improve the business environment, attract investments, and expand regional cooperation. Interconnected economies build trust and long-term partnerships. I am confident that the initiatives launched today will lead to new investments, new partnerships, and joint growth,” the deputy minister said.

One of the key highlights of the event was the entry of Helio.AI into the Armenian market.

The company’s co-founder and CEO, Ia Jikia, noted in her speech:

“We are currently present in seven countries, and we are proud that Armenia has become our eighth market.”

She emphasized the attractiveness of the Armenian market, citing its technological potential and rapid growth. Ia Jikia added that the company has conducted in-depth market research and has already begun cooperating with local organizations, marking a strong start.

She also presented the company’s technological solutions, noting that Helio.AI automates the human resources recruitment process, enabling companies to reduce manual work and focus more on the human aspect.

“Today, many companies still spend most of their time on mechanical processes, and we help them focus on people,” Ia Jikia said.

Nino Bolkvadze, Executive Director of CARE Caucasus, emphasized the strategic importance of cross-border cooperation:

“It is essential for unlocking new economic opportunities and strengthening regional resilience.”

She noted that CARE Caucasus has long supported women-led businesses by providing grants and encouraging their participation in economic processes. According to her, the establishment of GABA is a logical continuation of these efforts aimed at fostering regional economic integration.

The panel discussions covered topics such as cross-border trade, investment opportunities, workforce development, and access to digital tools.

Elina Margaryan, Board President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia (Amcham), highlighted that regional cooperation opens up new opportunities for businesses, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

She noted that such platforms not only help expand markets but also facilitate the exchange of experience and knowledge, which is crucial for building a competitive business environment.

Astghik Hovhannesov

Photos by Davit Ghahramanyan