Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) summed up today the results of its “Economic Integration of Syrian Refugees in Armenia” project.

It was noted during “Opportunities Embraced! Highlights of Syrian Armenians’ Economic Integration” event that over the 2,5 years of implementation (November 2015 – March 2018), the project had supported around 3100 Syrian Armenian entrepreneurs and job seekers.

They participated in local and international exhibitions and business forums, business and marketing trainings and coachings for better employability, access to markets and finance, developing business management and other professional skills.

The EISRA project is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH within “Private Sector Development South Caucasus (PSD SC)” programme on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The total budget made EUR 2,5 million.

According to the implementers of the project, one of the key results of the project is the establishment of the Working Group on Economic Integration with 24 members co-chaired by the Armenian Ministry of Economic Development and Investments.

www.syrarbi.am information platform was created within the frames of the program, enabling Syrian Armenians’ access to relevant business, financial, legal and employment information, helping them develop existing business or establish a new one, as well find a job in Armenia.

“People from Syria brought new ideas and different sense of entrepreneurship to this country. I am happy that the German government contributed to the success stories of Syrian Armenians many of which you will hear today,” Ambassador of Germany to Armenia Matthias Kiesler said.

Senior Programme Associate of UNHCR Armenia Nver Sargsyan mentioned that GIZ EISRA project was a timely intervention to complement the humanitarian efforts of UNHCR and other partners to direct it towards development, self-sustainability and promoting economic integration.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investments of Armenia Tigran Khachatryan said that they would continue jointly with the partners their steps in economic integration of Syrian Armenians.