STRONG INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION AT ARMENIAN

UNCLAS YEREVAN 001747

SIPDIS

COMMERCE FOR 3150/PBRADLEY/BSMITH
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DEPT FOR EUR/CACEN, EB/CBA
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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EFIN KTDB BBSR BEXP AM
SUBJECT: STRONG INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION AT ARMENIAN
EXPO


1. (U) More than 180 businesses participated in the 5th
annual Armenian Expo in Yerevan on September 14-17. The
conference organizer, LOGOS EXPO, designed the event to
identify new markets for Armenian products, encourage
foreign investment in Armenia, demonstrate the strength of
the Armenian economy and promote international business
cooperation. According to LOGOS EXPO, total business
participation increased by approximately 11 percent compared
to 2004. Many returning vendors requested additional
exhibit space and total exhibition space was 38 percent
greater than last year. No U.S. businesses participated in
this year's event.


2. (U) Compared to 2004, international participation also
increased. Companies from more than 15 countries including
Russia, Germany, Japan, Iran, Georgia, Belarus, Indonesia,
and China participated in the event. A LOGOS EXPO
representative told us, however, that no U.S. businesses
participated this year. Post's Economic Affairs Officer
spoke at the Expo about ways to enhance trade between
Armenia and the U.S. A representative from Development
Alternatives, Incorporated, a USAID contract partner, also
made a presentation about promoting local business
development and agribusiness.


3. (U) Conference organizer LOGOS EXPO is a private company
that has organized more than 32 trade fairs since its
founding in 1999. The Armenian Ministry of Trade and
Economic Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the
Union of Producers and Businessmen and the National
Association of Publishers officially supported Armenia EXPO

2005. Local media extensively covered the event. Sectors
represented included: construction, transportation,
agriculture, information technology, dairy production,
confectionary, publishing and tourism. Participating
businessmen told us that public attendance rates were very
high and appeared to exceed previous years. They said they
hope that this event will increase foreign investment in
Armenia and advance the image of Armenia as a regional trade
hub.

EVANS