Economic diversification is an important tool on Armenia's path to independence - French Ambassador

YEREVAN, April 4. /ARKA/. Diversification is an important tool on Armenia's path to independence, French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies said in an interview with Armenia's Public television.

According to him, Armenia needs diversification in all areas- economy, defense, as well as politics.

"There is an expression in French that says 'one should not put all eggs in one basket'. I believe that this is a concern for the Armenian authorities today. We, the French, are ready to assist Armenia on this path," Decottignies noted.  

The Ambassador said that today the Armenian branch of the French company Veolia Jour is the operator of Armenia's water supply system, and the French company AMUNDI-ACBA is one of the managers of the country's pension funds.

"Thus, we have started the process of assisting Armenia and we can do more. This implies that Armenia has a favorable business environment, which in turn implies fighting corruption, monopolies, as well as creating favorable conditions for foreign enterprises that operate in Armenia," Olivier Decottignies said.

The ambassador recalled that the French Orange telecom operator had to leave Armenia due to unfavorable conditions, which disappointed numerous French entrepreneurs who had a goal to deploy their activities in Armenia.

"Armenia should make efforts to improve its business environment, and Europeans are ready to be involved in this process. This will on the part of France is obvious," the Ambassador noted. -0-