Armenia to set visa-free regime for American travelers

YEREVAN, November 25. / ARKA /. During the 22nd U.S. – Armenia Joint Economic Task Force (USATF) meeting held on November 22 in Washington the sides held discussions on mechanisms to deepen economic ties, increase trade and investment, and advance market reforms, the US Department of State said. 

Participants discussed also the bilateral launch of a visa liberalization process with the goal of achieving a visa-free regime for American travelers and ten-year multiple entry visas for Armenians, leading to increased bilateral trade and investment. The United States also encouraged implementation of Armenia’s civil aviation liberalization reforms.

Earlier it was reported that the U.S. company Contour Global will invest $180 million in Armenia’s hydropower sector This investment, which is expected to be partially financed by the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation, represents the largest U.S. private investment in Armenia’s history and the first U.S. investment in Armenia’s critical energy sector.

The United States highlighted Armenia's selection as one of 20 focus countries for the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Science, Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships. Through this initiative, both countries have agreed to undertake a signature effort in the areas of clean energy and water.

The USATF is an annual bilateral meeting that promotes trade and investment between the United States and Armenia. The U. S. Government was represented by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Eric Rubin, USAID Assistant Administrator Paige Alexander, and Coordinator of Assistance for Europe Daniel Rosenblum. The U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia John A. Heffern and USAID Armenia Mission Director Karen Hilliard also attended. -0-