IDeA and Asian development bank sign memorandum on cooperation

YEREVAN, May 4. / ARKA /. The Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) charitable foundation and the office of the Permanent Mission of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Armenia have signed today in Yerevan a Memorandum of Cooperation, according to which the sides will join efforts for implementation of various programs aimed at community and infrastructure development and poverty reduction.

The memorandum was signed by IDeA director general Amen Gevorgyan and head of the Permanent Mission of ADB in Armenia David Dole.

Armen Gevorgyan described ADB as one of the largest partners of Armenia and its government that has been supporting the implementation of large-scale programs aimed at introduction of various economic standards.

"We decided to join forces to implement programs aimed at community development. We see ample cooperation opportunities both as part of large and long-term programs implemented by the IDeA. There are broad prospects for cooperation, especially for development of Dilijan and adjacent communities. ADB has assisted to conduct relevant studies and in this sense IDeA has far-reaching goals. I hope that the results of this cooperation will become felt in the near future," said Gevorgyan.

For his part, David Dole said they look forward to effective cooperation with the IDeA, which will enable to develop the consulting capacity and to exchange experiences while developing and implementing long-term and sustainable solutions for the country. 

According to him, this memorandum is based on the manifestation of mutual goodwill, a willingness to contribute to the development and strengthening of Armenia's position in the region and in the international arena. "

Asian Development Bank headquartered in Manila, Philippines, has been an important partner of Armenia since 2005 supporting the implementation of various programs.

IDeA was established by the entrepreneurs and philanthropists Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend. It focuses on programs which assist Armenia in transition from the survival model to the prosperity model. IDeA is committed to promoting social entrepreneurship in Armenia through investments in long-term, non-profit projects, as well as ensuring their sustainability.

It implements large-scale charitable initiatives in Armenia, Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and the Armenian Diaspora which strive to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the Armenian people and revitalize the nation in an ever-changing world. Among the flagship projects of IDeA Foundation are UWC Dilijan, Tatev Revival, reconstruction of St. George Cathedral in Tbilisi, Dilijan Development project and many others.-0-