US embassy in Armenia ready to discuss visa issue with local ICT community
30.10.2014,
16:47
The U.S. Embassy in Armenia said it is ready to discuss with representatives of the country's ICT community all the issues related to granting of visas. The statement came in response to complaints of the local ICT industry that the embassy refuses very often to grant entry visas to Armenian ICT engineers.
YEREVAN, October 29. / ARKA /. The U.S. Embassy in Armenia said it is ready to discuss with representatives of the country's ICT community all the issues related to granting of visas. The statement came in response to complaints of the local ICT industry that the embassy refuses very often to grant entry visas to Armenian ICT engineers.
"The US Embassy in Armenia had several meetings with top managers of Armenian ICT community to explain provisions of the US law on visa granting, and we are ready to continue this dialogue. We recognize the importance of the ICT sector in Armenia and will continue to promote its development and will at the same time comply with established procedures for issuing visas to the United States, “the embassy said in a statement.
In an earlier statement the Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE) said Armenian ICT representatives have been repeatedly denied entry visas resulting in financial damages and a waste of time.
“This situation is detrimental to technological cooperation between Armenian and American companies, creating mistrust among American partners towards Armenian companies and the country damaging Armenia’s technological brands," the statement said.
UITE said also that for many years the Armenian ICT industry received support of the American government, as a result American companies have become major customers and partner of Armenian ICT companies as evidenced by the implementation of numerous joint programs.
"About 59% of Armenian ICT industry’s products are exported to the United States and about 47% of local companies are established by US capital. The stance of the consular department of the US embassy threatens the bilateral technological cooperation and contradicts the stated goals of the US government on cooperation with Armenia," UITE statement said.
The Union of Information Technology Enterprises of Armenia (UITE) was founded in 2000 to protect the economic interests of ICT companies, promote business development, and encourage research in the field. -0-
