Minister Robert Khachatryan welcomed the participants of the 7th Session of the APIS Steering Committee of the UN ESCAP

On November 8, the 7th Session of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway (APIS) Steering Committee of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) kicked off in Yerevan.

At the beginning of the session, Minister of High-Tech Industry of the RA Robert Khachatryan made a welcome statement, emphasizing the discussion of topics related to digital connectivity, digital transformation and digital economy.

“We highlight the role of international and regional cooperation to overcome the daily challenges in a rapidly developing and changing world. In many areas, we face the same problems, which necessitates continuous dialogue to find common solutions. In this context, collaboration with UN and its different agencies, as well as with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) significantly helps us exchange the best experience we have in different areas”, the Minister noted.

Referring to the technological achievements of Armenia, Robert Khachatryan stressed that the development of the high-tech sector is one of the top priorities of the RA government for ensuring inclusive and sustainable development of the economy. According to the Minister, for this purpose, the elaboration of the Strategy for the Development of the High-Tech sector is in process. It is envisaged that the document will define the long-term strategic directions for the development of the field and will facilitate the technological transformation of the country.

The Minister also presented the Digitalization Strategy of Armenia for 2021-2025, emphasizing the key importance of digitalization of the economy, society and public administration system of Armenia.

Robert Khachatryan added that the event is a good opportunity to discuss with the participating states the possibility of cooperation in the creation of an alternative channel.

The participants of the Session were also welcomed by Mnatsakan Safaryan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the RA, Tiziana Bonapace, Director of ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction Division of the UN ESCAP, Christine Weigand, Representative of the UN Resident Coordinator Office, and Mohammed Shareef, State Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology of the Republic of Maldives.

During the 7th Session of the APIS Steering Committee of the UN ESCAP, global trends in the digital world, the opportunity to exchange best practices in digital development, and strengthening the cooperation and partnership among the member states, regional organizations and UN agencies will be discussed.