Below is an interview with Vahagn Mkhitaryan, Armenian Representative of The AI Partnership Company (Great Britain).

Mr. Mkhitaryan, how was the e-government program launched in Armenia, and what are its advantages for users?

The program was initially launched at the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2006. After it proved successful, we decided to install e-government systems in other government agencies, particularly in the RA Government staff, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economy. After year-long work, the program was adapted to the agencies in question. Since 2008 almost all the government agencies have installed the e-government system. I can assure you that in three months all the 32 government agencies will switch over to e-government. I would like to note that not only the Government, but also private enterprises, for example the Nairit plant, have taken interest in the e-government program.

Of what benefit is the e-government system to government agencies? The most important thing is that it will rid us of procrastination. It used to take several days for a paper to reach the Minister from a local department. Moreover, the Minister might not have time to examine the mail or the paper might be lost in a department. The new system enables the authorized persons to work at home. So the Minister or the head of a department will not have to remain at work till late to check the mail. Also, the system will enable officials to feel the pulse during their trips. The transparent system will prevent government officials from shirking their duties. A system of appraising government officials’ activities was introduced last year. According to our system, any document drafted by a government official is to be appraised before undergoing further procedures. So at the end of the first half of the year, we can impartially sum up each official’s work. The system also enables government officials to have a better idea of all the aspects of their work and be more efficient. Thus systems save a great amount of time. Formerly, when the Premier issued instructions to all government agencies, the local administrations from remote regions received the instructions a week later. At present, however, the governors of the remotest regions receive instructions simultaneously with ministries and government agencies located in Yerevan. An e-signature system makes it possible to exchange documents with e-signatures. It also enables citizens to keep track of their applications, which was impossible before. The Government plans to analyze business projects on the basis of data received from the e-government program to simplify the state services system.

How well are the society and nongovernmental agencies ready to apply the new methods?

Yes, we have such a problem. In a few months government agencies will switch over to the e-government system, whereas consumers – not only ordinary citizens, but also the private sector, including big businessmen – still prefer “paper correspondence.” For example, many big businessmen cannot send their tax accounts by means of Internet, as their accountants do not have computer skills. But if the Government refuses to accept papers from big businesses, they will have to retrain their personnel. So the program, though in an indirect way, promotes professional improvement.

Summing up the above, can we say that the program can reduce corruption in government agencies?

No doubt, being aware of the fact that any of your steps is under control you will be more vigilant. Also, the e-government system reduces contacts between citizens and government officials to a minimum, which actually reduces corruption risks.

What is the advantage of the Armenian e-government system over its foreign counterparts?

I should say that the program is very rapidly being introduced in Armenia. Introducing the e-government system in the entire state system within two years requires great will. Only Estonia can compare with Armenia in this respect. For example, a system of e-reports was introduced within six months. Also, an e-signature system was introduced very quickly. Of course, it is not the best option, but it is available. Would could have introduced a biometric ID card system, but it is most expensive. We could have waited for this for five years or so, but we found an interim solution, namely, introducing the present system and, when funds are available, introducing a new one. That is the Armenian Government is following the principle: if anything can be done now, it must be done instead of waiting for anything better. As regards the advantages of the program over its foreign counterparts, first of all it is adapted to our government agencies. The system has an open code, as no one can establish independent control over the government system of an entire state or cause e-document circulation in the state under a non-transparent program. Our program is easily adaptable to any country’s needs. It is a bilingual product – it operates in English and in particular national language.

What are the company’s plans for immediate future?

Besides Armenia, our program is in some demand in Great Britain, which is of high importance for us – Great Britain is the world’s second largest user of e-government systems. The program is also operating in France. We are negotiating the introduction of the program in Russia, which is very close to Armenia in terms of government system and red tape. We want to launch the program in Sochi, where the Olympic Games are to take place in 2014. Foreign guests must feel comfortable, as our e-government program is identical to the ones operating in Europe and United States.