YEREVAN. – Mining is an important pillar of Armenia’s economy.

The Minister of Economic Development and Investment, Suren Karayan, on Wednesday noted the aforementioned in his opening remarks at a business conference on sustainable mining.

In his words, the mining sector is special in that foreign investments are a leading chain in guiding Armenia’s economy, and this sector’s share in the country’s exports is quite high.

“This is one of Armenia’s leading sectors where investments are accompanied by the entry of leading sector-specific technology,” added Karayan.

The minister informed that Armenia’s mining exports have totaled US$462 million in the year past.

“The Government of Armenia is focusing on the stability of the investment arena,” he noted.

Karayan stressed that work is underway also toward infrastructure development.

“We underscore the trade and investment framework agreement signed between Armenia and the US,” the minister said.

As per Suren Karayan, Armenia highlights environmentally-friendly operation of mines.

“Mining in Armenia shall be modern,” he added. “Equipped with modern technology, modern methods of management.”