YEREVAN. – President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian on Thursday evening spoke with participants of the 2019 Sevan Startup Summit—and via videoconference—and, also, responded to their questions, the President’s staff informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

“I believe this initiative will have a great success,” Sarkissian said. “It’s very important, especially for Armenia because Armenia, as I see it in the future, shall have a strong presence in the domain of high and new technology, and be a startup country. Maybe someday we will have the opportunity to declare Armenia the startup capital of the world.”

The President noted that several conditions are needed in order to rank Armenia among the leading startup countries, and one of them is having a high quality of education—and for everyone.

Sarkissian said the next important factor is the presence of leading international companies in Armenia, and added that these companies will create a climate for the development of startups in the country.

The Armenian President considered interconnection with the world as another important factor.

“We [Armenians] are connected to the world in a natural way, since Armenians live everywhere,” he said. “Many talented Armenians work in California, at Silicon Valley. So, it’s important to create a hub between everyone, and not solely Armenians.”

The President added that Armenia shall become a good place for young talent, and it needs to have a 21st century technology space.

In conclusion, Armen Sarkissian expressed willingness to assist Sevan Startup Summit in the future, too.