Armenia has embarked on a strategic dialogue with India, aimed at establishing a linkage between its national retail payment infrastructure and India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This endeavor seeks to provide a robust foundation for cooperation, as Armenia observes a remarkable upsurge in the presence of the Indian workforce and tourists within its borders.
At the core of this Indo-Armenian dialogue lies a meticulous deliberation on a mutually acceptable interchange fee structure, as articulated by Armenian Central Bank Governor, Martin Galstyan said.
The mounting influx of Indian businesses and tourists to Armenia has also prompted the consideration of synergistic engagements with India’s burgeoning fintech sector. Galstyan underscored the escalating demand for Indian professionals in Armenia’s construction and delivery domains. Furthermore, there is a palpable optimism for the catalytic potential presented by startups and the information technology sector. This optimism stems from the significant achievements witnessed among both Indian and Armenian talents in these spheres.
Galstyan expounded on the noteworthy development, stating, “Recently, we have been observing increased labor mobility between India and Armenia. Indians are actively seeking opportunities in Armenia’s burgeoning construction and delivery sectors, where the local workforce is experiencing constraints. This rising trend in labor mobility holds immense promise.”
In addition to these deliberations, the Armenian Ministry of Economy has embarked on an exploration of a high-speed cargo transport corridor, which could serve as a pivotal conduit connecting Indian goods to European markets through Armenia. This initiative reflects Armenia’s commitment to fostering trade and economic exchanges.
Armenia’s impressive economic growth is equally worth noting, as the nation achieved a remarkable GDP growth of 12.6 percent in 2022 and continued its positive trajectory with a 9.7 percent growth for the period spanning January to September 2023. The commendable growth can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including amplified trade relations and burgeoning tourism, especially with Russia. The role of Armenia’s tech and innovation sector has also been pivotal in propelling this remarkable economic growth.