The Gyumri Development Foundation launched the second “Gyumri-Kars Economic Forum” on December 14, 2011 in Gyumri. The three-day event is organized as part of the “Support to Armenia-Turkey Rapprochement” project, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Consortium of the Eurasia Partnership Foundation, the Yerevan Press Club, the International Center for Human Development and the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen (Employers) of Armenia. The Forum is co-supported by UK-based International Alert. The forum kicked off on December 14 in the Araks Hotel Conference Hall in Gyumri, and brought together approximately 30 Armenian and Turkish business owners from Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Kars, including cheesemakers, wine producers, specialists in meat and dairy production, tourism and hospitality, and stone processing. On Thursday, December 15, separate groups will make theme-based visits to local factories to acquaint themselves with Armenian products and technology. The Forum will be concluded on December 16 with presentations of theme-based groups and discussion of future cooperation plans. The Gyumri-Kars Economic Forum presents a unique opportunity for the promotion of Armenian and Turkish business cooperation, particularly for building cooperation and dialogue between the bordering towns of Gyumri and Kars. The first Gyumri-Economic Forum was held in Kars in 2008. USAID and the Consortium Members support Armenia-Turkey rapprochement by facilitating engagement between civil society groups, the establishment and development of business partnerships and regional professional networks, as well as enhanced understanding between the people, for peace and economic integration in the region.

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