YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian prime minister Serge Sargsian on November 28 received Canadian businessmen Jonathan Goodman, James Small and Canadian Armenian businessman Prof. Azat Vardanian. It was reported from the Armenian government that the Goodman family is the founder of a number of companies operating in various sectors and the Goodman's wealth is assessed to be worth more than 65 billion dollars. Jonathan Goodman is the owner and president of Dundee Precious Metals company engaged in exploraion and operation of mines containing precious metals. In Armenia, the company is represented by Dino Gold company that started active work in mining industry in Syunik marz and plans to invest another 20 million dollars for exploration of the Kapan mine in addition to over 30 million dollars invested so far, underlining that it has serious expectations to discover large reserves, which will make reasonable both the investments made and larger amounts to be invested in the future - at the operation stage. Serge Sargsian welcomed the businessmen's intention and said that the Armenian government is interested in the entrance of famous companies with large experience and high rating into Armenia because such companies develop the Armenian economy by making investments in various sectors in parallel with conducting profitable business in our country. The prime minister assured the businessmen that all the necessary favorable conditions have been and will be created for encouragement of investments and business in Armenia. Considering the mining industry as one of the most important sectors of the Armenian economy, S. Sargsian on behalf of the Armenian government expressed a willingness to assist the company with implementation of the presented programs. The prime minister attached special importance to the most efficient use of reserves of Armenia, which is not so rich in natural resources, paying particular attention to environmental problems.

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