YEREVAN, MAY 4, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan on May 3 received the operating manager of US-based Plug and Play computer company incubator Kaivan Barumandi. The sides have discussed issues of mutual interest, in particular the possibilities for implementing joint programs in the sphere of information and high technologies. The opening and commissioning of Plug and Play's Armenia office was considered a priority. The founding of Armenia's trade mission in the Silicon Valley was emphasized. The latter is aimed at encouraging US-Armenia cooperation in the sphere of information technologies by providing investment opportunities, as well as creating sales and market facilities. The interlocutors stressed the necessity for promoting closer contacts between experts and companies. According to the RA Government Press and Information Department, Mr. Barumandi attached special importance to creating a platform for fellowship programs with Stanford University.

---