Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today attended the My Step for Syunik Marz Investment Projects conference and the EXPO exhibition of local products, where representatives of small, medium and large businesses, investors, foreign businessmen, representatives of financial institutions and others discussed ways to boost the local economy.

The following is an official transcript of Pashinyan’s speech.

“Honorable Syunik Marz Governor, dear government members, esteemed National Assembly Members, governors, diplomatic corps representatives, journalists, guests,

In fact, on my way to Syunik Marz, I was thinking about my speech because I had several ways to take, but you predetermined by talking about crazy ideas.

What is happening in the Republic of Armenia is a just the reflection of the ongoing crucial standoff between madness and realism. Our political task is to make the Republic of Armenia a country of such people who believe in their power, who know that even the most fantastic ideas can be materialized in the Republic of Armenia. All this is not just a statement because what happened in Armenia and what is going on is actually the embodiment of this idea.

Armenia’s economic development should be based on individual efforts; no matter what kind of effort it is, because the idea is our primary asset.

Tatever, which is one of the most picturesque sights in Armenia, was the idea conceived by a group of individuals. And our greatest challenge is to give as many people as possible the opportunity to create, think, dream, and implement their innovative ideas.

These regional forums serve that very purpose. They allow us to send this message to residents of provinces because economic development first of all needs to be supported by individuals. Indeed, the involvement of major investors is very important, but to my mind they follow the path talented people.

Our task is to show that there are talented people in Armenia capable of creating a friendly environment for everyone’s dreams.

Welcoming the forum, I wish all of us every success in fulfilling this important mission. Armenia is home to talented people: our task is to make them believe and triumph.”