Toronto, June 26, 2013 – The historic city of Marseille was the location of the third general assembly of the Armenian Trade Network (ATN)  that coincided with La Sémaine de l’éxcellence Franco-Arménienne organized by the French-Armenian Chamber of Commerce (CCIFA). 

Close to 40 delegates and observers from 17 countries representing member organizations and new business communities took part in the deliberations. The Network expanded by the admission of two new members, the Argentinean Armenian Chamber of Commerce and the Romanian Armenian Chamber of Commerce. The first is among the oldest business organizations of the diaspora counting more than 30 years of operation, while the second is one of the youngest ones. 

Partnership and cooperation with several associations such as the Armenian Business Network founded in the East Coast of USA was also discussed and approved. Invited observes from Italy, Spain, Russia, Czech Republic, Austria, Denmark and Poland presented their business communities possibilities for establishing communication with the ATN community. The Executive Board also presented its efforts in establishing contacts with several new communities. Among other issues deliberated, the existing Executive Board of ATN was given another 2-year mandate. 

On June 22, 2013, the first ATN Business Forum was held at the Marseille Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Opening the forum were Armenia’s Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, ATN President Vahram Pirjanian, CCIFA President Bernard Holassian and ATN VP Jacques Avdoyan. 

The first session of the forum entitled “Promoting Armenian Global Entrepreneurship through Innovation & Networking” featured as keynote speaker Romania’s Minister of Economy Varujan Vosganian whose talk on Opportunities in the Shifting Global Economic Landscape ended with a panel discussion on the significance of developing new ties and the role Armenians can play through the ATN. 

The second session called “Promoting Business & Investment in Armenia” featured a number of speakers including the Director of External Relations of the City of Yerevan David Gevorkyan, the Governor of Gegharquniq Rafik Grigoryan, Governor of Lori Artur Nalbandyan, Beer of Yerevan President Ashot Baghdassaryan, Synopsys CEO Hovik Musayelyan. Panelists included Didier Parakian of the Didier Parakian brand, Vartan Sirmakes of Franck Muller and Armenia’s Honourary Council to Marseille and HE Ambassador Vigen Chitetchyan. The forum was moderated by ATN board member H. Gaspar.    

The ATN is the modern trade network for the Armenian entrepreneurs, acting as an “Armenian Global Chamber of Commerce” joining business communities in various parts of the world by creating a forum for member organizations (i.e. local chambers of commerce and business organizations) to interact and collaborate.