Training sessions:   The beginning of realization of economic reforms in Armenia stipulated the rise and development of business associations. These are non-governmental, non-profit organizations called to promote the creation of a favorable legal sphere, forming of an infrastructure and other conditions necessary for rebirth in Armenia of a civilized business climate. The business associations are called to respond properly to the needs of private business undertakings and assert its interest through the dialogue with government, to demand efforts and responsibility of the government in the sphere of business assistance. In support of the development and strengthening of Armenian business associations and their members, in September 1999 the Eurasia Foundation’s country office in Armenia approved the proposal, presented by AFIC and supported the project aimed at development of business association management capacities by a special training course.

The Project objectives were: To provide the Armenian business community with essential training and technical knowledge to adapt to Western business standards and to attract foreign investment To provide an organized forum, in the form of a website, to disseminate relevant business information to potential foreign investors and Armenian business people and to foster increased communication between both indicated groups Based on skills obtained in the United States the project management team developed training modules, which included the

The Business Environment in Transitional Economies Small and Medium Enterprises Development Issues Overview of Business Associations in Armenia Strategic Planning and Programs of Work for Business Associations Organization and the Management of Business Associations Public Policy Advocacy/Government Relations Association Public Relations - Communication Membership Development Finance and Budgeting, Sources of Non-Dues Income Promoting Business Association Ethics International Cooperation of Business Associations

October 1999-May 2000, Training seminars

Beginning from October 1999 till May 2000 four training seminars were conducted with participation of 60 representatives from 36 local business associations and other business-related NGO's. The seminars were implemented by a qualified team of trainers and with very active involvement of trainees. During the discussions many issues were raised related to the development of business associations in Armenia. The opinions and evaluations of participants expressed in special questionnaires filled on a daily basis showed not only their views on various aspects of raised actual problems, but also indicated their desire to discuss additional issues related to business association development programs and joint projects. That's why based on above mentioned notions of seminars' participants AFIC proposed to extend the project and organize an unique conference on development of business associations in Armenia and enhancing collaboration process between them. Following successful completion of the training program, the participants - representatives from various business associations and their member companies received a special Certificate. The other aspect of the training program was designed to assist Armenian businesses in the development and preparation of investment proposals for subsequent distribution to international investors.The training component of the project was specifically targeted to Armenian business associations, both broad-based and industry-specific, including representatives from small and medium-sized enterprises. It was the intention of AFIC that the values and knowledge acquired during the training were disseminated among the Armenian business community and, in turn, among the Armenian populace.

Tsakhkadzor, July 7-9/2000

Armenian Business Associations' Development Conference: Taking into consideration the opinions and intentions of the representatives of many business associations participated in training sessions AFIC proposed to organize a Conference on the issue of “Development of Business Associations in Armenia”. The main goal of the Conference was to initiate an effective interaction of business associations of Armenia. Taking into consideration the role of business associations in building of strong democratic society and the experience of different international organizations supporting this process it was proposed to involve in the conference also the representatives of various international donor organizations and projects operating in Armenia. The positive reaction and support of Eurasia Foundation to this proposal allowed organizing the Conference in the Writers’ Union Resort House in Tsakhkadzor on July 7-9, 2000. More than 70 participants from different organizations and international projects were present at the Conference (42 representatives of 32 business associations of Armenia, 24 representatives of 10 international organizations and projects, functioning in Armenia, representatives of mass media, guests, etc.). The representatives of Eurasia Foundation were also present at the Conference. Many important issues were discussed during the Conference general sessions and panel discussions, such as the role of business associations in forming of a democratic society, the problems bound up with their activity, membership development issues, financing sources, etc. During the general sessions the representatives of different business associations and international organizations and projects expressed many interesting opinions and views on business associations’ development issues in Armenia. After the general session the participants continued their work in two panel working groups, according to the suggested for discussion themes: Cooperation of business associations, oriented to the working-out of joint-programs and protection of interests of their members. Cooperation of business associations in establishment of an effective Chamber of Commerce in Armenia. The Conference participants were actively involved in panel discussions for working-out a joint approach for the solution of the raised problems, development of joint projects, oriented to the effective participation of business associations in decision-making process in the sphere of economic policy and business assistance. A round-table discussion was held also in the framework of the Conference on the issue of  “The Role of Business Associations in Democratization of Society and their Involvement in International Projects”. During the discussion the participants outlined the necessary steps aimed at effective collaboration and consolidation of efforts of business associations in strengthening the democratic reforms in economy. At the end of the Conference the final package of suggestions and recommendations was formed including the following: Establishment of Business Associations’ Coordination Council or Center Organization of meetings and round-table discussions on a regular basis for discussion of actual problems Creation of a database and directory of Armenian Business Associations, also available in the Web Conducting of norms and codes of business ethics for the members of business associations Organization and conducting of seminars on business association management issues Development of international cooperation between Armenian business associations and foreign similar organizations Active participation in improving the legislation and support in establishing of an effective and voluntary-based Chamber of Commerce in Armenia The representative of Eurasia Foundation evaluated the importance of the Conference, the decisions, suggestions and recommendations made in the framework of the Conference on behalf of the Foundation and mentioned also that the Eurasia Foundation will continue to support the efforts and proposals of business associations aimed at democratization of society, economic reforms and strengthening of civil society institutions. The organizers of the Conference tried to provide all the necessary conditions for appropriate forum floor for the discussion of problems in formal and informal atmosphere.