Armenia has positioned itself as a country with sustainable growth, a diversified GDP structure, and an attractive destination for investments and business development. Armenia is a relatively new country with hidden potential and exceptionally favorable investment conditions. With a literacy rate of 99,8% and 70% internet penetration, Armenia is already assessed as an attractive outsourcing country for an extensive labor market.

State of the Business & investments environment in Armenia

Starting from 2013, Armenia has received respectable rankings in the international business environment that review the country as a new direction for investment and new business opportunities.

In 2016 the exports registered $1791.9 million, while in 2020, the numbers grew to $2544.4 million. Promising changes in the energy, banking, information technology, pharmaceuticals, and mining sectors are part of the reason to invest in Armenia. As a way of investment promotion in Armenia, the “On Foreign Investments” law has been developed to protect foreign investors against the expropriation of property with total compensation. With no or low taxes in Armenia’s free economic zones (FEZs), entrepreneurs can establish businesses in strategic sectors of the economy and process, produce, and export goods. With FEZs, goods can be exported to markets with more than 500 million consumers without any restrictions. Moreover, the country offers a liberal exchange system without any restriction on converting and transferring funds at a legal rate.

According to the World Bank’s “Doing Business 2020”, Armenia is acclaimed the 47th among 190 countries for its favorable business environment and the 32nd in the Index of Economic Freedom by 2021. The country has a 75 score index (out of 100) for investment freedom.

With access to major markets, Armenia is also a member of the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) with the right to import from EAEU free of customs duty and no custom formalities.

• Armenia still leads with its democracy score in the region, passing its neighbor Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, and Iran. Armenia took 89th in global rankings and is still considered a fair democratic country for its residents and foreigners. The democracy index, having a direct link to the country’s overall development, is essential for starting a new business in Armenia.
• To open the doors to investments, just recently, the Central bank of Armenia approved a package of by-laws for investment-based crowdfunding services’ regulations creating vast opportunities for investors through crowdfunding platforms. Considering the small business and startup activity in Armenia and the new investment-based crowdfunding services, this market may become a vast place for raising profit.
• Another critically important trigger of increasing interest in Armenia as an investment destination is the state funding rise in science. For 2022 financing of the field increased by 85% ($5,2 million) financed from the state budget. The measures contribute to infrastructure development, rehabilitation of scientific centers, and attracting new investors.

Which business segments are growing faster in Armenia?

Most profitable sectors for investment in Armenia

Agriculture

Being under constant state support, the field is a promising investment and business development sector with prospects to enter the Eurasian Economic Union market. Accounting for 11% of Armenia’s GDP, agriculture is the second in terms of export volumes.

Information technology

The IT sector has remained one of the main driving forces of the economy for the past few years. In 2020, the ICT segment took 5,1% of the GDP and was valued at $137 million for Q3 2021, leading with the exporting values of manufacturing high-tech. The segment counts over 1000 large and small agencies covering over 76 services and industries. The country is already an attractive outsourcing market among other Eastern European countries with low rates and high quality.

Tourism

The increasing number of foreign visitors to Armenia demands further development of tourist infrastructure and entertainment. A visa-free regime with over 60 countries, a high-safety index, and historical destinations are attractive fundamentals for foreign investment in tourism.

Renewable energy

Aside from the energy sector, a separate fast-developing renewable energy field supports global sustainability efforts and attracts international organizations. Over the last 5 years, energy production in small HPPs grew by 54% used for local consumption and export to neighboring countries.

Water resources

The global high water stress getting more severe with population growth will make over 5,7 billion people suffer from water deficit by 2050. The problem is present in the South Caucasus, but Armenia is considered relatively rich in water resources possessing over 3,100 cubic meters of water/per year/per capita. Clear water is a valuable resource and will become an investment capital soon.

The business sector in Armenia for the next 5 years. Why should you invest in Armenia in 2022?

The country’s economic activity has registered a significant rise since 2020 (13.2%), predicting future growth activity at the CAGR of 7% in all sectors. The main driving forces will be the ICT sector and agriculture. The freedom and openness of the business environment with generally no restrictions will encourage foreign investment projects. Here are the current priorities and benefits to invest in Armenia.

• Eurasian Economic Union Market – over 180 million consumers
• GSP Regime (3500 products) with the USA, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, and Japan
• Property Tax – 0%-1%
• Personal Income Tax – 20%
• VAT – 20%
• Export Duties – 0%
• No profit tax and VAT for micro-entities ($50.000 turnover)

Armenia is a hidden gem, a cultural and historical center, that is already shifting to an attractive destination for business and investments. The IT talent pool, scientific centers, and sustainability in all the segments will transform the country’s economic environment to a better, brighter future.