European Business Association Armenia

The European Business Association (EBA) Armenia is a non-governmental organisation that was established in 2015 to promote trade and investment relations between Armenia and the European Union (EU). The EBA Armenia serves as a platform for businesses and entrepreneurs to exchange information, share experiences, and participate in advocacy efforts aimed at improving the business environment in Armenia.

The EBA Armenia aims to strengthen economic ties between Armenia and the EU by promoting trade and investment, supporting the growth of SMEs, and improving the business environment. The organisation's main objectives are to:

Promote Armenia as a reliable and attractive destination for foreign investment.
Enhance the competitiveness of Armenian businesses and entrepreneurs by providing access to information, expertise, and resources.
Advocate for policies and regulations that support the interests of businesses engaged in trade and investment between Armenia and the EU.
Foster dialogue and cooperation between businesses, government, and civil society to address common challenges and opportunities.

Publications

The European Business Association (EBA) Armenia provides its members with a range of publications that offer valuable information and analysis on economic and business-related issues in Armenia and the European Union. Some of the key publications offered by the EBA Armenia include:

Monthly Newsletter: The EBA Armenia publishes a monthly newsletter that covers the latest news and updates on economic and business-related issues in Armenia and the EU. The newsletter provides members with valuable insights and information on market trends, trade and investment opportunities, and policy developments. (Link)
Sectoral Reports: The EBA Armenia publishes sectoral reports that provide in-depth analysis and insights on specific sectors of the Armenian The reports cover a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, tourism, energy, IT, and healthcare, among others. (Link)
White Papers and Policy Briefs: The EBA Armenia produces white papers and policy briefs that provide analysis and recommendations on key policy issues related to trade and investment between Armenia and the EU. The papers cover a wide range of topics, including regulatory reform, intellectual property rights, labor and employment, and environmental standards, among others. (Link)
Investment Guides: The EBA Armenia provides investment guides that offer comprehensive information and analysis on the investment climate in Armenia. The guides provide an overview of the legal and regulatory framework, market opportunities, and investment incentives available to foreign investors. (Link)
Research Reports: The EBA Armenia conducts research on a range of economic and business- related issues in Armenia and the EU. The research reports provide valuable insights and information on market trends, consumer behavior, and other topics of interest to businesses and investors. (Link)

Services

This EBA offers a wide range of support for its members:

Business development: FDI support (support in opening an office in Armenia and providing legal support and info), Advocacy for better business environment, B2G, B2B meetings arrangement, Partner Identification, Market Studies (market survey, market analysis), Trade mission’s organisation, Meeting and event organisation, Guide to find counterpart location, Assistance services (hotel booking, car rental), Media support, Event support, Factory visit/ Field trip
Other services: Recruitment, Advisory, Translation, Office & Meeting room rental, Travel arrangements, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities, Corporate social responsibilities
Events: (Link)

Advocacy

EBA is a member of the following councils:

SME Development Council under the government, Chaired by Prime Minister
Income policy improvement council under the Ministry of finance chaired by the Minister of Finance
Revenue Administration reform Council under the State Revenue Committee chaired by the Head of SRC

EBA internal committees:

Lobby and advocacy internal committee (members of the committee are EBA members representatives of legal and consulting agencies)
Tourism committee (members of the committee are EBA members representatives of hospitality sector)

The Committee as a consultative body, is established by EBA. Association’s activity is based on justifications such as legality, publicity and transparency, representation and protection of common interests of its members, the right of the members to freely express their opinion and address them unitedly to local authorities and other shareholders through the EBA.

EU Projects

The EBA has embarked on the implementation of several projects (Link) :

Support to European Businesses in Armenia (networking events, capacity building, diplomacy)
The establishment of the EBA itself was assisted by the Evidence-based Advocacy for Reform (corruption whistleblowing website and other actions)
Study on major impediments for women entrepreneurs and explore women’s rights gaps in business activity of Armenia.