Optimization Processes to Begin in Regional Administrations: Suren Papikyan

In the first ten days of September, optimization processes will begin in regional administrations throughout the republic. The Shirak regional administration must also be prepared. This issue was discussed today in Gyumri by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures, Suren Papikyan.

“In the first ten days of September, I cannot say exactly when, at the Permanent Commission on Territorial Administration, Local Self-Government, Agriculture and Environmental Protection, I will be the one presenting. I will report on the new law on territorial administration, which will immediately follow the approval of the National Assembly, and my promised program for optimization will begin in the regional administrations, which is already prepared,” Suren Papikyan said in a conversation with journalists.

According to the minister, everything will be done in accordance with the law. Two months prior, employees will be notified, and then the new staffing list of the regional administration will be filled in a competitive manner, in line with the actual needs of the region.

The minister also addressed the frequently discussed issue of relocating ministries from Yerevan to Gyumri to ensure balanced development across the regions. “I could make grand announcements now, but we need a foundation for that. We need to have resources, speaking both about material-technical bases and about providing financial means for the corresponding personnel, as well as ensuring residential needs. If we move any agency to Gyumri, and Gyumri is not ready to meet all personnel needs, we need to bring those people to Gyumri. But we cannot pay those people today enough to do that away from their place of residence. In other words, our foot must fit our blanket. It can happen, but step by step,” he noted.

In general, according to Suren Papikyan, the regions of Armenia should develop multi-facetedly, having both heavy and light industry, as well as tourism centers. “By choosing the direction of city development, just as we have financed the revitalization of the historical core of Gyumri, we need to invest that finance in each city, expecting certain results,” the minister explained in a press briefing.

For instance, regarding whether Vayots Dzor can develop both as a tourism center and as a mining industry, Suren Papikyan responded, “I believe it can. There are operating mines there; there are also tourist centers, and we have ample opportunity to develop that tourism. The response to this question is expected on September 4.”