Russia Launches 1.7 Million USD Support Program for Armenian Regions

In December 2020, a new program titled "Social-Economic Recovery and Strengthening of Armenian Regions" will be launched with funding from Russia, according to the Russian Embassy in Armenia. The program's budget is calculated for three years, amounting to a total of 1.7 million USD.

The main goal of the new initiative is to assist the regions in overcoming the negative social and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Several programs are being implemented with the support of Russian financial aid through UN agencies. The total volume of ongoing support programs exceeds 55 million USD.

Among them is the "Sustainable School Meals" program, under which nearly 100,000 students will receive food packages during the current academic year amid the pandemic. This initiative's fourth phase started in 2019, which is planned to be conducted until 2023, with an allocated budget of 18 million USD. In total, 25 million USD has been provided by Russia for the implementation of this program.

Another initiative is aimed at supporting inclusive economic development in the border regions of Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor, with a budget of 2.8 million USD designated for its implementation until 2022.

The project focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of the export-oriented industry in Armenia through modernization and market expansion has a total financing volume of 2.2 million USD.

Moreover, a program aimed at improving the effectiveness of providing essential services to persons with limited capabilities is calculated until 2022, with a total budget of 3 million USD.

Since 2012, the technical assistance program for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries has been operational (extended until 2021). For the third phase of the program from 2019 to 2021, 1.2 million USD has been allocated.

In total, the overall volume of programs implemented with Russian financial support amounts to 67 million USD.