Consultation Held Under the Leadership of Nikol Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan led a consultation today dedicated to the agenda of Armenia's digital transformation. Opening the discussion, Prime Minister Pashinyan stated, "We have a fairly extensive digital agenda, but unfortunately, we do not have the results we expect in advancing that agenda. Here, we also have the issue of decision-making, and as a result of the discussions, the idea has emerged that we resolve the issue of the agency that will promote or manage the digitization process. It has been suggested that we delegate this matter to the Central Bank, considering the rationale that the Central Bank and the banking system have a ‘live interest’ in the process. Especially as we study experiences now and try to understand how the process has occurred in countries that have achieved serious success in this domain, we come to the conclusion that it is crucial for digital processes to have practical, vital significance for people in their daily lives and to be applicable.

On the other hand, we need to develop the processes in such a way that working with digital platforms becomes inevitable for people.”

Next, Central Bank President Martin Galstyan and Vice-President Nerses Yeritsyan presented a proposal regarding the formation of a digital society and economy. It was noted that this proposal has been developed based on international best practices, the challenges of technological transformation, and the current results of digitization in Armenia. The proposal is based on the idea of forming an electronic economy on the principles of an ecosystem and inclusive and secure digital transformation through digital solutions. It is proposed to implement measures in the areas of digital reforms, data interoperability and management system formation, mass application of electronic identification, ensuring cybersecurity, developing internet access business models, and fostering digital literacy and skills, as well as promoting electronic commerce and services. The expected outcome is the simultaneous digital transformation of society, economy, and government and the creation of a unified national digital services platform.

The involvement of professional experts in the process is planned, along with the introduction of a system of evaluation indicators to measure the progress of the digital economy and its socio-economic impacts.

In relation to the topic, an exchange of ideas took place; questions related to the structure of the digital process management system, financing mechanisms, the involvement of professional teams, and raising public awareness were discussed, and several proposals were presented.

Summarizing the consultation, the Prime Minister noted that the most important priority of digital transformation should be the mass application of electronic identification, the interoperability of digital platforms, and ensuring cybersecurity. Nikol Pashinyan instructed the responsible parties to begin the implementation process of the proposal, taking into account the results of the discussion.