The most important principle. The key to the development of Gyumri lies in competent, systematic decisions, an important part of which is made in Yerevan. This was announced by PAP leader Gagik Tsarukyan.

“We don’t have the right to leave Gyumri alone with its problems. The government should support Gyumri to solve key issues.

All important decisions should be made taking into account the suggestions of local authorities and residents. The key to solving Gyumri’s problems lies in Yerevan’s competent approach,” Tsarukyan noted. 

Gyumri with its political, economic and cultural importance is key for our country, the problems of Gyumri are of national importance, so their solutions must be found through unified, coordinated approaches, actively supporting the local authorities. Gyumri needs large-scale, large-scale projects, the full and effective implementation of which requires competent cooperation between local self-government bodies, the government and also the legislative body.

Gyumri occupies a special place in the “Offer to Armenia” program. We offer seven unique development projects in accordance with the significance and potential of the city.

Project 1. Gyumri – Northern Gateway

Perceiving Gyumri as our real “Northern Gate” will allow turning Shirak’s geographical position into a long-term economic advantage.

The key decisions necessary for the implementation of this plan are:
• Completion of the construction of the road to Bavra,
• modernization of border infrastructures,
• Development of the Kars-Gyumri logistics route,
• creation of warehouse, service and logistics jobs,
• Gyumri airport-border-business connection.
The project results in increased trade, transit, investment and employment.

Project 2: Industrial capital

The potential of engineering, textile masters, high-class workers and other specialists in the field of light industry for decades allows to make Gyumri the capital of light industry of the South Caucasus again.

– According to the RA Law “On Industrial Policy”, the Shirak Industrial Zone should be launched in Gyumri with all the necessary infrastructure, tax benefits and other essential conditions for business organization.

– Gyumri has the potential to become the modern fashion center of Armenia, developing the industry of both national costumes and modern model clothes.

– Gyumri can also become an engineering city, if the educational programs of higher educational institutions are aimed at the field of high-tech industry, filling it with local personnel.

– It is necessary to sensibly restore and restart a number of system-building factories, including the famous “Stone Processing Machine” enterprise of Gyumri, making it an important part of the stone processing chain of the republic.

Project 3: Logistics center

With its economic and geographical position, Gyumri can claim to become the regional logistics center. The possible reopening of the route to Georgia and Gyumri-Kars will make the city a busy railway junction.

Adequate logistics capabilities should be put into operation around the city: warehouses, loading and unloading cranes, parking lots for large and heavy vehicles and technical service stations.

This investment project can be implemented through the formation of a joint consortium of large exporting-importing companies.

Project 4. City of small and medium business.

The essence of the project: to create conditions in which living and earning in Gyumri (Shirak) is more profitable than leaving.

• preferential lending to small and medium enterprises with state guarantees
• presence of all important banks
• support for innovative business
• promotion of service sector activity
• industry sector promotion
• preservation and development of crafts
• encouraging creative industries
• Establishment and development of “Made in Gyumri” brand. Result: jobs, income growth, development of self-employment and reduction of migration.

Project 5: Sports capital of Armenia

Pathos is justified here. pride, discipline, international image. The essence of the project is to make sports a basis for education, healthcare and social mobility.

The project should be based on government decisions on the following points:
• Location and construction of national sports facilities in Shirak marz
• creation of sports centers for youth teams
• free sports schools and groups for all children
• State funding of the coaching system and infrastructure
• regular holding of national and international competitions.
Gyumri should be made a recognized center of major international tournaments.

 Project 6: Healthy City Model for Emulation

A city without drugs and other harmful addictions, with a developed environment of a healthy lifestyle. The essence of the project is a comprehensive state program aimed at protecting children and young people, creating a healthy lifestyle and creating a safe urban environment.
Measures implemented by the state.
• prevention of drug and other addictions in schools (life skills, mental health);
• school psychologists and social workers at the expense of the state,
• free access for children and teenagers to sports, clubs and groups,
• early medical and psychological help,
• rehabilitation and social adaptation without stigma,
• tough and systematic fight against drug trafficking,
• improvement and lighting of public spaces,
• implementation of environmental projects
In the foreseeable future, Gyumri will become the first city in Armenia with a sustainable model of a healthy and safe urban environment that is applicable at the national level.

Project 7: A city of traditions and new visions
To combine the historical identity of Gyumri with modern development and opportunities created for young people.

State support with the following points:
• preservation and restoration of historic districts
• regular calendar of festivals and fairs
• support for theater and concert life
• development of crafts and creative spaces
• youth involvement in cultural and urban projects.
The result: a vibrant city with a strong identity, cultural tourism and a modern urban environment.

???? Gyumri today has many big and small problems in various fields, starting from the problem of the abundance of stray dogs and the scarcity of children’s playgrounds to the fields of employment, urban planning, transport, environmental protection (cleaning the river, increasing green zones, air quality). These are all important issues that require a systematic, thoughtful approach.

In particular, the problem of stray dogs has created a lot of tension for the residents of the city in recent years. To solve this problem, we have developed a systematic program, which after successfully implementing it in Gyumri, we can use it as a working model in other cities and communities of the republic.

We must distinguish which of the existing issues can be fully resolved solely by the efforts of the local government, and which need the active intervention of Yerevan. The implementation of our proposed large projects will not only lead to the immediate solution of some of the urgent issues on the ground, in Gyumri and the surrounding communities, but will also have a positive and visible impact on the life of the entire republic.

—