Armenian PM says forming EAEU single digital space is relevant

YEREVAN. Feb 3 (Interfax) - Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has emphasized the importance of creating a single digital space within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

"Forming a single digital space as part of Eurasian integration remains important to us. In this context, I'd note the significance and the high relevance of instruments of the system of interstate information exchanges, the creation and development of digital projects with an integration effect," Pashinyan said at the plenary session of the Digital Almaty 2023 international forum.

For Armenia, the development of the digital economy has always been a key priority, the prime minister said.

"Armenia's IT sector grew by over 50% in 2022, with the share of the IT and communications sector in Armenia's GDP continuously increasing. We have been providing sectoral state government support to IT businesses. Last year, more than 1,000 startups received serious tax privileges," he said.

Broad application of regulatory sandboxes should be among the pillars of the EAEU's digital agenda, Pashinyan said.

"Special regulatory sandboxes will help reduce the implementing timeline of digital transformation projects and increase their quality, thus expediting the launch of pan-Eurasian digital projects," he said.

He also noted the importance of speeding up the signing of an international data sharing agreement.

International and regional cooperation is a critical instrument for achieving the goals of Armenia's sustainable digital development, the prime minister said. He proposed launching discussions on the prospects of using the Travel Without Covid-19 app as "an epidemiological shield" and a trust mechanism for transfers of crucial medical information.

Armenia and Russia were the first countries to join the Travel Without Covid-19 and Work in the EAEU platforms, he said.

"Our involvement demonstrates the efficiency of cooperation and the cumulative effect of integrating the advantages of national services. We support the Russian government's proposal to join a project to create national segments and support recruiting a skilled workforce to facilitate the growth of our national economies and the economies of the EAEU as a whole," Pashinyan said.