Foreign Soccer Referees in Armenia

For the soccer / football fans amongst you!

...Football Federation presided over by Ruben Hayrapetyan has made a decision to adopt the system of alternative judgment which allows to invite foreign referees in order to conduct the central matches of the RA league and the Independence Cup.

Nevertheless, the press secretariat of the Federation informed that the Federation is not going to invite foreign referees, although they already have that right. This method is mainly used in the countries where there are scandals connected with referees.

If nothing else, inviting foreign foreign referees would serve to create stronger friendships between involved countries, regardless of any scandals or other disputes.

Source: A1+

Foreign Investment in Armenia - Returns Since 1997

Ever wondered how much Armenia's largest investors have profited in the past decade? What about foreign investors? This article gives us a glimpse in the ultra-secret world of investing in Armenia.

In 1999, 50% of the company was purchased by Canadian Global Gold Mining Company for $3 million (WB data). In the same year, the latter sold its stake to First Dynasty Mines Ltd (Canada) for approximately $22.1 million.

It is 7 times return on investment.

In December 2004, it [Zangezour Copper Molybdenum combine] was privatized to consortium of companies for $132 million. The major one is Cronimet (German) which purchased 75% controlling skate.

By using data of State Tax Service of paid taxes for year 2005 and I semi-annual period of 2006, internal rate of return is about 84% annually.

Frighteningly amazing, isn't it? Of course, these are only estimates and of course many were conducted with extralegal means.

Hetq's article does a great job of explaining the methodology of the numbers, as well as painting a probably accurate picture of how these huge sums are made in our little country.

Syria Signs Economic and Trade Agreements with Armenia

Here's the story:

Syria and Armenia on Sunday signed three agreements for the economic and trade cooperation within the framework of boosting bilateral cooperation and solving problems and obstacles that hinder its development.

Chainmen of Aleppo Chamber of Commerce Mohmmed Saleh al-Mallah signed with Armenian Chairman of Industry and Trade Chamber Martin Sarkisean a twinship agreement and another one to establish a joint business council between both countries' businessmen.

Good for Armenia, good for Syria!

Source: Sana