YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–During the days of culture of Armenia organized as part of the "Expo-2000" international exhibition in Hannover–representatives of the Armenian and German governmen’s discussed specific issues of the Armenian-German cooperation.
At his news conference Deputy Minister of Finance of Germany Diller expressed satisfaction with the Armenian pavilion and pointed out that the composition of the delegation of Armenian businessmen testifies to the existence of specific economic programs.
Responding to the questions of German journalists–Minister of Industry and Trade of Armenia Karen Chshmaritian said that the Armenian-German economic cooperation tends to develop despite a certain social and political risk in Armenia. In particular–transport–scientific and technical cooperation was established with the German Daimler Chrysler company–and a leasing company is expected to be founded. The minister also pointed out that another German company–"Kier W" promotes the development of small and medium business. Chshmaritian also made a high appraisal of the cooperation with the GTZ company which is assisting Armenia in becoming a WTO member under TACIS as well as in implementing the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union. He said that negotiations are being conducted with the Nord-deutsche Affinerie enterprise for the construction a copper-smelting plant in Armenia–and a protocol of intents was signed.
The Armenian government members also held meetings with executives of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development–Ministry of Culture of Saxonia-Algalt,and German Company for Investment Development.