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Armenia: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Armenia
Business culture in Armenia combines formality with a strong emphasis on personal relationships. Establishing trust is important, and initial meetings often focus on getting to know one another before moving into detailed negotiations. Face-to-face interaction is valued, and introductions through mutual contacts can be helpful.
Punctuality is generally expected, particularly in formal or international business settings, though meetings may not always begin precisely on time. Decisions can take time, and patience is appreciated. It is advisable to maintain a respectful and measured tone during discussions, especially when dealing with senior figures.
Dress in business settings is typically conservative and professional. Men usually wear suits for formal meetings, while women tend to opt for business attire that is modest and smart. Business cards are commonly exchanged, and titles are respected.
Armenian is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken in business contexts, and English is increasingly common, particularly among younger professionals and in international sectors. Written contracts are important, and verbal agreements are generally followed up with formal documentation.
Hospitality plays a role in business culture, and invitations to coffee or meals are common. Accepting such invitations is considered polite and can strengthen working relationships.
Armenia has a small but steadily developing economy shaped by its geography, history and regional context. Following independence in 1991, the country transitioned from a Soviet-planned system to a market-based economy, with significant reforms in banking, taxation and private enterprise.
The economy is diverse relative to its size. Key sectors include mining, information technology, agriculture, food processing and services. Armenia is particularly known for its mining industry, producing copper, molybdenum and gold, while agriculture remains important in rural areas, especially for fruit, vegetables and wine production.
In recent years, the technology sector has grown rapidly, earning Armenia a reputation as an emerging IT and innovation hub in the region. A skilled workforce, strong educational traditions in mathematics and engineering, and support for start-ups have helped drive this expansion.
Armenia's landlocked position and closed borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan affect trade routes, making economic links with Georgia, Iran and Russia especially important. Remittances from Armenians living abroad also contribute significantly to the economy.
While challenges remain, including limited natural resources and regional geopolitical tensions, Armenia has developed a resilient and adaptable economic structure that continues to evolve.
Copper ore and concentrates, gold, ferro-molybdenum, precious and semi-precious stones, and brandy.
Natural gas, petroleum products, machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
Keeping in Touch in Armenia
Mobile phone coverage in Armenia is generally good, particularly in Yerevan and other major towns. Signal strength may be weaker in remote mountainous areas, but most populated regions have reliable service.
Armenia has several mobile network operators, including Viva, Team Telecom Armenia and Ucom. Visitors can easily purchase prepaid SIM cards at the airport, mobile phone shops and authorised retailers in cities. A passport is required for SIM registration. Data packages are affordable by European standards and offer good value for short-term travellers.
Roaming charges for foreign SIM cards can be high, so purchasing a local SIM is often the most cost-effective option. 4G services are widely available in urban areas, and 5G coverage is gradually expanding.
Travellers should ensure their phone is unlocked before arrival if they plan to use a local SIM card.
Wi-Fi is widely available in Armenia, particularly in Yerevan. Most hotels, guesthouses, cafés and restaurants in the capital provide free wireless internet, and connection speeds are generally reliable for browsing, messaging and video calls. Larger hotels and business venues typically offer stronger and more stable connections.
In smaller towns and rural areas, Wi-Fi may still be available in hotels and cafés, though speeds can be slower and connections less consistent. Remote mountainous regions may have limited or no internet access.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are available in some central areas of Yerevan, including parks and major squares, though visitors should avoid accessing sensitive information over unsecured networks. For more dependable connectivity while travelling around the country, many visitors choose to use a local SIM card with a data package.
Armenia has a diverse media environment that includes state-owned, private and online outlets. Television remains the most widely consumed source of news and entertainment, with both public and commercial channels operating nationally. News coverage reflects a range of political perspectives, though media freedom has fluctuated in recent years.
Radio is also popular. Stations broadcast in Armenian and Russian, and some international content is available. Print newspapers are published mainly in Armenian, with a smaller number in Russian. English-language print media is limited, though international publications are accessible online.
Online news platforms and social media play an increasingly important role in public discourse. Internet access is widespread in urban areas, and many Armenians rely on digital news sources. Visitors can access international news websites without restriction.
While Armenia generally allows open access to media and the internet, travellers should remain aware that political issues and regional tensions can be sensitive topics in public discussion.
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