Gyumri, Shirak Province, Armenia – The “Proposal to Armenia” program has unveiled seven ambitious projects designed to revitalize Gyumri, positioning it as a pivotal center for economic, social, and cultural development in Armenia. These proposals emphasize a collaborative approach between local authorities and the government in Yerevan to unlock the city’s full potential.
Gyumri: The Northern Gateway
The first project envisions Gyumri as Armenia’s true northern gateway. This involves completing the road to Bavra, modernizing border infrastructure, developing the Gyumri-Kars logistics route, and creating new employment opportunities in warehousing, services, and logistics. The initiative also aims to strengthen the connection between Gyumri Airport, the border, and local businesses, anticipating a significant boost in trade, transit, investment, and employment.
Industrial Capital of the South Caucasus
Leveraging decades of expertise in light industry, engineering, and textiles, the second project aims to re-establish Gyumri as the light industry capital of the South Caucasus. Key components include establishing the Shirak Industrial Zone with necessary infrastructure and tax incentives, fostering a modern fashion industry, and developing Gyumri as an engineering city by aligning higher education programs with high-tech industries. The plan also includes the intelligent restoration of key enterprises, such as the “Karmshakmekena” plant, to integrate it back into the country’s stone processing chain.
Regional Logistics Hub
Gyumri’s strategic economic and geographical location makes it an ideal candidate to become a regional logistics center. With the potential reopening of the route to Georgia and the Gyumri-Kars railway, the city could become a bustling railway junction. The project proposes developing comprehensive logistics capabilities around the city, including warehouses, loading and unloading facilities, large vehicle parking, and technical service stations. This investment project could be realized through a consortium of major exporting and importing companies.
City of Small and Medium Businesses
This project aims to create an environment where living and working in Gyumri (Shirak) is more profitable than migrating. It includes preferential lending for small and medium-sized enterprises with state guarantees, ensuring the presence of all major banks, supporting innovative businesses, promoting the service and industrial sectors, preserving and developing crafts, and establishing the “Made in Gyumri” brand. The expected outcomes are increased employment, income growth, self-employment, and reduced migration.
Armenia’s Sports Capital
The fifth project seeks to transform Gyumri into Armenia’s sports capital, making sports a foundation for education, health, and social mobility. This involves government decisions to locate and construct national sports facilities in Shirak Province, create sports centers for youth teams, provide free sports schools and clubs for all children, and state funding for coaching systems and infrastructure. Gyumri is also envisioned as a recognized center for major international competitions.
Model for a Healthy City
This initiative aims to make Gyumri a model for a healthy city, free from drug and other harmful addictions, with a developed healthy lifestyle environment. The state-sponsored comprehensive program focuses on protecting children and youth, promoting healthy living, and creating a safe urban environment. Measures include drug prevention in schools, state-funded school psychologists and social workers, free access to sports and clubs for children, early medical and psychological assistance, and a systemic fight against illicit drug trafficking. The project also includes improving public spaces, lighting, and implementing environmental initiatives.
City of Traditions and New Visions
The seventh project seeks to combine Gyumri’s historical identity with modern development and opportunities for youth. State support will focus on preserving and restoring historical districts, establishing a regular calendar of festivals and fairs, supporting theater and concert life, developing crafts and creative spaces, and engaging youth in cultural and urban projects. The outcome is a vibrant city with a strong identity, cultural tourism, and a modern urban environment.
These comprehensive projects aim to address various challenges in Gyumri, from stray animals and lack of playgrounds to employment, urban planning, transport, and environmental issues. The proposed solutions are designed to be systemic and thoughtful, with a particular focus on issues requiring intervention from Yerevan. The successful implementation of these large-scale projects is expected to have a positive and visible impact across the entire republic.
Source: pastinfo.am
