VOA常速英语:U.S. Investment in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia

Executive Vice President of the U.S. government's Overseas Private Investment Corporation, OPIC, David Bohigian and other U.S. government officials traveled to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia this month to promote U.S. investment in those countries.

OPIC is the U.S. Government's development finance institution. It mobilizes private capital to help address critical development challenges and in doing so, advances U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities.

On August 14th, the U.S. delegation met with Armenian Minister of Economic Development and Investments Artsvik Minasyan.

“OPIC seeks to help build a more stable and independent Armenia through projects that adhere to strong standards and deter corruption through transparency,” said Mr. Bohigian. “We seek to further Armenia's development through investments in infrastructure and other key sectors to drive economic growth, create jobs, and provide lasting benefits to the people.”

Mr. Bohigian met with Georgia's Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze in Tbilisi on August 15th. “OPIC investments in Georgia have increased opportunity and prosperity for the Georgian people through projects that emphasize the importance of transparency, stability, quality, and respect for the local community,” said Mr. Bohigian. “Georgia represents both a past example of what can happen when good governance opens the door for private investment and the potential for future investment.”

Meeting August 16th with Azerbaijan government leaders Rufat Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Economy, Fuad Jafarov, Director of Export Promotion at the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation, and Shamil Suleymanli, Head of Administration at the Agency for Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Mr. Bohigian said “Azerbaijan and the region present attractive opportunities for greater U.S. investment, empowering the private sector to help build better lives and communities.

By committing to investments that promote transparency, sustainability, and quality, and respect for the local community and environment, Azerbaijan is committed to a positive path for its people. We look forward to working with the government of Azerbaijan as they move along this path and create the conditions for future U.S. investments that will benefit the economies and peoples of both our nations.”

OPIC currently has almost $168 million invested in the Caucasus. The U.S. is committed to working with its partners Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to promote a transparent and robust economy for the benefit of the U.S, the region, and the world.