Armenia has joined the U.S.-led Trade over Aid initiative, viewing it as an innovative approach to international development cooperation that prioritizes trade, investment and economic resilience over traditional aid, Deputy Foreign Minister Robert Abisoghomonyan said at the initiative’s forum in New York on July 13.
Addressing the forum, Abisoghomonyan reaffirmed Armenia’s readiness to actively contribute to the initiative, noting that its emphasis on strengthening national capacities, attracting investment, fostering economic growth and enhancing resilience closely aligns with the country’s development priorities.
He also highlighted the active involvement of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the initiative, saying the organization’s expertise could make a significant contribution to governance and institutional reforms, human capital development, connectivity and long-term inclusive economic growth.
Presenting Armenia’s economic agenda, the deputy foreign minister said the government is pursuing a policy of economic diversification by expanding access to new markets and transport routes while reducing structural dependence on a limited number of sectors. He stressed that Armenia is steadily transitioning toward a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy by promoting innovation, supporting competitive small and medium-sized enterprises, and investing in human capital.
Abisoghomonyan noted that achieving these goals requires a peaceful and stable regional environment, predictable international supply chains, diversified transport corridors, trade facilitation and stronger digital connectivity.
Speaking about Armenia-U.S. strategic economic cooperation, he presented the TRIPP regional connectivity project as a platform for creating new opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation while contributing to sustainable peace and stability in the South Caucasus. He outlined the project’s key principles, which are enshrined in the strategic cooperation framework agreement on TRIPP signed between Armenia and the United States.
The deputy foreign minister also highlighted the Firebird AI data center under construction in Armenia as a flagship example of strategic cooperation between Armenia and the United States in advanced technologies. He said the investment project, involving NVIDIA, Dell Technologies and other leading American companies, will accelerate the development of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure while positioning Armenia as a regional technology hub.
Abisoghomonyan further pointed to expanding bilateral cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, referring to the conclusion of negotiations on the 123 Agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, as well as the signing of a framework memorandum on securing supplies of critical minerals and rare earth elements through extraction and processing.
He also reviewed recent developments in deepening Armenia’s trade integration with the European Union.
The Trade over Aid initiative, launched by the U.S. administration on April 27, 2026, brings together UN member states, the private sector and UN agencies to promote business-friendly environments and sustainable economic growth based on free-market principles.
