European Business Association Armenia has implemented several projects with Partners since its foundation. Currently EBA develops new projects for the improvement of business environment focusing on different spheres.
Projects implemented by EBA are the following:
1. “Establishment of European Business Association”- 60.000 € – 1.5 year – financed by European Union (EU)
The European Business Association (EBA) was founded in October 2015 under the support of Delegation of the European Union to Armenia. The EBA is a non-governmental organization that brings together more than 120 foreign and local Companies from different sectors. During five years of its active presence in Armenia, EBA has successfully supported representatives of Business Community in Armenia to improve business environment, encourage foreign investments and improve corresponding legislative framework. The EBA helps local businesses in Armenia to voice their needs to Armenian authorities and advocate their interests. Directly and indirectly, EBA provides enhancement of competitiveness of the private sector through company capacity strengthening, increasing the transparency of governance and the improvements in business environment.
2. “Support to European Businesses in Armenia” – 110.000 € – 2 years – financed by European Union (EU)
This was an continuation of the first EU funded project, where 7 business spheres: tax, customs, public procurement, trade regulations, fair competition, law enforcement, access to finance, from the standpoint of obstacles faced by the MSME companies in Armenia were emphasized in activities.
In the scope of the project, EBA Armenia has established sectorial councils of business, such as Lobby and Advocacy Council, Tourism Council, Foreign Investments Council, etc. The councils are another Public-Private Dialogue platforms, having the aim to voice and direct the problems of operation and needs of business development of the companies operating in private sector. In terms of Councils’ activities, EBA conducts semi-annual meetings with the representatives of businesses in that sphere and discusses the current issues businesses face and proposes solutions. Furthermore, EBA follows on solutions, which are provided by Public sector representatives, considering the suggestions, presented by invited sector representatives.
3. “Establish of a Whistle-blowing Platform in Armenia” – 100.000 € – 10 months – financed by European Union (EU), German Development Agency (GIZ)
In November 2017 presentation of the “BizProtect” (www.bizprotect.am) online platform took place. There were presented the opportunities, which are provided for businesses, achievements reached so far and further steps of the development of the platform. This website for business environment reform, corruption risks and crime detection has been created in the scope of “Evidence-based Advocacy for Reform” Project, which is implemented by the Union of Information Technology Enterprises together with the European Business Association and the Armenian Lawyers’ Association.
The platform helps businesses to report their issues in business development and at the same time to remain confidential. The authenticity of the information is examined and tackled within a short time. In order to get the highest level privacy protection, applications are submitted in the TOR Web Browser, which conceals the applicant’s IP address and codes the data.
4. “EaP Civil Society Facility” – 5000 € – 6 months – financed by The Eastern Partnership (EaP)
In the scope of Civil Society Fellowship Programme main issues of women entrepreneurs in Armenia have been revealed and studied to have a clear picture of the overall business environment and obstacles for women owned/women managed small and medium enterprises, hindrances of business development in 2018. Main problems have been highlighted for entrepreneurs and the perception of present issues in Armenia as an investment destination, faced by women owned/ women managed companies, in order to evaluate the achievements, track the changes and possible setbacks during the past period as well.