Local economic development model presented in Akhtala

The presentation of the Local Economic Development (LED) model for Akhtala town and the neighboring communities of Shamlough, Ayrum and Chochkan was held in Akhtala Municipality, which was developed by “Competitive advantages participation evaluation” methodology.
The LED model presentation was organized in the framework of the project “Social and Economic Empowerment of Women in Armenia”, which is implemented by “Armenian Young Women’s Association” NGO and financed by the European Union.
The participants were community economic development stakeholders including local authorities, private sector and civil society representatives. During the event the main economic development directions and perspectives, the competitive advantages, the existing and potential economic relations and local resource-based projects and steps were presented, which will support the local economic development in those communities. The results were presented by the local team and experts. During question and answer session environmental issues were raised.
"The development of the LED model is a very important step on the way of formulating the communities’ development opportunities. We are glad that AYWA team has been able to work with not one but with a group of communities-clusters, at the same time noting prospects of clusters development and cooperation between involved communities.
Through LED model development with participation of all stakeholders included communities will be able to pass on socio-economic more favorable stage at the same time encouraging and promoting community participation in the process",-said AYWA president Lilit Asatryan.

“Social and Economic Empowerment of Women in Armenia” project partners are CISP organization, Lori Marzpetaran and Vanadzor municipality. The project duration is three years, from May 2013 to May 2016. The goal of Social and Economic Empowerment of Women in Armenia Project is to promote the economic capacities of women in Lori region for the improvement of the social and economic situation of women.