The Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE), Armenia’s largest and most prominent association of tech companies, has voiced its concern regarding recent events involving the GG company and its founder, Khachatur Grigoryan, reports Zartonk Media citing UATE’s statment.
UATE, which supports the development of Armenia’s high-tech industry and represents it, emphasized the importance of effective cooperation between the state and the tech community. The UATE also emphasized the importance of effective cooperation between the state and the tech community, and it supports the observance of legal principles in business operations. When legal violations occur, UATE advocates for appropriate consequences.
GG, a prominent member of Armenia’s tech community, has exemplified successful Armenian business for ten years. It has expanded its operations beyond Armenia, becoming a leading player in the local market and abroad. However, recent developments have raised alarm within the tech community, said the UATE.
UATE views the recent events involving GG and its founder as a negative development for the tech community and the broader tech business environment in Armenia for the following main reasons:
- Freedom of Speech and Democratic Society: UATE highlights the importance of freedom of speech and the right to freely express opinions in a democratic society. Allowing business leaders to express their views freely contributes to state-building and democratic processes. Actions that appear to be politically motivated in response to such expressions can hinder business operations and make creative segments of society feel voiceless, undermining democratic development.
- Distinction Between Founder and Company: UATE stresses the need to distinguish between the opinions of a company’s founder and the company’s operations. The founder’s personal views should not impact the business’s ability to function.
- Business Disruption: The search and confiscation of property on June 15, including computers and phones, have disrupted GG’s operations and damaged its business reputation. This disruption is particularly significant as GG has been a major taxpayer for years.
- Political Context of Investigations: UATE points to the investigative actions taken against GG on June 15, following a social media statement by Khachatur Grigoryan, as cause for suspicion. These actions suggest a potential political motive, especially considering the criminal case was initiated in 2023. The confiscation of GG’s property, including computers and phones, disrupts the company’s operations and damages its business reputation.
UATE said the tech community perceives these events as a negative signal that could deter the activities of existing high-tech companies and discourage new investments in Armenia. UATE called on the relevant state bodies to refrain from actions that may lead to selective justice and harm the business environment, thereby hindering the development of the tech industry and discouraging new investments.
UATE’s statement highlights the broader implications of recent events on the Armenian tech industry. The organization’s call for a fair and transparent approach to business operations is essential for maintaining investor confidence and fostering a conducive environment for technological advancement in Armenia.
By addressing these concerns, UATE aims to ensure a supportive environment for technological businesses in Armenia, fostering growth and innovation within the sector.
About UATE:
The Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE) is a prominent entity representing over 150 high-tech companies and multinational organizations operating in Armenia. Established in 2000, UATE was founded as a business association to represent and advocate for the collective interests of companies in the fields of Information Technology (IT), Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and High Technology in Armenia.
UATE unites national and international organizations involved in software, Internet technologies, e-commerce, IT research and development, semiconductor technology, and other specialties. Many of its members hold leading positions in the global market.
Unlike many similar business associations, UATE’s mission extends beyond the narrow interests of its member companies. UATE works closely with the Government of Armenia and numerous private, international, and non-profit organizations to promote the development of the IT sector in Armenia. The organization focuses on education, digitization of society, and the promotion of Armenian technology through flagship programs such as Armath Engineering Labs, DigiTec, and Why Armenia.
