View of Ariavan

ARIAVAN, Artsakh—On the occasion of Artsakh’s (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic) 25^th anniversary of Independence, Ariavan village officially started its vibrant community life to provide hope of prosperity and vision of peace to the people of Artsakh. The official inauguration of the community took place on September 3.

Artsakh President Bako Sahakian congratulates the residents of Ariavan

The good news of housewarming came to 25 families that aspire to create their present and future in this place. Another 25 families will receive their houses before the year end. High ranking officials from Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) and Republic of Armenia, led by NKR President Bako Sahakian and Prime Minister Ara Harutiunyan, were present at the inaugural event among other honored guests and members of Ariavan community. Prime of the Diocese of Artsakh, Pargev Archbishop Martirosyan blessed the families and the new households during the ceremony.

The construction of Ariavan started in 2014 thanks to investments of ARI group of companies and cooperation of NKR government. Ariavan stretches at the banks of the Aghavnou River, with 50 houses fully supplied with water and electricity. As the population grows, the community boasts the potential of incorporating 150 houses. Located in the geostrategic region of Kashatagh, that connects Armenia and Artsakh, it has the potential of becoming sustainable rural community thanks to fertile soil and diligent people.

ARI has embarked on reviving the regions of Kashatagh and Nor Shahumyan, through repopulating these areas and investing in agricultural and housing projects. During its 6-year journey of community-building, ARI sustained strong partnership with the local government agencies to reconnect Diasporan Armenians with their ancestral lands and to provide work and shelter to farmers in need.

Stepan De-Bedrossian, the general manager of ARI, interacts with the children of Ariavan at the inauguration event

“The support and commitment of NKR government, determination of the investors and trust of local people helped creating Ariavan. Inspired by this mutual confidence and unparalleled enthusiasm for synergy, ARI commits to multiplying the impact of fostering Artsakh’s economic development and peacebuilding” – said Stepan De-Bedrossian, the general manager of ARI.

ARI does not only stand for a community building but also for a business concept of development, where entrepreneurial spirit of local people as well as generous input and contributions of investors bring their outstanding results. Since 2011 ARI has been implementing a microfinancing project which provides affordable small loans to local farmers to sustain and grow their farming and agribusiness potential.

Fields targeted by ARI are crop production and animal husbandry: both intending to transform the region into an agricultural hub. To this date ARI has invested over 4.0 million USD worth of money into loans. This project has contributed to the well-being of the population which as has increased by nearly 24% in this region. From only 16 shareholders in 2010 ARI has, to this date, a strong community of 180 shareholders from a number of countries in the Diaspora. Population growth and prosperity in this strategically important region is ARI’s prime mission.

ARI’s mission is to contribute to the sustainable development of Kashatagh – Nor Shahoumian/Artsakh by investing in profitable projects & optimizing shareholders return on investment.

ARI was founded in 2009 in response to the influx of Armenian refugees in Kashatagh and Nor Shahoumian. ARI’s aim is to re-populate Kashatagh, a strategic region that links Artsakh to its Armenian motherland. ARI is a business venture with a heart; it balances sound investment opportunities while playing a vital social role.

For more information about ARI and Ariavan www.ariroots.com.