China interested in cooperating with Armenia under Academic Town  project  

ArmInfo. Armenia and China discussed the possibilities of implementing joint programs in the educational field. This was reported by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia, referring to the results of the meeting between Deputy Minister Artur Martirosyan and Secretary General of the Central Asian International Alliance for Innovation in Education Chen Lu.

In particular, Secretary General Chen Lu stated that the Chinese side  is interested in cooperation with Armenia within the framework of the  Academic Town strategic initiative.

Deputy Minister of Education and Science Artur Martirosyan, welcoming  the readiness of the Chinese side, emphasized that "Academic Town" is  one of the largest programs of the Armenian government, the goal of  which is to significantly improve the conditions for organizing  higher education, research and scientific work.

In this context, he touched upon the state program for the  development of education until 2030 approved last year as the main  strategic document. Presenting the action plan envisaged in the field  of higher education, Artur Martirosyan noted that ambitious goals and  actions are aimed at creating an internationally competitive  educational system, as well as attracting foreign students.

The Academic Town will be built on the territory adjacent to the 17th  quarter of Yerevan. Government of Armenia January 4 this year adopted  a draft resolution "On recognition of priority public interest in  relation to certain territories located within the administrative  boundaries of the city of Yerevan and the settlement of Sasunik of  the Ashtarak community of Aragatsotn region", for the purpose of  constructing the Academic Town. According to the explanation to this  decision, the territory of the Yerevan 17th quarter, within the  boundaries of which are located land plots owned by the state and the  community, as well as land plots owned by individuals and legal  entities, as well as the territory occupied by the film studio  "Ayfilm" named after. Amo Beknazaryan will be transferred to the  Academic Town Foundation.

On April 21, 2023, the Academic Town Foundation was created. On  October 19, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the concept of the  Academic Town program. The Minister of Education, Science, Culture  and Sports of Armenia Zhanna Andresyan, presenting the project,  stated that, according to the state development program of Armenia  until 2030, it is planned to create an Academic Town as a modern  environment for quality education and research. Andreasyan said that  up to 16 universities will be located on the territory of Academic  Town - up to 8 state consolidated and up to 8 private or  international higher educational institutions.

"Currently, the concept describes in detail 4 clusters -  technological, arts, educational and officer. The academic town is  adjacent to one highway; it will be connected to Yerevan and the  railway, part of which already passes through the main section. It is  planned that movement around the territory of Academy Town will have  special regulations - by bicycle, electric transport and other means.  About 44,000 people will work and live here," the minister said.

On the territory of Academic Town it is also planned to build  research centers, production experimental centers, agricultural  experimental arable land, a sleeping or residential area, a  multifunctional concert hall, a cinema and theater, halls for various  sports, as well as the necessary living conditions for a healthy  lifestyle. It is also planned to house a national stadium with a  capacity of up to 35 thousand spectators and swimming pools. "There  will be three stages - design, which will begin in October and end in  September 2025, construction - from October 2025 and end in December  2029, and maintenance, which will begin in full from January 2030,"  Zhanna Andreasyan said earlier.