AUA-AEA: A Collaboration that Fosters Knowledge Sharing and Advancement

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On June 22-24, 2023, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics (CBE) hosted the 13th Annual Meeting of the Armenian Economic Association (AEA). The assembly was held at AUA in a hybrid format of in-person and online presentations, with a third day, June 24, held at the Armenian State University of Economics in Gyumri.

Under the leadership of Dr. Gurgen Aslanyan, president of AEA and AUA Master of Science in Economics (MSE) program chair, this year’s annual meeting focused on promoting economic literacy and research in Armenia. It also sought to enhance the curricula of various economics programs in Armenian higher education institutions, stimulate policy-based research, and grow interest in studying Armenia-related topics. 

The annual meeting is AEA’s flagship event held in Armenia every June. This year’s program featured several acclaimed economists, including Fernando Broner from the Barcelona School of Economics, Ana Maria Herrera from the University of Kentucky, Oleg Itskhoki from the University of California Los Angeles, Branko Milanovic from the City University of New York, and Mehdi Raissi from the International Monetary Fund, as well as CBE faculty members Dr. Gayane Barseghyan, chair of the BA in Business program, Dr. Wonkyu Shin, adjunct lecturer at CBE, and Tamara Galstyan, (MSE ’23).

Dr. Narek Ohanyan, a visiting professor at AUA and a recent graduate from Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, was presented the prestigious Grigor Artsruni Award given yearly by AEA to the most promising young economist. Previous recipients of this award were Sevag Agop, CBE assistant professor, and David Adunts (MSE ’15).   

The collaboration between AUA and AEA continues to grow strong, realizing a productive partnership that consistently supports AEA initiatives, including its annual meetings and other activities. The AUA-AEA relationship demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing education and research in economics in Armenia. Also, this collaboration has facilitated fruitful exchanges of knowledge, expertise, and resources between AUA’s CBE and AEA, enriching the academic and research environment in economics. Together, AUA and AEA have successfully contributed to research-based activities, improved economics curricula in Armenian institutions, and encouraged researchers to explore Armenia-related topics in economics. The  AUA-AEA partnership demonstrates the dedication of both organizations to advancing knowledge and fostering economic growth in Armenia.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.

Media Coverage:

[Arm Radio] AUA-AEA: A Collaboration that Fosters Knowledge Sharing and Advancement