France-Armenia Forum: A Strengthened Partnership and a New Branch for the CCIFA

On Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Hôtel de Région in Lyon hosted the 2nd Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes - Armenia Economic Forum, co-organized by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region and the French-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFA). Dedicated this year to the strategic sectors of agri-food and agritourism, this major event brought together nearly 230 French and Armenian economic, institutional, and consular actors, all driven by a shared ambition: To accelerate cooperation and turn new business opportunities between the two territories into reality.

A Strong and Lasting Regional Cooperation

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Armenia share deep historical, human, and cultural ties, supported by one of the most vibrant Armenian communities in Europe. Since 2023, this partnership has intensified, with a particular focus on the Syunik Governorate centered around five priority areas: Health, agriculture, vocational training, tourism, and the Francophonie.

Following an initial economic forum dedicated to energy in November 2024 and the delegation led to Armenia in June 2025 by Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, this second edition reaffirmed the joint commitment to structuring and sustaining these economic exchanges over the long term.

Agri-Food and Agritourism: Complementary Sectors of Excellence

The morning opened with official remarks from Mr. Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, and Mr. Arman Khojoyan, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, in the presence of Mr. Philippe Meunier, Regional Vice-President for International Relations.

The proceedings continued with a joint presentation of regional and national economic dynamics, led by Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Entreprises and Enterprise Armenia, providing participating businesses with a clear overview of investment and export opportunities.

Two thematic panel discussions structured the exchanges:

• Agri-Food Trade: Exporting, Importing, Investing, and Innovating

Moderated with the support of industry professionals and institutional leaders - including Mr. Jérémy Thien, Regional Councillor and President of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Gourmand - this session focused on the entire value chain, from processing and packaging to market access, identifying concrete synergies between regional expertise and Armenian products.

• Agritourism and Rural Development

This second highlight showcased key drivers for rural appeal and shared successful case studies, such as the partnership established in 2020 with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Wine Committee to structure the Armenian wine industry and expand wine tourism.

A Historic Milestone: Official Launch of CCIFA Lyon

The day was also marked by a landmark event for the consular network: The official inauguration of the Lyon branch of the French-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in the presence of Mr. Armen Mnatzakanian, President of the CCIFA, and Mr. Raffi Derderian, President of the Lyon branch.

Founded in 1992 in Marseille, the CCIFA achieves a major strategic milestone by establishing a local presence at the heart of France’s second-largest economic region. This new office will provide on-the-ground support to regional companies navigating exports, investments, and expansion into Armenia, while strengthening the network of French-Armenian economic stakeholders.

Exceptional Diplomatic Engagement and Future Prospects

The forum concluded with remarks from key institutional and diplomatic figures:

• H.E. Mr. Florian Escudié, Ambassador of France to Armenia;
• H.E. Mr. Arman Khachatryan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to France;
• Mr. Laurent Wauquiez, Member of Parliament, Special Advisor to the Region, and President of the France-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group.

All speakers praised the high quality of discussions and reaffirmed a collective determination to build on the momentum generated by the event. This ongoing drive will continue over the coming months through targeted trade missions and the participation of Armenian representatives at major international regional gatherings, such as SIRHA Lyon 2027 and the Sommet de l’Élevage 2027 in Clermont-Ferrand.

Networking and Conviviality

To conclude this successful gathering, participants gathered for a networking reception featuring signature culinary products from Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, complimented by a special Armenian brandy presentation hosted by Chef Alain Alexanian. This convivial moment allowed entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and key speakers to extend their conversations and sketch out future partnerships.

The CCIFA Lyon team remains at your service to support your growth projects and initiatives in Armenia.