Hrach Keshishyan. Trade Routes & Nation Branding: How Transport Accessibility Shapes Armenia’s Export Marketing

Date: March 15, 2025
Time: 12:00 GMT+4
Format: Online Masterclass

Armenia’s story as a crossroads of civilizations is more relevant than ever in a world defined by connectivity and trade. This masterclass invites you to trace the journey from Armenia’s place on the ancient Silk Road to its new ambitions as a transit hub linking North and South, East and West. The session brings together the historical perspective and the modern reality of new corridors and infrastructure projects, including the Armenia–Iran–India route, the North–South Road Corridor, and the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative. Each represents not just a logistical achievement, but a new narrative for nation branding—presenting Armenia as an open, forward-thinking, and reliable partner.

We’ll discuss how these new routes and strategic projects influence the country’s export potential and international reputation. The conversation will touch on marketing strategies that go hand-in-hand with logistics, highlighting opportunities for Armenian exporters in agriculture, technology, and other sectors. Alongside these opportunities, we’ll address the diplomatic context, the complexities of regional cooperation, and the challenges of border management.

Agenda

The masterclass opens with a look at the legacy of Armenia’s position on historic trade routes and what it has meant for the nation’s commercial and cultural identity. We then turn to current developments, unpacking the specifics of new transit corridors and exploring their strategic impact. You’ll gain insights into how transport accessibility can be woven into effective export marketing campaigns, turning infrastructure into a story that resonates with global partners and investors. The session also features a practical segment where participants will map out potential export routes and brainstorm nation branding ideas rooted in Armenia’s new infrastructure landscape. Throughout, there will be space for questions and open discussion, ensuring the session is interactive and directly relevant to participants’ interests.

About the Speaker

Hrach Keshishyan serves as a Diplomatic Attaché in the Protocol Service of Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is currently a master’s student in International Relations at Russian-Armenian University. Hrach’s work places him at the intersection of logistics, diplomacy, and export policy. He has been directly involved in official discussions and presentations of the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, giving him first-hand knowledge of Armenia’s latest efforts to build bridges—both literally and figuratively—across the region. With his combined diplomatic and academic perspective, Hrach is uniquely positioned to guide participants through the opportunities and challenges facing Armenia on the global stage.

This masterclass is designed for professionals and students in export, government, diplomacy, consulting, and anyone interested in the power of logistics and branding at a national level. Join us online to learn how Armenia’s transport networks can drive not only trade, but reputation and international opportunity.

Registration is closed