Armenia carries out pension reform

Armenian parliament has approved a package of bills on introduction of amendments to the Law on Pension, envisaging transfer to funded pension scheme. In all, the process will be regulated 5 laws and 47 amendments.

June 26, 2010
As a rule, innovations are perceived with distrust and apprehensions: how this reform will be carried out.

Armenia continues economic reform process for tree trade zone creation

Nerses Yeritsyan: the reforms are aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Armenia’s economy and increasing the country’s export potential

June 19, 2010
The 9th EU-Armenia Subcommittee meeting on trade, economic and related legal issues was held in Yerevan this week. The topics under discussion at the subcommittee included macroeconomic developments in Armenia, recent developments in the EU-Armenia bilateral trade, prospects for establishing an EU-Armenia Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, developments in a number of trade and investment related regulatory areas such as technical regulations and standards, sanitary and phytosanitary issues, intellectual property rights and tax & customs issues. The subcommittee will also discussed EU trade-related assistance to Armenia, including preparations of the new Comprehensive Institution Building (CIB) program.

Armenia holds potential to construct small hydropower plants

Developing renewable energy industry, Armenia can export electricity.

June 15, 2010
The International Financial Corporation (IFC) experts believe that Armenia holds the biggest potential in the Caucasus to construct hydropower plants. It is important to have renewable energy sources inside the country, as currently Armenia is importing 2/3 of energy sources.

Armenia overcame crisis with minimal losses

The government believes that the 2010 indices will exceed expectations.

June 12, 2010
With a single vote against, the Armenian National Assembly approved June 10 the report on 2009 national budget execution. “The year 2009 was a serious challenge for our economic and financial system,” Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said in his remarks during the discussion of the 2009 national budget execution.

World prices drop, Armenian prices grow

The continuous rise in prices for foodstuff will hit the Armenian residents in their wallets.

June 5, 2010
1% inflation was registered in the Armenian consumer market in May 2010, prices for foodstuff rising by 1,8% and for nonfoods by 0,9%. The inflation is mostly being explained by the rise in prices for fruit and vegetables by 10,4-16,7%. According to statistical data, the consumer price index made 106,3% as compared to the same period of 2009.

Harvest won’t be rich this year

Interest-free loans can partially help farmers prepare for the next season.

June 5, 2010
Harvest will not be rich this year. Late frosts, pelting rains and hail damaged 30-40% of apricots. According to preliminary calculations, 30 000–45 000 tons will be gathered against 85 000 tons reaped last year. Presently, the price for 1kg of apricots is AMD 2000 ($5). Sweet cherries cost AMD 700-900, apples are sold for AMD 700-800. The prices for vegetables are not law either: cucumbers cost AMD 300-400 while tomatoes are sold for AMD 600-800.

Armenia as a part of global economy

Armenia’s GDP index and budget execution prompt the republic is surviving the crisis, but the growing state debt is creating new risks.

June 1, 2010
Despite the GDP growth, international financial organizations are not optimistic about Armenia’s capability to overcome the crisis, naming the lack of raw material resources and dependence on foreign financial sources as the main problems.

Armenian government highlights territorial development

Territorial disproportion is a major problem Armenia is facing and a comprehensive approach should be demonstrated to resolve it.

May 29, 2010
Territorial disproportion is a major problem Armenia is facing. Yerevan, like other capital cities of overloaded, what hampers social and economic development of the republic. To resolve the issue, a comprehensive approach should be demonstrated.

Macroeconomic forecasts for Armenia revised

Tigran Sargsyan: we should be consistent to maintain the pace in 2011-2012

May 22, 2010
The National Statistical Service has published the data for January-April 2010, according to which, 7.2% GDP growth was recorded in Armenia as compared with the same period of 2009. The GDP amounted to AMD 777.6bln in April. Besides, 8% growth was recorded in consumer prices in the reported period as compared with the 2009 index.

Poverty reduction in Armenia possible through boosting agricultural production

By the World Bank’s estimate, poverty in Armenia may reach 27,9% in 2010.

May 17, 2010
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Conference for Europe and Central Asia kicked off in Marriott hotel, Yerevan, Armenia, on May 13, with high-ranking officials from 41 FAO member countries, EU (Member Organization), observers from EU Council, UN and Holy See of Vatican participating.
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