To better familiarize himself with the problems of the banking sector, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan held a working meeting that brought together heads of 21 commercial banks operating in the Republic of Armenia.

This week Yerevan hosted the first-ever interregional Armenian-Russian forum which brought together officials from Armenian provinces and Russian administrative centers.

Agriculture seemed to be forgotten over the past years in Armenia and only in 2010, when unfavorable weather conditions resulted in a significant slump, the authorities came to senses and addressed the pressing problems.

Challenged by high inflation rate, the Armenian government has launched various agricultural programs and resolved to bring down the gas prices for poor families. Thus, from April 1, 2011, 60 thousand of needy families will pay a lower price for the natural gas. The measure has become possible due to the changes effected in the energy system, specifically modernization of the Yerevan heat power plant. The consumers who use up to 300 cu m of gas will be given special coupons which will allow then to pay AMD 100 for a cu m. Those consuming more than 300 cu m will pay the standards price set at AMD 132.

In a hurry to make up for lost time and mend the agriculture gaps which suffered bad damages last year, the Armenian government announced the field to be a priority in 2011 and launched various projects to improve the situation.

All EU panels are ready to provide Armenia with comprehensive consultations to promote implementation of reforms and improvement of the quality of life in the country, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan stated, summing up the results of his 3-day visit to Brussels.

Japan disaster reminds that provision of nuclear power plant safety in Armenia, as well as infrastructures, securing its uninterrupted work must be in the focus of attention, according to Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, who said a discussion involving international specialists will be held, to obtain expert advice on efforts to be taken to provide the nuclear power plant safety.

Predictably, the inflation rate continues growing in Armenia and, according to forecasts, it will approach 10% in the first half of 2011. According to the updated statistical data, 1.9% inflation rate was recorded in Armenia's consumer market in February compared to January 2011. The inflation is basically conditioned by 1.5% and 3.4% growth in prices for foodstuff (including alcoholic beverages and cigarettes) and tariffs for services respectively. Prices for non-foods also grew by 0.6% during the reporting period.

According to 2010 Investors Without Borders, it will take 18 days to register business in Armenia while neighboring Georgia offers 4 days to accomplish the procedure, attracting more investors. Besides, Georgia is described as a country completely open for investments.

The population of Armenia can take a breath and stop worrying about possible rise in prices for natural gas.