Armenia posts average salary increase, with no major drop in povertyOctober 21, 2013 - 19:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Average monthly salary totaled AMD 150 130 in Armenia in September 2013 increasing by 5,8%, as compared with the same period in 2012. As the RA National Statistical Service reported, 3,9% and 8,7% growth was recorded in salaries of budgetary and private organizations in September 2013 against 2012 results, totaling AMD 119 403 and AMD 183 997 respectively. The 2013-2017 governmental program envisages annual salary increase to AMD 50 thous. in 2014, AMD 55 thous. in 2015, AMD 62,5 thous. in 2016, AMD 70 thous. in 2017. According to amendments to the Law on minimum monthly salary, the minimum salary amount was increased by 30% to AMD 45 thous. which required allocation of additional budget funds to the amount of AMD 6 billion. The new salary system will be implemented in Armenia starting January 1, 2014 with AMD 50 billion in budgetary funds to be extended. On August 28, President Serzh Sargsyan stated that in 2017, the minimal salary in Armenia will reach AMD 90 thous. Nevertheless, according to World Bank data, 32,5% of Armenia’s population are beyond the poverty line. Armenia’s Finance Ministry put the poverty rate in 2012 at 33,1%, with a 1% drop forecasted in 2013. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |