IMF predicts 3% economic growth in Armenia for 2017April 12, 2017 - 18:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The International Monetary Fund expects Armenia's GDP to grow by 3% and annual inflation to reach 2% in 2017, the IMF mission chief Hossein Samiei said on Wednesday, April 12, as the mission completed its visit to Armenia. At a meeting with prime minister Karen Karapetyan in Yerevan, Samiei said the IMF "has received positive signals" about the activity of Karapetyan's government. "We attach great importance to the issue of attracting foreign investments and are happy that the government is taking measures to this end," the IMF mission chief said. "Also, we met with the representatives of the Center for Strategic Initiatives and are pleased to register that active steps are being taken to improve the business environment and promote the attraction of new investments." Karapetyan said, in turn, that the second phase of tax and customs reforms will soon begin. "We are well aware of the situation and are determined to implement reforms in all areas, as we experience efficiency deficit," Karapetyan said. "We'll develop a five-year plan for the development of Armenia in the near future." Armenia's economic growth stood at just 0.2% in 2016. The government has targeted a GDP growth of at least 3.2% for 2017. 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. |