Armenia economic activity shrank 4.9% during MarchApril 27, 2020 - 17:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Economic activity in Armenia shrank by 4.9% in March year-on-year, data from the National Statistical Service reveals. Economic activity in the country has contracted as a result of a lockdown imposed in mid-March in a bid to curb the Covid-19 outbreak. In the reporting period, construction and trade declined by 26.2% and 9.9%, respectively, while the industrial sector contracted by 14%. Foreign trade turnover decreased by 16% year-on-year, exports were down by 17․2%. Armenia has extended the state of emergency in the country by May 14 and restricted the movement of citizens. So far, 1808 cases have been reported in the country, 848 people have recovered, 29 have died from the virus. 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. |