5% tourism growth expected in Armenia in 2010

Despite the crisis, Armenian tourism industry managed to keep afloat.

May 15, 2010
Events aimed to facilitate tourism in the country, provide networking opportunities and exchange experience in tourism industry kicked off in Armenia on May 13. During 10 days, guests from neighbor states will have an opportunity to get familiarized with the Armenian culture and ethnic flavor of the country of “speaking stones.”

Decrease in prices for real estate unlikely in Armenia in near future

The average price for apartments in Yerevan totaled AMD 271,400 per square meter as of the first quarter of 2010.

May 8, 2010
The State Committee of Real Estate Cadastre at the Armenian government has presented the current situation in the RA real estate market, as well as forecasts for the year. The Committee’s specialists predict some activation in the Armenian real estate market but decrease in prices is unlikely in the near future.

Reforms to be implemented in tax system of Armenia

The level of tax collection is not sufficient in Armenia.

May 1, 2010
Recently, the State Committee of Revenues published the Analysis of Summarized Indices of Large Taxpayers' Monitoring in February 2010. Basically, positive indices were recorded for 344 largest taxpayers of Armenia; specifically the volume of goods and services imported to Armenia totaled AMD 53.4 billion in February 2010 that is 55.1% higher as compared with the same period of last year. Meanwhile, the increase of this index is conditioned not only by goods’ import for commercial purposes, but also by import of expensive equipment to Armenia. It had a direct impact on customs fees, which amounted to 10.9 billion in February 2010 that is 49.9% higher as compared with the same period of last year. Besides, the volumes of goods exported by the largest taxpayers totaled AMD 19.8 billions in February 2010 that is 9.3bln higher as compared with the same period of last year.

Armenia’s government does not keep its promises

The RA Ministry of finances reminds that Armenia’s largest companies should publish their financial reports along with audit conclusions until July 1, 2010.

April 17, 2010
It was found out that under the crisis conditions the Armenian small and medium enterprises (SME) have assumed the basic load of tax payments, as numerous complaints were received from them with respect to the increased number of inspections by tax services. The government’s image was undermined once again and it caused Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan’s concern. He addressed his discontent to the RA Ministries of Finance and Economy, which have not fulfilled their obligations properly. Thus, the reforms implemented by the government to minimize personal relations between tax bodies’ and business’ representatives have not yielded results. Is it possible that the reformers do not hurry to implement them, aiming to line their own pockets in the end?

How can Armenia equal with Africa by tax collection level?

To convince Armenian citizens of big business transparency is an overwhelming task.

April 12, 2010
The RA State Revenue Committee overfulfilled the tax collection plan in the first quarter of 2010. More than AMD 126.7bn entered the national budget instead of the planned AMD 116.9bn, thus ensuring a 19% growth as compared with the same period of 2009.

Gas: the most available energy resource in Armenia?

The situation is controversial: despite obvious dissatisfaction with raise in gas tariffs, number of gas consumers in Armenia keeps growing.

April 10, 2010
Concurrently to an increase in gas tariffs on April 1, 2010, prices at gas stations also went up, reaching AMD 200 per 1 kg instead of the previously established AMD 180. As a PanARMENIAN.Net correspondent was told at the transport department of Yerevan Mayor's Office and at the RA Ministry of Transport and Communication, transport workers have not requested price increase so far.

Armenian economy dollarization goes on

Business entities - beware!

March 27, 2010
Because of overdollarized Armenian economy, control over inflation is one of the main challenges Armenian government faces, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bank Armenia, Astrid Clifford stated. Inflation in Armenia remains high: price increase is observed in consumer market, caused by the impending price rise for energy carrier tariffs (gas price increase is expected on April 1); summer will see water price increase. Local forecasts are also unfavorable.

“Our money-our rights”: Armenian consumer market has little to do with motto

Consumer protection sphere in Armenia is in need of drastic changes.

March 20, 2010
Celebrated over 27 years, March 15, World Consumer Rights Day was marked in 2010 under “Our money -our rights” motto. On a level with 180 public and state organizations from 72 countries of the world in charge of consumer rights issues, Armenian National Association of Consumers has been supporting activities of World Consumer Organization (CI) for 12 years.

Armenia sees economic growth and mortgage lending boost

Weekly review of economic events.

February 20, 2010
The GDP in Armenia grew by 2,4% in January 2010, compared with January 2009 results, to comprise AMD 149,5 billion.

Armenia takes a step forward in civilized society building

08.02-13.02 economic events overview

February 13, 2010
If the second wave of the crisis does not hit the world economy, Armenia's GDP in 2010 would change from -3% to +3 per cent, Manuk Hergnyan, chairman of the "Economy and Values” research center told a press conference on February 11 in Yerevan. However, according to him, the inflation rate within the current year can vary from 6 to 9 per cent.
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