IFC develops activity in Armenia

IFC Executive Vice President and CEO Lars Thunell visited Armenia this week.

August 28, 2010
Armenia has been an IFC member and shareholder since 1995. IFC has been active in the nation over the years, with cumulative investments totaling $87 million in 18 projects across a range of industries. For the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010, IFC’s commitments in Armenia climbed to a record $35.3 million, in response to the global financial crisis. IFC complements its investment activity in Armenia with an active advisory program that focuses on banking development, sustainable energy and investment climate.

Armenia seeks ways to develop wine-making

Head of Armenian Winemakers’ Union, Avag Harutyunyan, forecast 20-30% increase in grape harvest in Armenia compared with 2009.

August 21, 2010
Yerevan will be hosting Fruitfull Armenia winemaking forum on September 16-17. World-known oenologist Michel Rolland, invited as a special guest, as well as other participants, will be sampling the whole range of Armenian wines presented. A winner will be selected among 21 companies as a result of sampling. The forum to be opened by RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan aims at promoting Armenian wine-making industry, implementation of new production technologies and search for marketing outlets.

CBA monetary management can be exemplary for region’s Central Banks

The Central Bank of Armenia retained the refinancing rate at 7,25%.

August 14, 2010
The Armenian economy ‘took a vacation’ during the past week. Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan went on a short leave at the beginning of the week for a check-up abroad.

Armenian government sets tourism as priority direction

Tourist sector diversification is necessary to develop touristic potential of Armenia, international experts believe.

August 7, 2010
President Emeritus of the International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates John Downes said that Armenia has great tourist opportunities, and one can say that it is among undisclosed tourist secrets of Europe. “It is necessary to diversify the country’s tourist sector and increase the level of provided services to disclose this secret. Legislative amendments, on which works are carried out now, will contribute to this,” said John Downs during an unofficial meeting to discuss key issues of the legislation regulating the tourism sphere of Armenia.

Why do prices grow in Armenia?

The RA Ministry of Agriculture forecasts 3-5% growth by the end of 2010.

July 31, 2010
The RA Ministry of Agriculture hurried to make comforting forecasts with respect to 3-5% growth in Armenia's agriculture by the end of 2010, despite 13.1% drop in it during the first half of 2010. Minister of Agriculture Gerasim Alaverdyan published sad figures conditioned by climatic conditions, what has resulted in a significant decrease in harvest of fruit trees, vegetables, as well as melons and gourds. The harvest of fruit trees totaled 80,000 this year against 161,000t in 2009. The harvest of apricots made 25,000 this year against 85,000t in 2009. Its export amounted to 2,000t in 2010 against 13,000t last year. Around 25-30% of harvest has suffered. Moreover, harvesting has been delayed in Armenia for 25-30 days as a result of frosts, pouring rains and bad pollination.

Are Armenia’s macroeconomic indices “drawn”?

Armenia’s population continues displaying distrust and adjusting to bad living conditions.

July 24, 2010
The results of the first half of 2010 indicate that global economy is growing at a slow pace, including markets of the U.S., Europe, Russia and China. Meanwhile, 15% unprecedented growth was recorded in China. Indices of stock exchanges also prove the growth in global economy. Moreover, anti-crisis governmental programs are implemented consistently.

Poland can provide Armenia with an outlet to European markets

Nairit Plant is of keen interest for Polish companies.

July 17, 2010
The spring visit of Polish Prime Minister Donald Dusk to Armenia gave renewed impetus to development of bilateral relations. In compliance with the agreement concluded on March 12, 2010, the first sitting of the Armenian-Polish intergovernmental committee resulted in signature of a protocol and memorandum on food safety. Besides, a business forum was held.

Travel agents summing up first half-year results

The number of tourists visiting Armenia has increased by 9.4% as compared with last year’s index.

July 10, 2010
Armenia is welcoming guests from various countries, with travel agents summing up the results of the first half-year.

Armenia presents prospects of stock market development

The number of people showing interest in neighbor countries’ stock market is growing

July 3, 2010
Cbonds Russia & CIS Fixed Income Conference kicked off in Yerevan on July 1, bringing together 200 participants from Russia, Armenia, Ukraine, Belarus and other CIS member countries. According to NASDAQ OMX Armenia CEO, Armen Melikyan, Armenian developing capital market arouses interest of the conference participants.

Will the RA government succeed in transforming private remittances into investments?

Experts say that private remittances make 6-12% of Armenian GDP.

June 28, 2010
Only 3% of the world’s population (or about 200 million people) live in a country different from their country of birth. Although this is the highest rate in the past 40 years, this rate hasn’t changed much in the last decade. Migration is a phenomenon that reflects economic, social and demographic imbalances across countries and requires a multi-disciplinary approach to understand and manage. But the fact remains that there is really still only small fraction of the world population who reside outside their country of birth.
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