The money transfers to Armenia form Russia have grown by 25% compared to the previous year, which had a serious impact on the economy. Yesterday the prime minister announced about this in the parliament and said that the situation of the world economy changed in 2010 and had a positive impact on the Armenian economy. He also said that the prices of raw materials had grown as well, which have a serious capacity in Armenia’s export (first of all the cooper and molybdenum production). The next important factor is the economic growth in countries such as Russia, China, India and Brazil, which creates a positive environment for the Armenian economy. The PM says that especially the economic growth in Russia helps Armenia’s economy as about 80% of the money transfers sent to Armenia come from Russia.
Of course they have not even forgotten about the anti-crisis policy of the government, which turned into a higher budget deficit. Tigran Sargsyan also promised that the budget deficit will be cut down, as well as the foreign debt capacity will be decreased. “During the first four months the budget deficit will not exceed 4% of the GDP capacity,” he said.
Of course it is good that the prices of copper and molybdenum have grown, and money transfers have increased as well. However, we cannot rely on such factors only. In order to have a normal economy we should create something and offer to the world too. It turns out that we have created products already and we should offer better. The PM said that starting from next year Armenia will launch a project named “Armenian cheese”, due to which the Armenian cheese will promote its brand in the world. He believes the Armenian cheese will be exported with big quantities to Russia in the beginning, and later to other countries as well. This project is a part of the projects the state encourages for helping the private sector. From this prospective it will be important also to create a free trade zone in the Zvartnots airport enabling the export of agricultural products to the US and European countries. Agricultural products will be stored, kept and packed in this free zone. The PM says in February the fridge service will be launched and other logistical works will be done during the year as well. In fact the economic development based on the intellectual potential is starting with cheese production. This is very good because last year they were exporting sheep only.
However, on the same day ARF representative Artsvik Minasyan asked the minister of finances to say at least two projects in the sectors of agriculture and production which could be success, but the minister did not manage to say that the Armenian cheese will be a prosperous sector in production. Instead of that Tigran Davtyan started to justify the government by saying that as a result of the crisis the economy degraded for 2,5 years, which is not easy to recover. The debate between the minister and Artsvik Minasyan slightly moved from the topic of production to the topic of healthcare. “Fantasy is a good thing but when the dream or tale is presented as the reality, it results in night pollution,” said Artsvik Minasyan to Tigran Davtyan.