Armenia is ahead of its neighbors and CIS countries by economic indicators, prime minister says
19.09.2017,
14:58
Armenia’s prime minister touted today the achievements of his government saying that Armenia is ahead of other countries in the region and across former Soviet Union in terms of economic indicators, as he spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the sixth Armenia-Diaspora forum in Yerevan.
YEREVAN, September 19. /ARKA/. Armenia’s prime minister touted today the achievements of his government saying that Armenia is ahead of other countries in the region and across former Soviet Union in terms of economic indicators, as he spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the sixth Armenia-Diaspora forum in Yerevan. Asked why then ordinary citizens do not feel this progress the prime minister cited the official statistics.
"Is this enough to solve all the problems of our citizens?" Karapetyan repeated the question, giving a negative answer. Karapetyan went on saying that the economic activity index in the first seven months grew by 6.2%, the industrial output rose by 12.7%, the exports surged by 21% and imports by 28.5%.
"Is this enough to make us all feel good? No. Moreover, there is no country where everyone is satisfied, as with the change in the quality of life, the needs of citizens are growing too. Today all citizens of Armenia want a qualitative change in their life. Can this happen within a year? No," Karapetyan said.
In comments on the ongoing migration of Armenians Karapetyan said it happens in all countries and there will not be a situation in which it will cease irrespective of the improvement in the quality of life. "The emigration and immigration trends will certainly change, but for this to happen we must make Armenia a secure and developed country," Karapetyan summed up.
Karapetyan also said that the atmosphere of mistrust between Armenia and the Diaspora must be broken, "Very few Diaspora businessmen would admit they misjudged the risks of starting a business in Armenia tending usually to accuse everyone else, but not themselves. Some come to Armenia expecting its government to do something they would never expect from their home government. In another country, they do not dream about such conditions, as we provide here, but we must constantly work to break the atmosphere of distrust, "Karapetyan said.
Karapetyan added that if there are facts preventing the activities of Diaspora businessmen in Armenia, the government should know about them. He urged all who has such facts to unveil them.
"We can not develop the economy without trust and a level playing filed. The phone numbers of my administration's staff, assistants, advisors and e-mail addresses were made public for anyone to report a breach of law or any other offense,' Karapetyan said. -0-
"Is this enough to solve all the problems of our citizens?" Karapetyan repeated the question, giving a negative answer. Karapetyan went on saying that the economic activity index in the first seven months grew by 6.2%, the industrial output rose by 12.7%, the exports surged by 21% and imports by 28.5%.
"Is this enough to make us all feel good? No. Moreover, there is no country where everyone is satisfied, as with the change in the quality of life, the needs of citizens are growing too. Today all citizens of Armenia want a qualitative change in their life. Can this happen within a year? No," Karapetyan said.
In comments on the ongoing migration of Armenians Karapetyan said it happens in all countries and there will not be a situation in which it will cease irrespective of the improvement in the quality of life. "The emigration and immigration trends will certainly change, but for this to happen we must make Armenia a secure and developed country," Karapetyan summed up.
Karapetyan also said that the atmosphere of mistrust between Armenia and the Diaspora must be broken, "Very few Diaspora businessmen would admit they misjudged the risks of starting a business in Armenia tending usually to accuse everyone else, but not themselves. Some come to Armenia expecting its government to do something they would never expect from their home government. In another country, they do not dream about such conditions, as we provide here, but we must constantly work to break the atmosphere of distrust, "Karapetyan said.
Karapetyan added that if there are facts preventing the activities of Diaspora businessmen in Armenia, the government should know about them. He urged all who has such facts to unveil them.
"We can not develop the economy without trust and a level playing filed. The phone numbers of my administration's staff, assistants, advisors and e-mail addresses were made public for anyone to report a breach of law or any other offense,' Karapetyan said. -0-
