Armenia able to secure higher-than-projected economic growth- minister says
22.03.2017,
17:17
Citing 6.5% growth in January and almost a similar growth in February Armenian finance minister Vardan Aramyan said today that these indicators allow to predict that the projected annual growth of 3.2% will be exceeded.
YEREVAN, March 22. /ARKA/. Citing 6.5% growth in January and almost a similar growth in February Armenian finance minister Vardan Aramyan said today that these indicators allow to predict that the projected annual growth of 3.2% will be exceeded.
Speaking to reporters, the minister said the growth in the first two months was secured by 10% industrial output growth as well as by growth in trade and services.
"I do not think that this trend will last until the parliamentary elections (scheduled for April 2), although there may be a certain slowdown towards the middle of the year, but not less than 5% in the first half. If this trend continues into the second half of the year, we can ensure a higher economic growth than projected," Aramyan said.
According to the minister, this target will be achieved, if there are no external risks, and the prices for copper in the world market will remain stable.
"I do not want to speak about unrealistic indicators, but we will try to register a higher economic growth rate. We consider the projected growth of 3.2% as the minimum figure, but I think that the 6% growth is feasible, albeit risky," Aramyan said.
The minister ruled out that the final figures may be inflated, stressing that all the indicators are being monitored by international organizations.
According to statistical data, Armenia's economic activity index for January-February grew by 6.2% compared to the same period in 2016. The growth was provided by industry, agriculture, trade and services. -0-
Speaking to reporters, the minister said the growth in the first two months was secured by 10% industrial output growth as well as by growth in trade and services.
"I do not think that this trend will last until the parliamentary elections (scheduled for April 2), although there may be a certain slowdown towards the middle of the year, but not less than 5% in the first half. If this trend continues into the second half of the year, we can ensure a higher economic growth than projected," Aramyan said.
According to the minister, this target will be achieved, if there are no external risks, and the prices for copper in the world market will remain stable.
"I do not want to speak about unrealistic indicators, but we will try to register a higher economic growth rate. We consider the projected growth of 3.2% as the minimum figure, but I think that the 6% growth is feasible, albeit risky," Aramyan said.
The minister ruled out that the final figures may be inflated, stressing that all the indicators are being monitored by international organizations.
According to statistical data, Armenia's economic activity index for January-February grew by 6.2% compared to the same period in 2016. The growth was provided by industry, agriculture, trade and services. -0-
