New cabinet appointments prompted by reforms, not poor performance: mp says
08.05.2013,
21:32
A senior parliament member from the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) downplayed today speculation that replacement of economy and finance ministers in the new Cabinet was prompted by their poor performance.
YEREVAN, May 8. / ARKA /. A senior parliament member from the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) downplayed today speculation that replacement of economy and finance ministers in the new Cabinet was prompted by their poor performance.
Speaking at a news conference, Gagik Minasian, chairman of a parliament committee on finance and budget issues, said the move is meant to give a fresh impetus to economic reforms.
On May 8 president Serzh Sargsyan replaced finance minister Vatche Gabrielyan with David Sargsyan, who served earlier as chief of government staff.. Economy minister Tigran Davtyan was replaced with Vahram Avanesyan and Yuri Vardanyan was appointed sport and youth affairs minister in lieu of Hrachya Rostomyan.
"The president has set new tasks for the government- an annual economic growth of at least 7%, the average wage growth should exceed the average rate of inflation," he said.
He reminded that over the past two years the government collected more revenue that projected and the inflation was also less than projected. However, he said, the president has set a higher task for the government - Armenia needs changes, the results of which should be more apparent and tangible for the citizens.
Armenia's GDP projection for 2013 is 6.2%; the inflation is projected to be 4% (± 1.5%).-0-
