ArmenPress
Nov 29 2004

2005 DRAFT BUDGET EARMARKS 563 MILLION DRAMS FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS: The 2005 draft budget has
earmarked 563 million drams for Armenian trade and economy
development ministry to implement a string of projects to promote
trade and economy development.
Trade and economic development minister Karen Chshmaritian told
Friday that the bulk of that money, 300 million drams (a 50 million
increase over 2004), will be directed for carrying out a
government-development plan of actions to boost small and
medium-sized businesses. He said part of that money will be used also
to finalize the process of establishment of regional branches of the
Center for Development of Small and Medium-Sized Business.
The government program for tourism development will receive 20
million drams, as much as in 2004. The minister said the government
expects the assistance of international organizations to tourism
development program. Also 156 million will be allocated for a
government program for regulation and maintenance of standardization
and measurement norms.