MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:
PRESS RELEASE
January 26, 2005
ARMENIA’S ECONOMY DISCUSSED AT A CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
On 15 – 16 January, Washington, D.C. hosted a conference on Armenia’s
economy organized by Armenian International Policy Research Group (AIPRG).
The Conference, entitled Income Distribution and Social Safety Net, garnered
participation of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, US State
Department and other agencies, US and Armenian NGOs, research and expert
groups.
The speakers of the Conference included the WB experts, economists,
representatives of Armenian Diaspora involved in education, R&D, commercial
and state institutions of the US, students. The Conference discussed
prospects of Armenia’s economic growth and development, the country’s
macroeconomic policies, poverty level and income distribution, reforms in
the healthcare and social security sectors, services provided by public and
private sectors, Armenia’s foreign trade and regional cooperation issues and
Armenia-Diaspora economic cooperation.
Armenia’s Ambassador to the US H.E. Arman Kirakossyan, AIPRG Executive
Director David Grigoryan, President of the American University of Armenia
Harutyun Armenyan welcomed the Conference participants in their opening
remarks. The keynote address was delivered by Chief Economic Advisor to the
President of Armenia Vahram Nercissiantz who introduced Armenia’s current
economic and political developments, reflected on causes of certain
drawbacks in the country’s economic performance and solutions proposed to
overcome these problems. He further explored the importance of increased
volumes of domestic and foreign investments and continued economic reform.