IMF Delegation Arrives In Armenia For Two-Week Visit

IMF DELEGATION ARRIVES IN ARMENIA FOR TWO-WEEK VISIT

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Aug. 31, 2006

YEREVAN, August 31. /ARKA/. An IMF delegation led by Hasan Al-Atrash,
head of the Middle East and Central Asian department, arrived Thursday
in Armenia for two-week visit. IMF Yerevan office reports that the
delegation came to Armenia for monitoring the process of Poverty
Reduction and Growth Facility program implementation by Armenia.

The delegation will also discuss the IMF’s Annual Article IV
consultation.

Global Insight Daily Analysis says IMF sees progress in the process
of putting the program into reality in Armenia.

According to the document, World Bank’s International Development
Association and International Monetary Fund point out that economic
growth and double-digit GDP in Armenia as result of agriculture and
construction development. They also point out low inflation rate and
improving situation with foreign debt.

National Statistical Service of Armenia says economic growth was
recorded at 11.5% in Jan-July 2006, compared with the same period
a year earlier. GDP grew 16.9% in June 2006, compared with the same
month in 2005.

International Monetary Fund has approved Poverty Reduction and Growth
Facility, a tree-year credit program worth 23mln SDR (about $34.2mln),
for Armenia.

IMF-provided assistance to Armenia totals $350 million.