DEVELOPMENT OF AGRARIAN SECTOR REQUIRES STATE ASSISTANCE, ARMENIAN PM STATES

Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 22 2006

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 22, NOYAN TAPAN. "After becoming independent,
Armenia adopted a policy of establishing market relations in the
economy, for which purpose liberalization values-based economic
reforms were launched. 15 years later, we can state confidently that
our country has got through the decline period typical of the first
stage of redical changes and now shows a two-digit economic growth."

The Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margarian said this at the
opening ceremony of the second international Armagroforum in Yerevan
on September 22.

According to the prime minister, the land privatization done in Armenia
before the collapse of the Soviet Union not only produced positive
results but also created various problems whose solution takes much
time and effort. However, the diligence and enterprise of Armenian
peasants allow to overcome some of these problems. At the same time,
A. Margarian noted the development of agrarian sector services and
infrastructures is in need of state assistance. He expressed confidence
that the forum participants will specify the assistance program and
identify opportunities for the implementation of new ones.

The prime minister attached importance to the US government’s
Millennium Challenge Armenia Program, which will assist with solution
of rural and agricultural problems.

The Armenian President Robert Kocahrian’s message to forum participants
says that although two years have passed after the first forum,
considerable development has been registered in Armenia’s agrarian
sector during this short period of time. According to the Armenian
president, the reforms and programs in the country’s agrarian sector
have created serious prerequisites for developing rural areas and
agriculture. "However, there are also numerous problems, whose solution
we see in international cooperation and efficient use of Armenia’s
economic potential," the message reads.

The RA Minister of Agriculture Davit Lokian noted that the discussions,
meetings and agreements of the fist forum have had their practical
continuation, as evidenced by the further development of trade and
economic links with many countries, the extended implementation
of programs in Armenia by a number of international organizations,
and the promotion of mutually beneficial relations between foreign
businessmen and local producers. The minister expressed a hope that
the second forum will also create new opportunities for extending
the international cooperation in the agrarian sector.

A number of workers of the agrarian sector were presented with Anania
Shirakatsi medals and gold medals of the RA Ministry of Agriculture.

The US Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative Consuelo
Vidal and the Director of the World Bank Armenia Office Roger Robinson
addressed the forum participants.