ROBERT KOCHARYAN: ARMENIA IS RICH IN HUMAN RESOURCES

ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Nov 17 2006

Armenia is not rich in natural resources but is generally known for
its rich human resources, Armenian President Robert Kocharyan said
while speaking at Bertelsmann Foundation in Berlin, Thursday.

The press service of the Armenian President reports Kocharyan to
point out that the Armenians are generally known for their diligence
and enterprise, for their keen interest in organizing their own
businesses. In order to fully employ this potential, the Armenian
authorities should create favorable conditions for businessmen and
protect investments, particularly, by liberalizing economy and trade
regime, encouraging competition and minimizing state interference in
business, Kocharyan said.

He noted that serious changes have taken place in Armenia’s economy.

85% of GDP is due to private sector, of which 40% due to small and
medium business. "We are especially proud of this figure," Kocharyan
said. He noted that middle class is taking shape in Armenia and this
is having a serious influence on people’s vision of their future. Of
course, there are still problems, tax and customs administration still
need improvement, anti-corruption measures should be intensified. And
the Government is actively working in this direction, Kocharyan said.