Arminfo
2007-02-24 13:58:00

Chief Presidential Advisor: Armenia’s extreme longing for external
support leads to unhealthy future

The low rates of Armenia’s tax collection can cause serious problems
in financing the state’s needs – Vaghram Nersisyanc, Chief
Presidential Advisor, said in the interview with Aravot paper.

He pointed out that starting from 2001, the annual growth of the
state’s economy is counted in the two-digit figures. However, the
volume of collected taxes "is not satisfactory". In 2006, Armenia’s
tax revenues made up only 14.5% of the gross domestic product (GDP),
including dues and social security payments – it will make 17.5%
GDP. "These revenues are not sufficient to cover administrative costs
of any state – including defence costs, development of infrastructure
and the primary social needs," V. Nersisyanc said.

Failing to mobilize internal resources of the state, Armenia extremely
longs for the external support. In its tern, this trend prevents the
country from a healthy future. The problem is not in the growth of tax
rates or in setting up new ones – the problem concerns the volumes of
taxes collected, V. Nersisyanc pointed out.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress