10% ECONOMY GROWTH IN ARMENIA ACCOMPANIED BY BAFFLING POLITICAL PROCESSES
By A. Haroutiunian

AZG Armenian Daily
12/07/2007

The British "Ecomomist" research group recenetly published a report,
which stated that Armenia had 13% economy growth in 2006 and predicted
13% growth for 2007. Radio Liberty informs that "Economist" researched
the economical indexes of Eastern European and post-Soviet states
for 2006 and made prognosis for 2007.

In all 28 states under review unprecedented economic growth was
registered in 2006 – over 7%, and the same tendency was observable
in the first half of 2007.

In the regions under consideration foreign investments made up $108
billion in 2006, which is 40% more than in 2005. in 2005 foreign
investments amounted only $77 billion. According to date provided
by "Economist" economy growth of Azerbaijan in 2006 made up 34,5%,
and in 2007 it is to equal 20% approximately.

Armenia is the third among the countries under review with over 13%
economy growth in 2006 and with 10% prognosticated for 2007. The most
swiftly developing regions are South Caucasus and Central Asia.

"Economist’s" experts also note that in eastern Europe, in despite
for progress in economy, baffling political processes are going on:
the situation in Eastern Europe, tensions in Russia-West relations,
traces of authoritarianism in a number of CIS states.

Experts state that the economical progress is not affected by the
negative processes yet, but there is certain threat that incorrect
policy may harm economy.