ARMENIAN PREMIER DISCUSSES FURTHER COOPERATION WITH WB REGIONAL DIRECTOR

ARKA
Oct 7, 2008

YEREVAN, October 7. /ARKA/. Armenian Premier Tigran Sargsyan discussed
further cooperation issues with the World Bank Regional Director
Donna Dausette-Coyrolo.

Among the fields where the WB’s support is needed Armenian Premier
mentioned management system reforms. Serious problems exist in the
system and technical goals should be clearly defined to also ensure
reducing corruption risks, the Premier said.

Among other government priorities are educational reforms, balanced
development of the country’s regions, improvement in business
environment and tax and customs administering, as well as pension
reforms.

The government has already reached an agreement on general approach
and the concept of the pension reform, Sargsyan said.

The Premier also informed the Regional Director about the programs
approved by the National Competitiveness Council, particularly the
project on turning Armenia into a regional healthcare, financial and
tourisms center, as well as about three major programs announced
by the country’s president – construction of a new nuclear power
plant, Iran-Armenia railroad and creation of All-Armenian bank and
Investment Fund.

The sides discussed issues related to the world financial crisis
and its possible impact on Armenian economy and expressed hope that
joint efforts of Armenian Government and the World Bank will help find
solutions to20the problems and support economic development programs
in Armenia.