TIGRAN SARGSYAN: 2009 WILL BE A VERY DIFFICULT YEAR FOR ARMENIA

NOYAN TAPAN

Feb 4, 2009
YEREVAN

"2009 will be a very difficult year for Armenia because the global
crisis is qualitatively changing the situation, with most serious
problems arising in tax collection. We must implement our tax
collection programs, making reforms in this environment in parallel,
" the prime minister Tigran Sargsyan stated during the presentation
of annual reports by several ministries at the RA government on
February 4.

In his words, it is easier to make reforms under conditions of
high economic growth indices. "However, this background is negative
today, and we will encounter more serious problems in 2009. All the
ministries and departments must assist the RA State Revenue Committee
in this issue," T. Sargsyan underlined, adding that that fact that the
problems and shortcomings of the sector have been exactly formulated
by the Committee is quite reassuring.

He said that this year much attention should be paid to dialog with
the society. All changes being made should be presented in detail
to the public as very often, difficulties arise in this connection
"only because people are not provided correct information". According
to the prime minister, when the goals and mechanisms of the reforms
were explained during meetings with small and medium businessmen,
they expressed a willingness to assist.