ARMENIA’S GDP DROPS IN 2009, BUT NO DECLINE IN LIVING STANDARDS
Tert.am
27.01.10
In 2009, Armenia’s GDP, expressed in US dollars, dropped 30-32%,
former Central Bank Director, Bagrat Asatryan, said at a meeting with
journalists today.
According to Asatryan, in 2008, Armenia’s GDP was $12 billion USD,
while in 2009, it shrunk significantly – to $8.1 billion USD. But this
drop did not cause a decrease in living standards by 30% as would be
logical. The reason, he explained, is that "several realities in our
country are not related with each other."
"We live in a country of distorted mirrors where one need not trust
even the statistics," Asatryan said.
In his words, in 2009, not only was there not any progress but also
people’s trust declined in authorities and in justice. Instead,
the country was overwhelmed with an atmosphere of despair and also
problems which it faces today.
While speaking about the 2010 forecasts, the former Central Bank
director said that instead of a 1.2% projected economic growth,
he expects a 3-4% economic drop. Because of bad weather conditions,
according to him, significant losses will be seen in agriculture –
one of the main sectors contributing to the development in economy.
Prosperous Armenia Party member, Deputy President of the Permanent
Commission on Economic Issues in National Assembly, Vardan Bostanjyan,
in turn, said the following: "The fact that people’s quality of life
has not declined, is at least interesting, if not saving."
At the same time, he did not deny that the records registered in the
economy in 2009 are disconcerting, though he said this year’s 1.2%
economic growth was realistic.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
