Yerevan Counts On World Banks Support

YEREVAN COUNTS ON WORLD BANKS SUPPORT

RIA Oreanda
April 7, 2008
Russia

Yerevan . ">OREANDA-NEWS . April 4, 2008. Welcoming the guest, the
Prime Minister mentioned that World Bank representatives’ frequent
visits to Armenia testify that the Bank places a special focus upon the
cooperation with our country. Serzh Sargsyan advised that during his
last fall’s visit to Washington he happened to hear quite favorable
words about Armenia’s economy and the ongoing reforms. At a meeting
held during his recent stay in Armenia, World Bank Vice President
Shigeo Katzu, too, mentioned that in this respect the Armenian program
aroused no concerns. The Prime Minister further admitted that these
estimations were encouraging which obliged the government of Armenia
to do a better work in the areas under review.

Serzh Sargsyan extended his appreciation to the World Bank as he
feels that the Bank’s interested support, too, accounts for Armenia’s
economic progress and certain achievements. He expressed readiness
to continue this effective cooperation in future by implementing
important to our economy and our society reforms in a number of
fields. With reference to reforms in tax, customs administration and
other spheres, the Prime Minister mentioned that they were meant to
enhance the country’s competitiveness and that the Armenian government
looked forward to being assisted by the Bank in this matter.

Speaking about Armenia’s economic achievements, World Bank Regional
Director for South Caucasus Ms. Donna Dowsett-Coirolo said that
Armenia has much to be proud of and that the World Bank is interested
in upholding and building on the current achievements.

At the same time, she noted that there are still a number of challenges
which call for serious efforts.

The interlocutors further touched upon these challenges and the
reform process. They made an arrangement to proceed to a more in-depth
discussion of all these issues following the inauguration of the RA
President-elect and the formation of the new cabinet.