IMF REPRESENTATIVE: NO DROP IN CONSUMER PRICES IN THE COMING MONTHS WILL INDICATE LIMITEDNESS OF MARKET COMPETITION IN ARMENIA
ArmInfo
2008-11-11 21:01:00
ArmInfo. No drop in consumer prices in the coming months will
indicate limitedness of market competition in Armenia, IMF Resident
Representative in Armenia Nienke Oomes said in a talk with ArmInfo’s
correspondent.
Naturally, local prices drop a bit later than global prices do –
until all goods bought at old prices are sold. So, Oomes advises to
wait for one month more but not more. If no drop happens we will be
forced to admit low level of competition among importers. This is a
big problem and the Government of Armenia must take certain steps to
solve it, Oomes said.
As regards the possible influence of the current tax reforms on prices,
Oomes said that the reforms might cause certain inconveniences for
small and medium-sized companies and the Government had to find
adequate solutions.
The obligatory introduction of cash registers will help to enhance the
efficiency of the control over big stores and the retail trade network:
they will show if they really pay for their wholesale purchases as
much as they declare, Oomes said.