Tuesday, 30 June 2015
Government Priorities, Future Actions Presented at Economic Agenda Conference
Chaired by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, a conference entitled “Economic Agenda” kicked off at the Reception Hall of the Government of the Republic of Armenia.
Welcoming the forum participants, Hovik Abrahamyan stated in part, “Let me welcome you and express sincere satisfaction at your willingness to make a professional and civic contribution in order to address the socio-economic problems facing the country. Today’s event is truly unique for both its coverage and agenda, and what matters most, for your readiness to engage in a constructive and unbiased dialogue.
Two different trends in assessing the activities of the Government, and in general, its economic policy, could be seen in society recently: firstly, pessimism, hopelessness, fostering and dissemination of negative sentiments and, secondly, we can see attempts to attribute the existing problems to global economic developments, the rise in oil prices and other external factors.
As for me, both approaches are equally unacceptable.
There is no record of economic recovery in the world made possible through whining and pessimism. Armenia cannot be an exception from this point of view. We have different ways to go, and the Government cannot afford to work with such people who are doing so at work, in the press and cafes all day long.
On the other hand, I feel it unacceptable to lay all the blame on others for our failures and attribute our shortcomings to global economic developments. Regional developments, oil and commodities prices, market volatility and other indicators are objective factors, but they can never be deemed as a means of justification.
I would like to send the following message to all interested and concerned individuals and parties, professional groups: my door is open to all reasonable proposals and programs. Any suggestion that may help our common cause will be appreciated. Armenia needs the joint effort of all the parties concerned.
I treat criticism - even very sharp criticism - with utmost seriousness and respect. I am ready to personally meet my critics in order discuss problems point by point, and if appropriate, make relevant corrections and adjustments to our programs.
As evidenced by the recent developments, public confidence is crucial to government policies and institutions. I see no better way to win the public’s trust than through openness and dialogue. Confrontation and ultimatums cannot buy trust.
The forum has brought together professionals who are well aware of Armenia’s current socio-economic situation and enjoy a strong resource of public trust in their respective areas of expertise and knowledge.
I am for a well-devised and consistent work and cannot see a better way to move forward, redress the situation and the economy. I shall work with all those who share this approach and have at least one project, a program and the willingness to cooperate regardless of their political credo.
The conference agenda is hectic and comprehensive. Today we have the opportunity to exchange ideas on key economic sectors and industries and the main engines of economic growth.
Very often the problem of economic growth goes beyond the scope of domestic capacity leaving no sufficient room for full realization of development opportunities, which makes it necessary to view the matter from different perspectives.
This is why apart from the macroeconomic aspect, the conference agenda features the presentation of a draft paper entitled Armenia’s sustainable economic development strategy: the path of innovative progress.
I am convinced that the imperative of economic modernization has the potential of mobilizing all capable forces around the idea. Our task is to turn this potential into an irreversible stream in order to build a prosperous and stable country with the firm determination of all of us.
This is just the path we have embraced in addressing the situation in energy sector. There are a lot of problems in this area, while solutions are not as simple as may seem.
The energy sector has regressed in recent years. The major public and small private producers have accumulated debts. The situation can become irreversible, if no remedy is found.
You may know that on June 17, 2015, the PSRC decided to raise the electricity tariff by 6.93 drams, which could not cause a tide of discontent in society.
This is a priority issue, and the Government is going to take unprecedented steps, involving media and best international experts in order to overcome the barrier of mistrust. However, the Government is not inclined to consider the involvement of the public only in the short term.
Together with our partners - the World Bank and the USAID - we have prepared a strategic energy system development program for 2016-2036, which soon will be submitted for discussion in the professional circles and the public at large.
I am confident that the broad involvement of civil society in these discussions will help increase the public confidence in the Government’s policy aimed at building a sustainable and reliable energy system.
Once again, I want to thank you for attending the conference and wish the forum a fruitful debate.”
The Cabinet Ministers responsible for economic affairs dwelt on the Government’s priorities for 2015, outlined ways of boosting economic development, introduced the business and investment environment improvement programs and the projected steps, as well as the country’s fiscal policy.
In particular, reports were delivered by Minister of International Economic Integration and Reform, Vice Prime Minister Vache Gabrielyan, Minister of Economy Karen Chshmarityan, Finance Minister Gagik Khachatryan, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Yervand Zakharyan, Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Artem Asatryan, Central Bank Deputy Chairman Nerses Yeritsyan.
Views and opinions on economic and political developments were voiced by National Assembly members, Chairman of Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Vardan Ayvazyan, Hrant Bagratyan, Khosrov Harutyunyan, Eurasian Economic Commission member (Minister) Ara Nranyan, economists and experts.
Exchange of ideas, questions and answers were held during the first section of the conference. Summing up the forum’s first meeting, Hovik Abrahamyan thanked those present for submitting interesting ideas, suggestions and recommendations. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of holding similar conferences, including on specific sectors of the economy, which allow the Government to present in a more comprehensive manner its programs, the problems and challenges faced in our country and the region as a whole, as well as outline possibilities and ways of their solution.
Hovik Abrahamyan assured that each the proposals voiced at the conference will be given due consideration. Stressing that the Government has sufficient resources to advance the economy, the Prime Minister pointed to the need for a coordinated and purposeful effort.
