Tuesday, 18 November 2008
RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan received a delegation led by President of the Asian Development Bank Haruhiko Kuroda.
By noting that this is his first ever trip to Armenia, the ADB President disclosed the two chief goals behind his visit: discussing areas for future cooperation and attending the Bank's Yerevan office inauguration ceremony. Haruhiko Kuroda spoke in praise of Armenia's economic status considering its growth rate, moderate inflation and the government's careful macroeconomic policy. According to the ADB President, infrastructure is what Armenia needs most at this point of time. Cooperation was said to be underway towards this end.
In this regard, the Prime Minister thanked the Bank for support in the rehabilitation of rural roads, water supply and drainage systems, as well as for contribution to the design of a transport sector development strategy. He underscored that these activities are crucial for the achievement of the priority goal of harmonious territorial development in Armenia. Tigran Sargsyan next outlined the areas for future cooperation and the existing potentialities. In particular, he emphasized the need for assisting Armenia both technically and financially with the implementation of pension reforms, anti-crisis efforts, especially in terms of infrastructure development, introduction of e-governance and SME funding through lending available to Armenian banks. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the Bank will help Armenia with the shaping of techno-parks and free economic zones and the strengthening of logistical infrastructures.
The head of the Armenian government asked for Mr. Kuroda's support in ensuring our country's presence on the ADB Board.
Haruhiko Kuroda appreciated all the proposals formulated by the Prime Minister. He evoked the Bank's long experience in a number of key areas and assured of their readiness to support Armenia. Among eventual cooperation areas, the ADB President mentioned the IT sector as well where the country can have sufficiently strong positions.
The President of the Asian Development Bank promised that he would take up the proposals in all detail and provide a response within a week's time.
