Saturday, 1 May 2010
The 15th session of National Competitiveness Fund Board of Trustees has been held
The 15th session of the National Competitiveness Fund Board of Trustees started with BOT chairman, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan’s opening remarks. In presenting the official statistics of the first quarter of 2010, the Prime Minister stated in particular: “As of now we can boast of a 5.5% GDP growth which is rather a good result considering that the FY2010 target was only 1.2%. Industry was at the forefront of growth with a 10.4% increase. After last year’s low demand-induced decrease in energy production, for the first time we recorded some 10% rise in electricity output this year. Agriculture rose by 3.2%. Note that growth was achieved amid shrinking construction which had been our economy’s driving force for the past 10 years. Notwithstanding the first quarter’s 0.6% decrease in construction, all the other sectors continued upwards in the period under review. Crucial is that retail trade is up 1%, coupled with a 6.2% rise in services exclusive of trade. This is also conditioned by the fact that tourism grew by 5.5% with just as much rise recorded in passenger traffic at Zvartnots airport.”
With reference to revenue collection, the Prime Minister stressed: “We have exceeded the revenue targets set for the first 4 months of this year: we have collected more than projected by spending less than anticipated. Thereby we were able to put a check on prices.”
Tigran Sargsyan appreciated the forecasts concerning the global economic crisis: “You may be aware that the IMF revised its forecasts of global economic developments last week since transition economies – developing countries – have outstripped the predictions of the IMF.”
After the agenda was approved, the Board of Trustees went on to discuss the minutes of their latest meeting and the global economic trends.
ANCF Executive Director Bekor Papazyan reported back the progress made from February 15 to May 1, 2010.
The Board of Trustees next referred to the strategy of communications and external relations, as well as the possibilities for program funding.
The meeting has also discussed the assignments issued by the Pan-Armenian Network Project Commission and the corresponding action plan, as well as the report on the status of the All-Armenian Bank.
The BOT members were briefed on a number of healthcare projects in attendance of the healthcare minister. The pace of nuclear medicine-related projects has been discussed in this context.
After discussing organizational issues concerning the Tatev Revival project, the BOT approved the venue and the date of the forthcoming meeting.
Later this evening, the Prime Minister and the BOT members will come into live video communication with Harvard University to address and follow a symposium hosted by Luys Foundation.
