Tuesday, 20 October 2015
Prime Minister Receives World Bank Delegation
Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan received a World Bank delegation led by newly appointed World Bank’s Europe and Central Asia region Vice President Cyril Muller. The delegation was comprised of newly appointed WB Regional Director for the South Caucasus Mercy Tembon, WB Yerevan Office Head Laura Bailey and others.
Welcoming the guests, the Prime Minister congratulated them on appointment and wished them fruitful work. Hovik Abrahamyan highly valued the thirteen-year-long cooperation between Armenia and the World Bank, which is Armenia’s key partner in terms of its contribution to socio-economic development and reforms in our country.
Noting that Armenia stands out among other regional nations for its portfolio performance above the average, the Premier said our country will maintain its leading position. The Prime Minister emphasized that bilateral cooperation covers almost all the spheres of the economy, and his government is ready to expand it with both the ongoing and perspective projects.
In turn, Mr. Muller said to be honored to visit Armenia and described the cooperation between Armenia and the World Bank as exceptional. According to him, Armenia continues to maintain its position among the regional countries as the best performing one in the European and Central Asian region, which is welcome as it contributes to the furtherance of cooperation. Cyril Muller said the World Bank provides continued assistance for the development of Armenia’s key economic sectors and is prepared to raise the level of financial support.
The parties discussed a wide range of issues of cooperation between Armenia and the World Bank. Both sides noted that the slow pace of global economic growth has had a negative impact on both European and Central Asian economies, including Armenia. In this context, they reaffirmed their readiness to use new tools and flexible approaches to defy the emerging challenges and implement structural reforms in the economy. The Prime Minister of Armenia stressed the importance of World Bank-supported investment in infrastructures, in particular, in the energy sector.
Reference was made to the development of Armenia’s new tax code and the upcoming steps. Pleased with the ongoing cooperation with the World Bank Yerevan Office, Hovik Abrahamyan assured that he will be consistent in the implementation of all the agreements reached so far.
