President holds consultation at Ministry of Economy

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan today visited Ministry of Economy, according to the presidential press service.

He familiarized himself with the working conditions and talked to employees about their current work and further plans. Then the president held a working consultation with top officials of the ministry.

Reports were given by Economy Minister Vahram Avanesian and Deputy Ministers Ara Petrosian, Garnik Badalian, Garegin Melkonian, and Tigran Harutyunian.

Minister Avanesian presented the current economic tendencies and the priorities of the ministry’s further work. In particular, he spoke about work related to Armenia’s entry into the Customs Union, reforms launched in civil aviation sector, improvement of the business environment and IT sector, development of small and medium enterprises, and the innovation policy.

After hearing the reports, the president addressed the problems facing the ministry of economy and Armenia.

“To sum up our tasks, I should say that a new, broad field of activities has opened and I expect you to do active, consistent and profound work. I stress these words as the qualities mentioned are necessary in the context of Armenia’s entry into the Customs Union. We should realize the responsibility we have assumed,” Serzh Sargsyan said.

He also underlined the importance of work in other directions, including maintenance of a favorable business environment and development of spheres having the potential for export promotion, job creation, and assistance to SME.

The president spoke about the need to set up and develop a special analytical center at the ministry. According to him, in February-March the National Statistical Service will summarize the socioeconomic results of 2013 and then the government will make a deep and detailed analysis.

At the conclusion of the consultation, a number of ministry employees received rewards for their efficient work.