Friday, 29 March 2013
State Seeks Dialog With Entrepreneurs
Chaired by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, a consultation was held with the representatives of over 100 domestic companies in the conference hall of the Ministry of Economy.
In his opening speech, the Prime Minister said that the meeting is a good opportunity to discuss economic situation, objectives and future action. “During a President Serzh Sargsyan-chaired first-ever discussion held in Dilijan two years ago as attended by numerous top experts from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as from different countries of the world, the government put forward the idea that henceforth the authorities had to be more active in shaping the structure of the economy. A new economic policy was introduced, which was approved by the business circles and has since been consistently carried out in Armenia. The practice has shown that when the State cooperates with the private sector to implement a comprehensive development program in a specific sector, progress is assured. Two years ago we embarked upon a real sector development program to achieve a clear-cut economic structure and priorities, proper public oversight and transparency, as well as efficient enterprises.”
The head of government said that the first step on this way was the development of a theoretical platform for public-private sector cooperation and the establishment of an investment fund to provide assistance to enterprises. As a second step, the State expressed readiness to discuss such prospective investment programs with entrepreneurs as might call for the government’s attention. Moreover, the State is open for dialog with both loan-encumbered and successful enterprises in order to provide all the necessary assistance.
Concluding his speech, Prime Minister Sargsyan stressed, “The first steps on the way to implementing our industrial strategy will be the most difficult ones. Nevertheless, success will only come to those believing in this program and with whom we will come to an agreement on strategic cooperation. I would like to take this opportunity to urge you to be more active in presenting business plans. We will be as objective as possible in using assistance criteria. First of all, we are eager to support export-oriented businesses – such enterprises as may generate highly performing jobs – the ones boasting sound management practices as evidenced by a their professional background and last-five-year performance. Priority will be given to those projects calling for combined effort.”
Minister of Economy Tigran Davtyan reported on the current situation in industry and the ongoing development-targeted efforts. Then, the floor was given to President of the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia Arsen Ghazaryan and President of Domestic Producers’ Union Vazgen Safaryan. They dwelt on the existing problems and the ways of addressing them. During the exchange of ideas that followed, the speakers voiced their concerns, looked into the expediency of raising the minimum wage etc.
During a subsequent narrow-format meeting, the speakers exchanged views on how the State could support those investment projects aimed at export growth, job creation and production expansion.
