Thursday, 18 March 2010
EBRD involvement appreciated in Armenia
In Armenia on a single-day working visit, the EBRD president Thomas Mirrow-led delegation was received by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan.
Greeting the guests, the Prime Minister said to be confident that the visit will boost bilateral cooperation through enhanced efficiency. The head of government noted that the Bank’s vision of anti-crisis action will be useful to Armenia. Appreciative of the warm welcome, the President of the EBRD presented the Bank’s view of post-crisis situation.
Noting last year’s sharp increase in the level of Bank’s financial support to our country, Thomas Mirrow said that the current high level of assistance would be maintained ahead.
Tigran Sargsyan expressed our country’s interest in the Bank’s greater involvement in Armenia and suggested holding one of the Bank’s forthcoming annual meetings in Yerevan.
The Prime Minister briefed the guests on his government’s anti-crisis efforts aimed at developing infrastructures, small and medium-size enterprises. Reference was made of the activities of the Operative Staff.
Thomas Mirrow hailed the Government’s macroeconomic policy.
The parties have discussed a number of investment programs to be implemented in Armenia. Focusing on the need for ensuring proportionate development of marzes, the head of the Armenian government said that the modernization of agriculture and the design of a new development model is a priority to Armenia. Among other priorities, Tigran Sargsyan mentioned the construction of a logistics center and a wholesale hub for farm products in Zvartnots airport. EBRD’s commitment to these projects was said to be able to enhance their attractiveness and ensure involvement on the part of major international companies. The President of the EBRD expressed readiness to have expert advice provided during the first stages of these projects.
With reference to medium-term priorities, the interlocutors discussed the possibility for the EBRD to invest into energy-related and town infrastructure development-oriented projects. Armenia was said keen on the design of a regional model of communications development. Thomas Mirrow welcomed this approach.
The parties also spoke about the need for improving Armenia’s business and investment environment by stressing that corresponding mechanisms should be developed to underpin domestic small and medium-size enterprises.
In conclusion, both sides emphasized the need for strengthening the existing ties of cooperation in future.
