Thursday, 28 October 2004
Address by RA Prime Minister A. Margaryan to the Participants of Armagroforum First International Conference
Dear Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The government of the Republic of Armenia places a special focus on the development of international cooperation and foreign economic ties, as well as our country's active involvement in worldwide and regional integrational processes.
This is why we look upon this international Armagroforum as an important step on the way to developing cross-country cooperation in the agrarian field.
Since the declaration of independence, the axis of the reforms implemented in our country has been the shaping of market-oriented relationship, institutions and system of governance. We have had remarkable achievements in this area as witnessed by the mere fact that over 98% of the gross agricultural product is provided by household farms. We can state a yearly increase of the demand for domestic goods on the internal market which is behind the gradual decrease of the level of imports in the relevant fields. Furthermore, the goods of Armenian manufacture are making a successful breakthrough into fresh markets beyond the boundaries of our country.
Agricultural development is prioritized by the government in respect of the provision of national food security, poverty reduction and in other respects as specified in the program of activities of the government. Addressing poverty in rural areas is seen as a first priority in the poverty reduction strategic program, and concrete steps are underway towards this end. Among several others, I would like to single out the projects aimed at the promotion of small and medium size entrepreneurship and agricultural services in rural areas, which are being prepared in collaboration with the International Development Association and IFAD. We do have certain expectations of the Millenium Challenge Account-funded programs. As a whole, Armenia places a high value upon the assistance coming from the international community and the Diaspora in terms of overcoming the challenges inherent in transitional periods and with respect to the progress in economic and social affairs.
Owing to the invaluable backing received from donor countries and international organizations, large-scale development programs are being implemented in the private sector, in the fields of agriculture, health care, education, transport, public welfare and other fields. This concerns, in particular, the problems facing us on the way to developing the market-, industry- and service-related infrastructure and implementing social improvements in the countryside. Specific programs are underway to expand irrigation networks, food-processing industry, veterinary services, crediting and agricultural exports. Nevertheless, much has to be done yet in the above areas.
Dear Friends,
The Republic of Armenia has embraced a policy of democratic and economic reform and abides by the principle of preservation of universal values and integration with the world economy. The above can be best evidenced by its adherence to numerous international organizations and the on-going fruitful cooperation with them. Another evidence is this international Armagroforum, to the participants of which I am offering my warmest greetings by wishing them every success in the achievement of the goals set forward.
