Friday, 29 July 2011
PM and IFC discuss joint programs
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan received a delegation led by International Finance Corporation (IFC) Regional Director Thomas Lubek.
Welcoming the guests, the head of government expressed satisfaction at the pace of bilateral cooperation and stressed the need for its further deepening.
The interlocutors touched on the Corporation’s eventual participation in those projects implemented by the National Competitiveness Fund as part of the Public-Private Sector Partnership Program (РРР). In this context, the Prime Minister gave details of the Armenian Oncology Center Project which is a joint endeavor launched by the Ministry of Healthcare, Ministry of Economy and the National Competitiveness Fund.
A proton accelerator was said due to be procured under a loan program signed between the Armenian Government and the Belgian KBCNV Bank with a view to setting up a center of isotope fabrication. Tigran Sargsyan pointed out that the program testifies to the use of scientific potential making it possible to modernize the entire field of healthcare in Armenia.
Note that a center of excellence will be established in Yerevan to bring together an isotope production unit, a tomography-based diagnostic center and a clinic for treatment of cancer.
Thanking the Prime Minister for reception, Thomas Lubek noted that the IFC supports the Government in its economic reform effort.
The parties looked at the possibility of having the Corporation’s assistance with the construction of Shnokh HPP. In this connection, the Prime Minister was briefed on the IFC’s long experience in implementing similar programs in other countries.
The interlocutors went on to discuss the steps undertaken jointly by the IFC and the Armenian Ministry of Economy to improve Armenia’s Doing Business status in the tax, customs and inspection fields. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for joint productive work and emphasized that improved business-environment continues to be a priority to the Government of Armenia.
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Armenia acceded to the International Finance Corporation (IFC, www.ifc.org) in 1995. Ever since the IFC has realized investments to a total sum equivalent of USD 147mn covering some 28 programs in the spheres of financial markets, industry and mining. The IFC-offered consulting services concentrate on financial sector, sustainable energy and investment environment improvements.
