Wednesday, 7 March 2012
PM Welcomes Olivier De Camp
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan received EBRD Director for South-Eastern Europe and Caucasus Olivier De Camp.
Welcoming the guest, the Prime Minister noted: “I am pleased to state that relations between Armenia and the EBRD are gradually expanding. We have got acquainted with the Bank’s new country strategy for Armenia. Our experts have already appreciated the document, and we are satisfied with the pace of bilateral cooperation,” the Premier said.
Olivier De Camp noted that the Bank’s investment programs reflect the Government’s focus on improved investment atmosphere in Armenia. Mr. Camp said that the EBRD is betting on strategic goals with its new strategy which is meant to expand cooperation with the private sector.
“I have regularly visited Armenia for the past 14 years and can state that significant improvements have been made in this country. I would like to take this opportunity to compliment your team and yourself for successful efforts out of the crisis. Now, as you are even stronger, you are abiding by a wiser fiscal economic policy,” Olivier De Camp said, hailing the Prime Minister’s efforts toward improving Armenia’s investment atmosphere.
The interlocutors went on to discuss reforms in tax and customs spheres, improvement of business environment, as well as issues relating to the development of small and medium-size businesses.
In this contest, Tigran Sargsyan said the development of small and medium-size businesses is of political relevance to his government, and the corresponding council by the Prime Minister meets on a regular basis to review and address the outstanding problems.
The parties have also referred to the government’s export strategy and the possibility of making joint efforts in this area.
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By January 31, 2012, 106 programs to a total cost of about Euro 516 million had been approved by the EBRD for Armenia covering energy, transport, infrastructures, industry and services, real estate, telecommunications and the financial sector. The private sector is the chief target of these programs (95%).
