Saturday, 19 April 2014
Prime Minister: we will stand by those willing to do business
Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan chaired a consultative meeting, attended by heads of government agencies and members of the Armenian Union of Industrialists and Businessmen (Employers). The meeting was to discuss the Government’s upcoming steps toward improving the business environment.
“I am confident that we have good ideas that may promote economic development and progress in the country. Support for entrepreneurship is a priority, and everyone should understand that the economy is the basis of progress. No interference with business affairs or unwarranted barrier will be tolerated henceforth. Everyone should understand that this field is free for action within the law, and no one is supposed to create obstacles. I am going to be consistent in this matter: any investor should realize that he is safe in the hands of the law. We will stand by those willing to do business,” the Prime Minister said before proceeding to the discussion.
Head of State Revenue Committee Gagik Khachatryan reported, in particular, that the SRC has initiated and developed several sets of legislative changes, which seek to promote entrepreneurship in Armenia through amendments to the Customs Code, streamline e-commerce, introduce alternative tax audits, lower the rate of turnover tax for small and medium enterprises, shift to a horizontal monitoring system and automated services in the tertiary sector.
During the exchange of views that followed, the businessmen in attendance appreciated the proposed changes and expressed willingness to discuss the details with the government.
Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan thanked them for accepting the invitation and reiterated his willingness to discuss any reasonable proposal.
