Thursday, 16 April 2015
Licensing Regulations Simplified
A Cabinet sitting was held today, chaired by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan.
As recommended by the National Center for Legislative Regulation S.A., the Government approved a package of draft amendments to the Law on Licensing Fees and about a dozen other laws and legal acts.
The Center came up with another proposal aimed at improving the business climate, which provides the introduction of the one-stop-shop principle to rule out excessive bureaucracy and ensure online availability of reference papers.
Prime Minister Hovik Hovik Abrahamyan hailed the amendment, stressing the reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy.
To facilitate the implementation of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development-supported loan program, the Cabinet adopted a resolution on prevailing public interest with regard to a number of sites situated within the administrative boundaries of in Gegharkunik and Vayots-Dzor Marzes of Armenia. The program is of national importance as it promotes energy security and enhances reliability in power supply. Compensation for alienated property will be provided using the proceeds of the loan.
The Executive next approved the Transmission Network Improvement Loan Agreement as signed on April 8, 2015 between the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Republic of Armenia. Under the agreement, the Bank will provide USD52 million to refurbish the Ashnak substation, the Yerevan TPP substation and purchase equipment necessary for the maintenance and repair of substations, overhead lines and so on.
The meeting approved the cost-estimates for the program of extra-budgetary expenditures due by the traffic police and contract maintenance and security services in 2015. The annual extra-budgetary receipts of the traffic police are estimated at about AMD14 billion, while expenditures will stand at about 13.5 billion drams. The aforementioned funds are essential from the perspective of supporting the ongoing reform, including the implementation of the anti-corruption strategy.
The Government established that the members of those official foreign delegations due to attend the Armenian Genocide Centenary commemorations in the month of April shall be exempt from the payment of entry visa-related State duty based on the applications submitted by relevant executive agencies and organizations.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan congratulated the Chief of Police of the Republic of Armenia and all police staff on the Police Day, wishing them efficient and productive work.
