Monday, 4 January 2016
PM Endorses Proposal on Creation of Export Promotion Council
Chaired by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, a consultative meeting was held in the Office of Government to discuss the practicability of the roads in the country, the findings of a market price survey and the process of payment of pensions.
Minister of Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations Armen Yeritsyan reported that due the heavy snowfalls recorded since December 31, 2015, roads in different regions of Armenia are covered with thick layers of snow with a depth of between 50 cm to 1 meter 20 cm, due to which some 109 motorways are closed for traffic at this point of time. Snow removal and cleanup work is underway. The Rescue Service of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations has evacuated over 800 people from snow-caught vehicles,
Efforts are underway to clear the closed and impassable roads nationwide. The Minister of Territorial Administration and Emergency Management said the other roads are mostly open, sage a number of hardly practicable roads where relevant activities are in process.
Highlighting the importance of road practicability, the Prime Minister instructed those responsible to keep on making efforts in this direction.
Chairman of State Commission on Protection of Economic Competition Artak Shaboyan reported stricter controls implemented during the holiday season over the market prices of some 20 items of social importance. A significant decline in prices has been recorded for almost all kinds of commodities as compared to late December, 2014 and early January, 2015. Some food staples, such as eggs and flour, have seen a 30-40 percent decline in prices. Mr Shaboyan noted that the market is stable in general, with no significant price hikes stated in the period under review.
Prime Minister Abrahamyan urged the Chairman of State Commission for Protection of Economic Competition to continue with the survey and report back the findings to the Government.
Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Artem Asatryan informed that the necessary funding was available for settling the pensions in a timely manner. The process of payment of pensions started on January 4, 2016. It will continue on January 5, and resume from 8 January.
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Yervand Zakharyan informed that during the holidays the process of energy supply was implemented steadily without serious interruptions. Round-the-clock duty is up to ensure smooth and adequate energy supplies.
In conclusion, the meeting discussed export-promotion-targeted programs and activities. Recommendations and tools were formulated to boost and diversify exports in order to master new markets.
Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan approved the proposal to set up an export promotion council that will deal with short-term and prospective issues, provide operational support to domestic exporters on the basis of relevant programs. Stressing that the above measures may propel the economy, the Premier expressed confidence that progress could be made through joint efforts.
