Monday, 30 January 2017
Government Continues to Discuss 2016 Performance Reports
Chaired by Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, the Government continued discussing public agency performance reports for 2016, including their compliance with the government’s action plan 2016, priorities and assessed performance.
Reports were delivered by the Minister of Nature Protection, Minister of Economic Development and Investment, the Head of State Property Management Department and the Head of State Committee for Urban Development.
Minister of Nature Protection Artsvik Minasyan reported that an inventory of Lake Sevan fish resources was carried out in the period under review, and a 38.9 percent increase in fish resources was recorded. In the meantime, the Ministry was able to identify the barriers to natural reproduction of trout.
An ecotourism information center was set up, which is supposed to summarize industry opportunities and provide the necessary statistics to tour operators. An automated water management system was introduced in Ararat Valley. In addition, the National Green Economy Center and Jermuk National Park were established last year.
Cleanup activities continued in Lake Sevan coastal areas. As a result, an area of 93 thousand hectares has already been cleared of garbage and wastes. Reforestation was completed on 70 hectares. The Minister said they are working on the possibility of handing over the national parks to trust managers.
Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan instructed to take consistent steps toward capitalizing and raising efficiency in the environmental sector.
Head of State Property Management Department by the Government Arman Sahakyan reported that a new plan for privatization has been developed in accordance with the Prime Minister’s instruction, which has already been sent to the Government Staff, and will be submitted to the National Assembly following a final discussion. Karen Karapetyan urged them to speed up work in this direction.
Minister of Economic Development and Investment Suren Karayan reported back measures aimed at export promotion, attracting investment, improving the business environment and developing inbound tourism in Armenia. In particular, efforts were made to provide for Armenian products’ entry into the networks of multinational corporations, ensure most favorable conditions for Armenian products on the Eurasian Economic Union and other regional markets, as well as to increase the exports.
Preparations have been made to establish a free economic zone on the border with Iran. Practical work is expected to begin by this April. To facilitate access for Armenian passenger cars to Iran, the guarantee fees were substituted with insurance payments. As a result, the required cost threshold was reduced threefold.
Steps have been taken to promote business ties and increase the awareness of Armenian products abroad. 21 business and investment forums were held, with 80 contracts signed with foreign business partners. The ministry organized the visit of a delegation from the Russia representation of METRO AG.
Negotiations were conducted on the export of Armenian products. In particular, an agreement has been reached with Lenta and x5 commercial networks on arranging the export of Armenian cheese to Russia.
Chairman of State Committee for Urban Development Narek Sargsyan reported that the Committee had implemented measures aimed at simplifying the procedures applicable in the field of urban development, optimizing general layouts in rural areas, coordinating investment-oriented efforts, developing investment packages and attracting investors.
