ArmInfo. Economic growth in Armenia in 2018 is mainly due to casino revenues. This opinion was expressed in an interview with ArmInfo by the chairman of the NGO
Karen Chilingaryan.
The rest of the Eurasian Union, he said, provides a much lower turnover, which is connected not only with logistical problems. According to the expert, the question is that Russia, being the main partner, unfortunately, uses leverage when it is profitable and convenient for it: .At the same time, Chilingaryan shared observations regarding the representation of Armenian products in the Russian market. As an example, he cited the situation related to wines: . At the same time, the chairman of the Center connects this not only with the lack of volumes and inadequate development of the brand, but also with the pricing policy. "Basically, when you look at the Armenian goods presented on the Russian market, in comparison with other countries, they are much more expensive," he said.From the point of view of economic growth, Chilingaryan found it difficult to predict the future situation, but noted that everything depends on tax changes.
In the state budget of Armenia for 2018, GDP growth of 4.5% is laid, and in the state budget for 2019 - 4.9%. The World Bank improved the forecast for GDP growth in Armenia for 2018 from the previous 4.1% to the current 5.3%. The World Bank also improved the forecast of GDP growth in Armenia for 2019 - from the previous 4% to the current 4.3%, with an acceleration to 4.6% in 2020. According to IMF expectations, GDP growth in Armenia in 2018 will be lower than the previously projected 6%.According to the RA Statistics Committee, in January-November 2018 economic growth slowed to 5.7% from 7.3% in the first 11 months of 2017. The growth drivers were the service sector and the trade sector, against the background of a more modest ascent of the construction sector, industry and the power complex, with the continuing decline in the agricultural sector.