ArmInfo.2018 in economic terms, can be considered satisfactory and even successful, given the complex political processes that influenced the economic performance of the country. This opinion was expressed today at a press conference by head of the "Integration and Development", research and analytical public organization coordinator of the Eurasian Expert Club Aram Safaryan, presenting the report "Armenian Economy in 2018 and priorities in the context of the country's membership in the EAEU>.
According to him, the figures for the first trimester of 2018 were more optimistic, for example, GDP growth was 9.8%, but from the second trimester until the end of the year, the indicators recorded a decline due to the impact of political processes: <Despite the fact that the final economic indicators 2018 has not yet been summarized, it can be predicted that GDP growth will be 5-6%, which is a satisfactory indicator against the background of the prevailing circumstances.
The expert noted that the positive dynamics in the past year was recorded in the sphere of trade, services and industry (4-8%). According to him, according to these indicators, Armenia is ahead of many EEA countries.
Safaryan considered the double increase of Armenian exports to the EEU countries to be a positive indicator. From the Armenian goods, which were in demand in 2018 on the Russian market, the expert singled out textiles, agricultural products and fish products. "And this means that Armenia should further focus on the development of these areas," the expert said. According to him, Armenia should also adequately respond to changes in the Russian market, including the policy of import substitution. "So far, unfortunately, there are no data on the volume of transfers for 2018, and this is a very important indicator for conducting economic analysis. For example, if the volume of transfers decreases, it will mean that the number of people who left the country for permanent residence abroad has increased, "the expert explained. As Safaryan noted, many Russian experts believe that Armenia has every chance to restore the indicators and traditions in the fields of machine-tool construction and mechanical engineering, recorded in Soviet times. According to him, Armenia should also continue to work towards enhancing economic cooperation within the framework of the EEU.