EBRD adopted new strategy for Armenia

As the press-service of the EBRD informs, Armenia's economic growth has slowed down this year as a result of the broader regional downturn, which affects the country via reduced trade, remittances and investment flows. In addition, the depreciation of the Armenian dram and a decrease of foreign currency reserves have impacted the country's economy. As the source says, to speed up economic growth and support the government's ambitious reform programme, which includes improving the business environment, the EBRD will focus on 

the following key priorities in its new strategy for Armenia: Enhancing private sector competitiveness as for Armenia's small and open economy, a significant improvement in competitiveness is key to attracting investment. The EBRD will continue financing the private 

sector. The Bank will target assistance for improvements to the regulatory and administrative environment and strengthen its assistance to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

Developing capital markets and promoting local currency financing will also be one of EBRD priorities in its work in Armenia. As the authorities roll out mandatory pension reforms, the majority of pension fund investments will be channeled in local currency. Success will largely depend on the emergence of a healthy supply of capital market issues on the local market, and enough different investors to create market liquidity. The EBRD stands ready to support the development of the local capital market.

 

The ERBRD will continue developing public utilities: Armenia's energy, transport and municipal infrastructure still needs much update. For this, it is important to increase private participation in public service provision. The Bank will support commercially viable energy and energy efficiency, transport and municipal service projects and engage in policy dialogue.

 

The EBRD is the largest single investor in Armenia. To date, the Bank has committed almost 950 million euro in over 140 projects in all major sectors of the economy in Armenia.