Wednesday, July 5 2017 12:41

ArmInfo. The Minister of Economic Development and Investments of Armenia Suren Karayan, the head of the working group of the program "Enhancing the competitiveness of the sectors of the Armenian economy with export potential through modernization and market accessibility" Anita Travaini and international expert on the quality and production of footwear Giorgio Ghadina discussed the implementation of the program and possible cooperation framework . 

According to the press service of the Ministry of Economic Development and Investment, Anita Travaini noted the efforts of the Armenian government in the development of the light industry, the growth of investments in the sphere.  According to the head of the group, for the development of light industry it is necessary to provide the sphere with qualified personnel.

In this regard, the topic of the opening of the educational center on the basis of public-private partnership within the framework of the program "Enhancing the competitiveness of Armenian economic sectors having export potential through modernization and ensuring market accessibility" was touched upon. It is expected that the Center, in addition to educational purposes, will also provide consulting services for financial management, planning of clothing and footwear production, and developing skills to stimulate exports.

According to Minister Karayan, the Armenian government at this stage is discussing the possible expansion of the tools to support the sphere. In addition to the production of textiles and clothing, Suren Karayan and experts discussed the prospects for the development of certain branches of light industry- tanning and tie- wrapping.  "Armenia has all the conditions and the necessary capacity to produce products that meet European standards, we must unite our efforts for the cardinal development of the sphere," concluded the head of the Armenian Ministry of Economic Development and Investment.

In Armenia, economic activity in January-May of 2017 increased by 6.4% per annum against the background of the prevalence of import ascending rates over exports. A year earlier, in January-May 2016, by the same period of 2015, economic activity increased by 5.5%, in May compared to May 2015 - also by 5.5%, and only in May - by 6.6%.  According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, the growth of economic activity in January-May 2017 to a greater extent determined the industrial sector - by 14.4% per annum, trade - by 12.8%, services - by 11%, against which the growth of the energy complex looked Modestly - 4.6% per annum. At the same time, Armenia's foreign trade turnover in January-May of 2017 amounted to1108.8 billion drams ($ 2286.2 million) with an annual growth of 23.1%. In its structure, the volume of exports has undergone an annual growth of 20.9% to 389.9 billion drams ($ 803.9 million), and imports - an annual growth of 24.4% to 718.8 billion drams ($ 1,482.3 million).

Earlier, on April 8, during a meeting with Karen Karapetyan, Prime Minister of the country, Minister of Economic Development and Investments Suren Karayan said that about 7.5 thousand jobs are planned to be created in Armenia in 2017 due to investments of 460 million dollars. "Only according to the approved programs it is planned to create 7,500 jobs due to investments for a total amount of 460 million dollars," Karayan said. "As a result of the first quarter, 1800 jobs have already been created, investments of $ 65 million have been made," Karayan said. "If this year you work well and energetically, you can create at least 10 thousand jobs in addition to these 7.5 thousand and 460 million dollars," - said the prime minister.