Karen Karapetyan in Iran: there are all conditions for economic growth in Armenia

ArmInfo. Within the framework of the official visit to Iran, Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan held a meeting with the head of the Mejlis of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Larijani. The sides discussed regional problems, as well as issues of bilateral cooperation. The prime minister also met with representatives of the Armenian community.

As the press service of the government reports, giving a greeting to the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Ara Babloyan, Karapetyan noted that Armenia attaches great importance to friendly relations with Iran, which continue to develop in an atmosphere of mutual understanding.

Ali Larijani noted the need to consistently deepen economic cooperation. In this regard, the interlocutors stressed the importance of the activity of parliamentary friendship groups, the development of relations at the level of parliaments, the role of legislative bodies in the development of interstate relations was noted.  According to Larijani, the Iranian parliament is determined to deepen relations with Armenia even more.

Karen Karapetyan also visited the sports club "Ararat", where he met with representatives of the Armenian community, including business circles. The Armenian PM presented the reforms initiated by the Armenian government, stressing that economic reforms are aimed at improving the business environment and creating favorable business conditions. The head of government said that in the 8 months of 2017, 5.5% of economic growth was recorded in Armenia, in the case when the budget is set at 3.2%. The prime minister noted the determination of the government to develop the republic's economy. "I am confident that there are all conditions for ensuring economic growth," he stressed.

It should be noted that economic activity in Armenia in January-August 2017 accelerated annual growth rates from 2.4% to 5.5%. In January-August 2016 the foreign trade turnover showed too modest growth - 4.6% due to the export from the recession to the 18.9% growth, with the slowdown in the rate of decline in imports to 2.1%. During the first half of the year, trade with Iran totaled $ 114.4 million, with annual growth of 0.4%. At the same time, exports amounted to $ 34.7 million, a decline of 9.3%, imports - $ 79.7 million, with growth of 5.3%.