ArmInfo. According to the updated forecast of the Central Bank of Armenia, the unemployment rate in 2018 will be 17.1%, with an annual decline in the medium term by 0.3%, against the previously projected 17%, followed by an annual decline of 0.3-0.5%.
This is noted in the Central Bank's Monetary Policy Program (MPP) for Q2 2018, published in early June, where the decline in the unemployment rate is due to the expected economic growth rates in the 4.5-6.5% range, the Government's policy of stimulating investment , carried out by infrastructure reforms.
In 2017, the Central Bank of Armenia forecasted the unemployment rate at 17.9%, followed by a decrease in the medium-term prospect by 0.3-0.5 percentage points annually to 17.4-17.6%. This forecast of the Central Bank for 2017 almost coincided with the actual indicator of the year- 17.8%. According to statistical data, in 2016 the unemployment rate in Armenia was 18%, against 18.5% in 2015, 17.6% in 2014, and 16.2% in 2013.
To note, according to the WB forecasts, the unemployment rate in Armenia in 2018 will be 18.1%. The World Bank predicts that the level of poverty (at a purchasing power parity (PPP) of $ 5.5) could reach 38.2% in 2018, with a decline to 36.8% in 2019, and with a PPP of $ 3.2, the poverty level could fall in 2018- 2019 from 10.1% to 9.1%.