ArmInfo.At the end of 2018, the economy of the Syunik region compared to 2017 increased by 10.9%. This was announced by Edgar Martirosyan, head of the Department for Analysis of Development Programs of the Syunik regional administration, on May 27 on the fields of the investment business forum "My Step for Syunik Region", representing the structure of the regional economy and development prospects.
Thus, according to Martirosyan, during the reporting period, the industry grew by 9.5%, agriculture - by 2.4%, construction - 32.3%, and the turnover in the retail sector recorded a 16.8% growth. In general, by the end of 2018, the volume of the regional economy amounted to 455 billion drams. 66.2% are the share of the mining industry, which, according to Martirosyan, harbors certain risks and requires diversification of the local economy.
Today, as the head of the department pointed out, there are 146 hectares of pastures in the Syunik region, and only 40% are used. With an increase in pastures even by 10%, the number of small ruminants in the region can be tripled - up to 360 thousand.
In addition, in 2018, 14 hectares of intensive gardens were created in Syunik. Meanwhile, in the region, out of 43.8 thousand ha, only 60% are plowed.
In 2018 about 323 thousand tourists visited the region. At the same time, according to Martirosyan, there is a huge potential for the development of eco, agro, gastro and adventure tourism. There is also potential for growth in high technology. At present, there are 22 "Armath" laboratories in Syunik, 6 organizations with 150 employees.
The region attaches great importance to increasing trade with Iran. In 2018, trade reached $ 360.7 million, of which $ 94.2 million was exported and $ 266.5 million was imported.
It should be noted that the forum, organized by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development and the Administration of the Syunik Region, is being held on the territory adjacent to the "Halidzor" station of the "Wings of Tatev" cableway.