ArmInfo. There is no economic development and human capital development in Armenia, we are dealing with the recovery growth of the economy, economist, head of the Alternative Research Center, Doctor of Economics, Professor Tatul Manaseryan expressed this opinion answering a question from ArmInfo correspondent on September 23 .
"Let's understand that economic growth does not mean economic development. Since the latter provides for growing and competitive sectors of the economy that are in demand, both in the domestic and foreign markets, which are drivers and balance the economy forward. While our economy is developing, but social issues are not being resolved, discontent always remains. Today we are dealing with a sick economy, we are recovering. To understand this, you do not need to be an economist'', he said.
In this regard, Manaseryan noted that the government should pay attention to non-traditional sectors of the economy, in particular health care and scientific activity, and not constantly talk to Russians, Americans and Europeans about Armenian apricot and drinks. "The state should start working on marketing the healthcare sector, in particular dentistry, heart, eyes surgery services, for which foreign citizens come from abroad to Armenia. I even can not remember services in this industry, in which we are not registering progress", the economist noted. In this context, Manaseryan emphasized that Armenia could very well become a health center in the region, at least for certain types of services.
In addition, the economist complained about the current situation in the IT sector, which is a priority, and therefore, tax incentives were granted to enterprises operating in this sector from the government. "This is certainly very good. But let's see who serves domestic IT? We have good specialists who work in the international market. What percentage works for the development of any economic sector in Armenia? I don't know. Perhaps there are some cases. We will not be able to see significant progress until this branch is integrated into the country's economy'', he said.
Regarding the forecast for 2019, Professor Manaseryan noted that we can maintain the existing level of economic growth, which is, according to him, shameful. As an example, the economist cited the situation in the Republic of Artsakh, which provides double-digit indicators of economic growth, with modest capabilities, production and financial resources. "We need to learn from the Artsakh people. We do not use that colossal, crazy potential. And this is not about the professional potential of the Diaspora. I'm talking about what we have today'', he stressed.
To note, according to the Statistical Committee, in the first half of 2019, GDP amounted to 2.7 trillion drams or $ 5.6 billion (against 2.5 trillion drams or $ 5.1 billion a year earlier). According to the World Bank forecast, the GDP growth of Armenia in 2019 will amount to 4.2%, with an acceleration in 2020 to 4.9%. In terms of Armenia's foreign trade, the World Bank predicts growth for 2019, with exports accelerating to 8.8%, and imports slowing to 12.2%. According to the IMF forecast, the GDP growth of Armenia in 2019 will amount to 4.6% with a slowdown in 2020 to 4.5%. The Central Bank of Armenia predicted for 2019 GDP growth in the range of 5.9-7.4%, while at the same time expecting in 2019 the growth of imports by 2-4% and exports by 4-6%. The state budget of the Republic of Armenia for 2019 contains a growth of GDP of 4.9%.