ArmInfo.The programs of the Armenian government should be aimed not only at mitigating the current socio-economic situation. They should be aimed at the future - the further development of the economy and the country as a whole is the only way out. Such an opinion was expressed to ArmInfo by ex-Chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia, economist Bagrat Asatryan.
"In general, I assess the government's assistance to the economy, business and vulnerable groups as situational and insufficient. So far, this assistance reaches 3-5% of GDP, while similar programs in other countries reach 15, or even 20% of GDP. In this light, our government should at least double the volume of injections into the economy and help citizens, "he stressed.
The economist considers it premature to predict the loss of the Armenian economy as a result of the current crisis. Moreover, in comparison with the global financial crisis of 2008-2009. he expects a double fall in the global economy. Asatryan sees the past crisis as an opportunity for Armenia to overestimate what has happened and to determine the vectors of spending limited resources in order to prevent a serious drop in economic indicators.
In this light, the economist singled out programs that help maintain economic activity and, thus, can prevent the economy from falling too deeply. In his opinion, the employment problem today is more serious for Armenia than it seems to many. In particular, the question of employment is open for almost 50 thousand citizens who usually leave at this time for seasonal earnings in Russia. In his opinion, all these working hands must be involved in construction and agriculture. Therefore, in these areas it is necessary to initiate large-scale programs.
Asatryan also highlighted the presence in the country of rather vast agricultural land not cultivated. And this is in the context of the continuing prospect of a country's clash with the problem of ensuring food security. According to him, the macroeconomic situation in the country leaves much to be desired, however, this does not mean at all that there are no ways out of this situation.
"In the case of Armenia, it should be available to us, our opportunities, exits. We faced much greater economic difficulties and, of course, had losses in the nineties. And today we have the opportunity to overcome the current crisis, including without losses. And this the opportunity must be taken, "Asatryan concluded.
