ArmInfo. With regret we have to admit that the growth rates of the RA economy, recorded in the first quarter of 2019 turned out to be lost in 2020. RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on July 22 at a meeting with entrepreneurs.
According to him, there is a need to discuss the issue of the country's overcoming the crisis. From the early days of the coronavirus, as sa me as in numerous countries, in Armenia as well, the issue of choosing priorities was very difficult. On the one hand, safety of health care system hang in the balance, on the other - economic priorities. The fact that more than 70,000 jobs were cut in April was a signal for the government to pursue a balanced policy regarding the health care system and business. In fact, a decision was made that, possibly against the background of the epidemic, was perceived by many as illogical. It is about expanding economic activity. From this point of view, the Prime Minister noted with satisfaction that already in May most of the reduced jobs had been restored.
Yesterday, Nikol Pashinyan continued, the data for June were summarized, which indicate the continuation of the trend of recovery of job places. Analysis of statistical data suggests that in June 2020, compared to June 2019, more jobs were registered in Armenia, moreover, with a large volume of the wage fund and average wages. Here it is necessary to analyze what it is connected with. The prime minister did not rule out that this fact could be the result of a reduction in the volume of the shadow economy.
As for the situation with the coronavirus, it continues to be tense, according to the head of government. However, the burden on the health care system is easing somewhat. "Today, with some degree of caution, it can be argued that the country's health care system is entering the stage of overcoming COVID-19," said Nikol Pashinyan, again urging citizens to comply with the anti-epidemiological standards that have been established. He noted that some part of the Armenian society continues to agitate for actions that can lead to a complication of the situation. We are talking, in particular, about calls to abandon the wearing of masks. It is necessary to continue the work begun, otherwise a surge in the number of cases will again be observed.
Returning to the subject of the conversation, Nikol Pashinyan stressed that for everyone, the creation of a qualitatively new economy at a new level. In this context, the current crisis can play a role in the formation of an economy based on high-tech industry focused on export.
