ArmInfo. One of the fundamental problems of the Armenian economy is the low level of labor productivity, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on August 24 at a parliamentary meeting, during the presentation of the government's program for 2021-2026. So, according to Pashinyan, studies show that in Armenia this figure is $ 6.8. "This means that one worker, on average, creates a product worth $ 6.8 per hour of work. This is a very bad indicator. For example, in Russia, productivity is $ 11.7, in the European Union, on average, $ 42.7, there are some countries in the EU where productivity exceeds $ 100, "he explained, adding that this indicates one of the important basic problems in the Armenian economy.
The prime minister drew attention to the fact that in the field of agriculture, which traditionally has a fairly high share in the country's GDP, things are even worse - in one hour of work, a product worth $ 3 is created. To solve the problem in this direction, according to Pashinyan, unpopular decisions are needed, which require the manifestation of political will. In particular, the authorities should agree to land reform, and, possibly, to consolidate land. Pashinyan also noted the role of increasing the area of intensive gardens (by 1 thousand hectares per year), planning and expanding the agricultural insurance program. In its program of activities for the next 5 years, according to the prime minister, the Cabinet of Ministers fixed the goal of expanding economic opportunities and ensuring equal conditions for all, creating an appropriate environment to ensure the growth of export potential, which should lead to a reduction in unemployment and poverty, and the formation of a middle class. ... The authorities plan to achieve all this by stimulating productivity growth and investment flow.
Thus, within the framework of the program, by 2026 the country's authorities undertake to ensure a minimum annual economic growth of 7%, and in the presence of favorable external economic conditions - at the level of 9%. According to the results of the planned measures, the current unemployment rate of 17- 18% should be below 10%, the poverty level should be halved, and extreme poverty should be completely eliminated, and pensions (now the basic pension is 30 thousand drams) should be increased to meet the needs of the minimum consumer basket (55 thousand AMD). The amount of the minimum wage will also be increased from the current 68 thousand drams to 85 thousand AMD. Over the next 5 years, the investment / GDP ratio will be increased to at least 25%, and the foreign direct investment to GDP ratio will be at 6%. The growth of the total factor productivity will be at least 5%. In addition, the share of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the republic's GDP will be increased from 27% to 55%. Realizing that SMEs are a key element of sustainable economic and employment growth, the RA government attaches importance to the development of SMEs and undertakes to take consistent steps to remove obstacles along the way. In particular, for innovative entrepreneurs, the toolkit for supporting SMEs will be expanded, and the availability of both financial resources and skills, knowledge and connections will be increased. The economic activity of the population in the regions will be increased, alternative sources of income will be created, and inclusiveness of growth will be ensured.
