ArmInfo. The World Bank (WB) has improved its GDP growth forecast for Armenia in 2026-2027 to  5.3-5.1% from the previous 4.9-4.7% (compared to an actual acceleration in growth in 2025 from 5.9% to 7.2% - Ed.), as stated in the WB's Europe & Central Asia Economic Update: Industrial Policy,  published on April 8.

ArmInfo.The Central Bank of Armenia forecasts a GDP growth of 7.1-4.7% in 2026 and then 5.7-5.3% in 2027, also expecting an improvement in foreign trade dynamics. As a result, the absolute value of GDP will increase to 12.6-12.2 trillion drams (in 2026 from an actual 11.3 trillion drams in 2025), with subsequent growth to 13.8-13.3 trillion drams in 2027, as noted in the Central Bank of Armenia's March report, "Monetary Policy for Q1 2026."

ArmInfo.IDBank introduces IDDistributor, an innovative digital platform that combines payment automation and access to working capital in one integrated solution. This initiative is co-financed by RECONOMY—an inclusive and green economic development program funded by Sweden and implemented by Helvetas.

ArmInfo. Armenia ranks 69th with $1.41 billion (5.5% of GDP) in the World Bank's (WB) unified statistics on defense spending for 2024. According to Georgian Business Media, the World Bank published unified statistics on defense spending by countries worldwide, according to which the global defense budget in 2024 will reach a record $2.65 trillion, representing an annual increase of $265 billion. Defense spending has grown by $600 billion over four years.

ArmInfo. In January 2026, Armenia experienced a boost in its economic activity, with annual  growth rising from 7.1% to 7.6%. At the same time, the decrease in the foreign trade slowed down. According to the latest data from the RA Statistics Committee, the main drivers of annual growth were the  construction, energy, and industrial sectors, while the services sector made a modest contribution and the trade sector had a negligible impact. 

ArmInfo.World Bank Country Director for Armenia Fabrizio Zarkone, at a meeting with Arsen Torosyan, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, in Yerevan, reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to developing the country's social  protection system and advancing the "Job Creation and Social Inclusion" program.

ArmInfo.Regardless of whether we raise the minimum wage or not, wages in the real sector are growing, including thanks to competition," as stated by Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan, in response to a parliamentarian's question during a government hour about the government's unfulfilled promise to raise the minimum wage from 75,000 drams to 85,000 drams according to the government's 2021-2026 program.

ArmInfo. A possible slowdown in economic growth in Armenia amid significant growth in the credit  market threatens to result in a significant increase in toxic assets, primarily risky loans, according to  ArmInfo analysts, who analyzed the performance of the banking system (Financial Ratings of Armenian Banks bulletin) for 2025. It is noted that in 2025, in the Armenian banking sector  the growth rate of corporate lending outpaced the  growth rate of retail lending - 24% compared to 21%, while in 2024 the picture was the opposite - 18% compared to 33%.

ArmInfo.Armenia's GDP growth is expected to exceed the budgeted figure by the end of 2026, as stated by Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan during a press-  briefing  on February 26.  He attributed this belief to the  government's policies, the business community's response, and the  country's growth rate.

 The World Bank  will provide Armenia with a EUR 70.4 million loan for the  implementation of the "Water Supply and Irrigation Systems  Improvement. Phase 1" program. At its February 26 meeting, the  Committee on Financial, Credit, and Budgetary Affairs of the National  Assembly of the Republic of Armenia approved the draft agreement with  the Bank submitted by the Government of the Republic of Armenia.

ArmInfo. S&P Global Ratings forecasts Armenia's real GDP to expand by 5.3% in 2026 and  to 4.8% in 2027, after which the rate will increase to 5% in 2028.  

ArmInfo.Armenia's GDP in 2025 amounted to 11.318 trillion drams (over $29.2 billion),  showing a 7.2% increase. According to the Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, the GDP deflator index for 2025 rose to 103.6% (from 101.4% in 2024).  

ArmInfo.  The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD, World Bank Group) will provide EUR96.4 million to Armenia for the "Tourism and Regional Infrastructure Development" program. The National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia ratified the agreement with the Bank at its  plenary session on February 11.

ArmInfo. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD, World Bank Group) will provide Armenia with EUR 96.4 million for the implementation of the  "Tourism and Regional Infrastructure Development" program. At its  meeting on February 9, the Committee on Financial, Credit, and  Budgetary Affairs of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia  approved the agreement with the Bank submitted for ratification.

ArmInfo.  In Armenia, economic activity growth accelerated to 9.2% annually in January-December 2025 (from 8% in 2024). Meanwhile, foreign trade contracted at a  double-digit rate, compared to strong growth a year ago. According to  the final data from the RA Statistics Committee, the main growth  drivers were the construction and services sectors, with slightly  moderate contributions from the energy, agricultural, and industrial  sectors.

ArmInfo.  Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of  Armenia David Khudatyan received a delegation led by Charles J.   Cormier, Infrastructure Regional Director for Europe and Central  Asia, World Bank (WB). The parties discussed issues related to the  energy, transport, and water sectors. Particular attention was paid  to the government's "Crossroads of Peace" initiative.

ArmInfo. Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan hosted Charles J. Cormier, Infrastructure Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, World  Bank (WB). WB Regional Director Roland Preis also attended the meeting, the government press service reported.

ArmInfo. In Armenia, economic activity growth accelerated to 9.1% in January-December 2025 (from 8% in 2024). During this period, foreign trade experienced a double-digit decline, contrasting with the high growth recorded a year prior. According to preliminary data from the RA Statistics  Committee, the construction and services sectors were the main growth drivers, while  the industrial and agricultural sectors provided more  moderate contributions.

ArmInfo. Armenian Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan received a World Bank delegation led by Charles Cormier, Regional Director for Infrastructure in  Europe and Central Asia at the World Bank (WB).

ArmInfo.  Fitch Ratings has revised the Outlook on Armenia's Long-Term Foreign-Currency (LTFC) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to Positive from Stable and affirmed the  IDR at 'BB-'. A full list of rating actions is at the end of this  rating action commentary.