ArmInfo. Computer literacy improvement training for the older generation finished on July 1. The training was held in Yerevan branch of Russian Economic University named after Plekhanov within "ABC on Internet" program.  The press-service of Rostelecom Armenia informed ArmInfo that this time the group consisted of 16 participants aged between 67 and 70 who received certificates upon the termination of the course. Last year the group consisted of 12 participants. 

ArmInfo. On 12th April, the office of the German Business Association (DWV - Deutsche Wirtschaftsvereinigung) was founded in Yerevan. At the opening ceremony, the German Ambassador in Armenia, Matthias Kiesler, pointed out, that thereby the German side demonstrates the importance of Armenia as a partner for Germany, especially in trade and economic relations. During the interview with ArmInfo, the executive director of DWV, Inga Markwart, talked about tasks and objectives of DWV in Armenian, as well as about plans of German companies entering the Armenian market and their search of potential partner.

ArmInfo. The prices of crude hydrocarbons in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) should enhance the competitiveness of the EEU commodities, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said during the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Astana on May 31.   

ArmInfo. Armenia's Economy Minister Artsvik Minasyan received delegation of German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation  (GIZ) headed by country director Anne Dorit Kempa. During today's meeting the sides expressed mutual readiness to strengthen and deepen cooperation, the press-service of the ministry reports.

ArmInfo. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing EUR 5.5 million loan to Armenia for implementation of modern solid waste management solutions in Kotayk and Gegharkunik regions. The loan amount consists of a previously signed EUR 3.5 million and a newly added EUR 2 million EBRD sovereign loan, the press-service of the EBRD reports.

ArmInfo. "ABC on Internet" by Rostelecom (Armenia) is very popular among the older generation. Open classes for senior citizens were launched today in the Russian Economic University after Plekhanov, Yerevan branch within the framework of "ABC on Internet in Armenia" project, which is held for the second time and is the first in 2016.

ArmInfo. Experts of the World Bank gave a regular forecast for Armenian economy, the monthly economic developments report prepared by the specialists of WB Yerevan Office mentions that in 2016, GDP growth is projected to remain sluggish at 2.5 percent due to continued recession in Russia and structural weaknesses.

ArmInfo. A round table on the topic of demand for specialists in information and communication technologies was held today at the Yerevan Branch of Russian Economic University after Plekhanov. Rostelecom (Armenia) and Russian Center for Science and Culture in Yerevan participated in the event.

ArmInfo. ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank will hold a business seminar for the heads of SMEs this year, the Bank's press-office told ArmInfo. ACBA-Credit Agricole 

ArmInfo. The issue of prolonging the term of Communal Infrastructure Programme (CIP) II, Phase 2 and clarifying the investment directions was discussed in the State Committee of Water Economy of Armenia, the Committee's press-service reports, noting that the issue was raised on February 8 during a working meeting between Committee Chairman Aram Harutyunyan and Representative of Armenian office of German Development KfW Bank Zara Chatinyan.

ArmInfo. IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is providing a $50 million subordinated loan to Ameriabank, the largest bank in Armenia, to support its capital and boost its capacity to lend to local enterprises, expanding access to finance and helping drive economic growth and job creation.

ArmInfo.  The World Bank does not plan to revise its forecast for Armenia's GDP growth by 2.2%, related to revision of its forecast for Russia's GDP to 0.7% drop in 2016 WB Country Manager for Armenia, Ms. Laura E. Bailey told ArmInfo's correspondent. 

ArmInfo. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) financed a record volume of projects in Armenia in 2015, providing strong support to the country's economy in a challenging economic environment that was affected by the regional crisis.

ArmInfo.

ArmInfo. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Ministry of Finance of Armenia and the Municipality of Yerevan city have signed an agreement to allocate a co-financing grant of EURO 1.9 million to support the modernization of street lighting in the city of Yerevan.

ArmInfo. Government members running big business and holding monopolies is a serious problem for any country, and Armenia is not an exception. The remarks came from Mark Davis, Head of the EBRD Yerevan Office, in a news conference on October 14.  He pointed at monopolies, low level of competition, and government members running big business as key factors affecting the economic development of Armenia.

ArmInfo. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will upgrade its forecast for Armenia's GDP growth by positive 1-3% for 2015. Mark Davis, Head of EBRD Yerevan Resident Office, expressed this preliminary estimation at the press conference on October 14. He recalled that according to the forecast made in May, 1.5% slowdown was anticipated, and this was the most pessimistic forecast compared to the anticipations of other international organizations. He added that the final forecasts of Armenia's macroeconomic indicators will be published at the end of October.

Interview of ArmInfo Director General Emmanuil Mkrtchyan with Development Director, Head Management Advisory at Ameria Group, Tigran Jrbashyan (PART TWO)

Let’s return to our talk on healthy banking system. In our previous interview, even despite the serious crisis elements in the country’s economy, you talked about a growth of the lending rate, which enabled certain increase in the GDP growth rates. Many experts still cast doubt on such statistics for some paradoxical phenomena: a growth amid falling demand, decrease in capital investment and lending rates.