300 Workplaces in Free Economic Zone: Minister of Economy
Artsvik Minasyan, RA Minister of Economy, visited “Meridian” Jewelry Free Economic Zone today, and in a briefing with reporters stated it’s anticipated, that we’ll have about 300 workplaces in the Free Economic Zone, and average salary, according to him, will be within USD 200-300, “As per assessments of our specialists, we expect a positive index. At least 30% growth is anticipated.”
According to the Minister, jewelry making and diamond processing are crucial fields of our economy, and in his words, the policy adopted by the Government is of principal importance, “Let me mention a few indicators, which make the field principal. Throughout the last year it was about 900 kg by physical volume, which isn’t big, however, hopefully, due to support policy, volumes will be increased. ”
He stated that a few principal issues are available as well, from the perspective of administrative work, preparation of specialists, their training, formation of platforms for diamond sale, which, according to him, will bring a diamond trade flow to Armenia, that will allow regarding them as one of the crucial fields. “One of the important issues is that of qualified specialists, which provides us the advantage to compete. We are sure, in case of implementation of the program adopted by us, we may anticipate high salaries from the field,” Artsvik Minasyan said.
Touching upon the problems, he said, “Two important questions of Free Economic Zone have been risen: the first one is anti-propaganda, directed to Free Economic Zone. Purpose of Free Economic Zone is not providing advantage to this or that enterprise for nothing, but stimulating the fields, so that companies came, founded workplaces and developed. In standard tax field those enterprises won’t be interested.
There are Free Economic Zones in other countries as well, and they shouldn’t have competitive privileges over Armenia. The second one refers organizational issues, linked to permit period: 30-40 days is rather long, while applying for a permit.”
By Razmik Martirosyan
