Leader by asset volumes is Ameriabank (AMD 507.7 billion), which is followed by Ardshininvestbank (AMD 461.1 billion) and VTB Armenia Bank (AMD 314.8 billion). In percentage the biggest growth of assets throughout the quarter was recorded by Ardshininvestbank (15.1 %), and the biggest decrease—by BTA Bank (19.8%).
According to NSS, poverty index for 2014 comprised 30% in Armenia. As compared to the last year—2013, poverty index reduced by 2 percentage points. People, consumption of those was lower than general upper line per capita, were assessed as needy (in 2014 it comprised AMD 40 264 per month). Very needy people comprise 10.9% (monthly consumption of which per capita is lower than the lower poverty line—AMD 33 101). For the calculation of poverty line, RA official statistics, naturally, takes monthly cost of consumer basket as a basis. And in international statistics, generally, to count poverty index, daily average consumption in dollars is taken as a ground. It’s applied to compare indices of different countries.
What occurred throughout recent few days, was a real lesson to us. Starting from ordinary worker, to the highest state circle. We understood, that fight against corruption, rule of law, human rights protection, democracy and other values, are not just simple, nice words. Our fate and that of our country depend on them. Yes, it did cost us dear, but we realized that we need to have a powerful economy to have a powerful army, and for a powerful economy, we need to have a normal country and trust towards the state.
There is indirect proof of it in official statistics as well. For instance, volume of internal trade turnover continues to decrease. Purchase by RA citizens for January-February of the current year comprised AMD 264,2 billion, which has decreased by 1.8%, as compared to indices of the same period of the previous year. And this is not surprising, especially against the background of transfers from abroad.
“Many people claim that power of the small isn’t power at all. In fact, it’s not so, even AMD 1000 is a big support. Just let me bring one indicator—Total amount of investors up to 100 000 drams comprises AMD 15 million. And I’m thankful from him/her as well, I didn’t write this to mock at, I wrote this, so that we understood big power and possibilities of small people,” A.Khurshudyan wrote, adding that one shouldn’t think and wait for the small number of the rich to solve our problems.
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.”
Azerbaijani officials, who are used to easy money, start to realize that time already works against them. Taking a glance backward, they clarify that they missed the peak of their economic power. If in mid-2000s 25-35% economic growth was recorded in Azerbaijan, currently the situation will more worsen (they have neither a political will nor a desire for a good economy). And it turns out, that, this is the moment, then it may be late. And we have what we have on border now.
At the same time it’s mentioned that Armenia’s rather rapid process of membership to EEU requires proceeding with the process of approximation of policies and regulations, which will provide Armenia’s businessmen and investors the opportunity to actually feel positive implications of the membership.
It’s much more important to find out for which programs loans have been engaged, who decided priority of those programs and how involved means have been expended. Just from this very standpoint, it’s not surprising that one of the country’s political organizations proposes to launch public discussions on establishing a commission for implementation of independent audit.
“Nobody hurries to make investments into a small market in a country with closed borders and neighboring enemies. It’s difficult to convince, but we have to.”
