Armenia's Economy Minister Highlights Robust Economic Growth
Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan announced significant government initiatives during a press conference, marking his first 100 days in office. He emphasized that the Armenian government allocated substantial funds for projects benefiting Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians. Additionally, a new decision was adopted to enhance opportunities for Karabakh Armenians within Armenia itself.
Papoyan expressed confidence in the resolution of these issues, noting, “It's just a matter of time.” He highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a level playing field and equal opportunities, encouraging Artsakh businessmen to capitalize on existing support programs. “If there are business ideas, I am ready to discuss how we can assist them,” he stated.
In terms of Armenia’s economic performance, Papoyan highlighted remarkable growth. “Armenia ranked ninth globally in economic growth in 2022, fourth in 2023, and continues to surpass previous records in 2024,” he added, underlining the country’s robust economic trajectory.
Gevorg Papoyan also provided insights into the country’s economic performance and tourism trends. He reported that Armenia achieved a robust GDP growth of 9.2 percent in the year's first quarter, driven primarily by the construction, trade, and industry sectors. Papoyan also highlighted significant developments in Armenia’s trade sector, noting a remarkable 104 percent increase in exports and a 78 percent rise in imports. He further emphasized a 13.2-percent increase in overall economic activity from January to April.
Addressing tourism, he acknowledged a perceived decrease in the number of tourists visiting Armenia compared to previous years. However, he pointed out specific growth areas within the tourism sector, such as a 9.3-percent increase in accommodation and public catering services and a 1.1-percent rise in culture, entertainment, and leisure activities. He attributed these shifts partly to changes in tourist demographics, noting a decline in Russian tourists but an increase from countries like India and the UAE.