WB REGIONAL DIRECTOR IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES IN ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net - 23.01.2001, MEDIAMAX, YEREVAN. "With the consideration of economic growth, political and macroeconomic stability in Armenia, I hope the population will observe changes for the better in the nearest future", World Bank Regional director for Southern Caucasian states Judi O'Connor said today at a press conference in Yerevan.

Despite the numerous problems, faced by the country, Armenia has realized considerable reforms, Mrs. O' Connor said. At the same time the recently observed increase of poverty level should be paid special attention to by the government and international organizations, including the World Bank, she stressed.

Touching upon the program of struggling against poverty in the country, worked out by the Armenian government, WB Regional Director said this program is open for constructive discussion for all the parties concerned. She noted at the same time that World Bank has worked out an alternative program for poverty decrease, based on preserving macroeconomic stability, encouraging economic growth and creating new working places, as well as enlarging of purpose expenses, aimed at supporting the poor layers of the population. These principles, on the whole are consonant with the strategy of the government of Armenia. --0--