Nagorno Karabakh saw nine percent growth in GDP in 2016, President Bako Sahakyan said Wednesday, January 25.

Sahakyan was chairing the first Cabinet meeting of 2017.

In his speech, the president weighed in on the socio-economic figures, the activities carried out, as well as accomplishments and problems tackled throughout 2016.

The president underlined that the past year was quite difficult for Karabakh, the people and the economy in general. The four-day war in early April was a blow to the country's natural development, affecting almost every sector of the economy.

"Despite all the difficulties, we managed to maintain the pace of economic development in 2016, positive dynamics in the main sectors and register nine percent GDP growth," he said.

The president told the Cabinet of Ministers to carry out a deep analysis, paying special attention to the shortcomings registered, and undertake necessary steps to eliminate them.

Speaking of the plans for 2017, Sahakyan underlined the necessity of quality performance, coordination, due implementation of duties and efficient utilization of financial means.