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THE FIRST SESSION OF THE USATF MAY 8-9, 2000
Press Statement by Richard Boucher, Spokesman, US Department of State May 9, 2000
U.S.-ARMENIA TASK FORCE ON ECONOMIC REFORM
May 8-9, 2000, Yerevan
The inaugural session of the U.S.-Armenia Task Force on Economic Reform was held today in Yerevan, Armenia. The Task Force is designed to enable the Governments of the United States and Armenia to coordinate better their efforts to promote economic cooperation and assist Armenia in its transition to a market economy. Vice President Gore and the late Armenian Prime Minister, Vazgen Sargsyan, agreed to establish such a mechanism when the two leaders met in Washington last September.
The U.S. delegation was led by Ambassador William Taylor, the Coordinator of Assistance to the New Independent States, and included representatives from the Departments of Commerce and Treasury, the Trade Development Agency, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the National Security Council. The Armenian delegation was led by Minister of Finance and Economy Levon Barkhudaryan and also included interagency representation.
During its daylong session in Yerevan, the Task Force focused primarily on three issues: improving private sector development, combating corruption, and discussing Armenia's energy needs. Ambassador Taylor will provide a report on the session's conclusions, recommendations and follow-on plans to Vice President Gore. The second session of the Task Force will be held this fall, probably in the United States.
MINUTES OF THE USATF MEETINGS
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
· US Assistance for FY 2000
· Fiscal Policy, Double Taxation Treaty
· Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies, Interest Rates
· Financial Reform
· Privatization
· Information Technology Opportunities
· Legislation Priorities
· Trade and Investment
· Intellectual Property Rights
· Standards and Certification
· Anti-Corruption Program
· Civil Service Reform
· Dates and Place of next USATF Meetings
RESULTS
· USAID will consider assisting the Government of Armenia in its work on a national Census along with other donors. Once the corresponding report is received (expected in a week), the Government [of Armenia] will provide a formal request for assistance to USAID, which will enable more detailed discussion.
· There will be a follow-up discussion with the USG on the possibility of providing financing for hiring a legal consultant for Electricity Distribution Company privatization.
· USAID will have a separate meeting next week with the Ministry of Finance and Economy during which the issues related to the 1996 wheat and gas assistance audit will be discussed.
· Ministry of Justice of Armenia will countersign Memorandum of Assistance in legal issues.
· There will be a follow-up discussion on possible assistance in court decisions on investment.
· The Government of Armenia will make its best efforts to submit an IPR brief by the June 9 deadline to clarify its eligibility for the Generalized System of Preferences.
· Department of Commerce will work to facilitate the operations of International Tax and Investment Center to advise on Tax and Investment Policy issues.
· Ministry of Finance and Economy of Armenia will share with the [US] Embassy [in Yerevan] relevant information on tax legislation, and once the reform strategy is finalized, the procedures needed to start discussions on Double Taxation Treaty will be launched, assuming interest by US industry.
· USAID will consider possible assistance in Customs Administration reform once the Diagnostic Study in the sphere is properly analyzed.
· USAID envisions enhanced efforts in Securities Market assistance once the respective law is adopted.
· USAID will reconsider its assistance in the Privatization sphere and suggest respective changes to make it more effective or to direct it to other activities.
· A working group will be established to review the current situation with the protection of intellectual property rights and to define actions necessary to bring Armenia into compliance with international practice and its bilateral trade agreement with the United States.
· To set up preliminary dates of next meeting in the ten days of September 2000, in Washington, DC.
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/S/ Ambassador William Taylor Coordinator of Assistance to NIS US Department of State |
/S/ Levon Barkhudaryan Minister of Finance and Economy Republic of Armenia |