PRESS RELEASE January 19, 2006

Ambassador Markarian Addresses Conference on Armenian Economy

A conference on the Armenian economy took place on January 14 -15, 2006, at the World Bank building in Washington, D.C. The conference on Public Sector Governance and Economic Efficiency was organized by the Armenian International Policy Research Group and attended by World Bank and IMF experts on Armenia, Armenian students and young professionals working in the United States , and economic development and emerging markets specialists.

In his welcoming remarks to the participants of the conference, Ambassador Markarian noted that Armenia has accomplished significant progress in economic and democratic transition since independence. He noted that economic reforms in Armenia have also resulted in significant political and social costs, which require constant evaluation and adjustment in the transition process. Armenia is tackling such issues as prioritizing further economic and legal reforms, attracting greater investment and promoting more competitive economic environment, creating new jobs, and further reducing poverty, the Ambassador noted.

The Ambassador noted that the conference brings together Armenian students and professionals from the Homeland and the Diaspora, as well as other experts on Armenia , expressing appreciation for the dedication of Armenian young professionals to helping their Homeland build a better future.

Welcoming remarks were also delivered by Shigeo Katsu, Vice President of the World Bank and the AIPRG Co-Chairs.