Armenian Official Briefs on Armenian Economy at National Press Club

On August 10, 2004, the National Press Club in Washington, DC hosted a news conference by Vahram Nercissiantz, Chief Economic Adviser to the President of Armenia, who presented Armenia’s current social and economic development, his vision for regional cooperation, and expressed his appreciation for Armenia’s inclusion in the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). In drawing a historical account of Armenia’s irreversible achievements in making political and economic reforms since independence, Mr. Nercissiantz described the political and philosophical foundations of the Armenian reforms, and the strategic directions of the transition, emphasizing the commitment of the Armenian authorities to further development of liberal democracy and market economy in Armenia. He concluded by presenting the Armenian government’s strategy for sustaining high rates of economic growth and reducing poverty in Armenia.

In a vigorous Q&A that followed his presentation, Mr. Nercissiantz addressed issues ranging from Armenian-Turkish relations to details of the MCA process in Armenia. He reiterated that the removal of the Turkish blockade and subsequent opening of the Armenian-Turkish border would greatly benefit both Turkey and Armenia, as well as neighboring countries of South Caucasus by promoting greater regional cooperation and stability. Mr. Nercissiantz, who is ex officio Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Armenian Program of the Millennium Challenge Account, explained that the Armenian government had held extensive consultations with Armenian NGO’s, groups of experts and other concerned parties, both at national and local levels, to solicit advice and develop a public awareness on the strategic directions for developmental assistance under the terms of MCA. Addressing recent articles in the Washington Post that had drawn an unbalanced and inaccurate portrayal of Armenia’s economy, he said that Armenia’s progress was real and emphasized the determination of the government and the people of Armenia to seriously tackle the social and economic challenges facing Armenia today.

For full text of Vahram Nercissiantz’s presentation, please visit the Embassy of Armenia website:
http://www.armeniaemb.org/BusinessEconomy/Nercissiantz.htm