Premier: Armenia’s Jan-Feb GDP 2.5 times greater than expected

Premier: Armenia’s Jan-Feb GDP 2.5 times greater than expected
ARKA, 01.04.2010

Armenia’s GDP in January and February 2010 was 2.5 times greater than expected, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said Thursday at a governmental meeting.

He said that the steps taken by the government had a favorable impact on the national economy.

The premier said that the greater-than-expected tax flow into the state budget gives ground for thinking that Armenia will record quite high economic growth this quarter.

Sargsyan said that the current inflow of social pays is also plentiful.

It was expected that the state budget would receive AMD 117 billion taxes over this quarter, but in fact, AMD 126.733 billion have been sent to the state budget since the beginning of this year.

Besides, AMD 22 billion has been sent to the state budget as social pays, instead of the planned AMD 26 billion.

“Very important is that wages in Armenia have risen 5.8% over the first quarter,” the premier said adding that not only state-run agencies, but also private companies raised salaries.

According to National Statistical Service of Armenia, the country’s economy enjoyed 3.1% growth in January and February 2010, compared with the same months a year before.

GDP in current prices amounted to AMD 321650 million, and the year-on-year GDP deflator index was recorded at 110.6% in January and February 2009.

GDP growth is planned at 1.2% in the 2010 state budget. ($1 = AMD 400.50).---0---