Republican Party of Armenia

 A Cabinet sitting was held today, chaired by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan.

Before proceeding to the agenda, the Prime Minister introduced the proposed changes to the government structure, which aim to provide an effective management system. In particular, it is proposed to take off the Ministry of Emergency Situations from the composition of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and attach to the Ministry of Territorial Administration. Instead, a new ministry will be created referred to as Ministry of International Economic Integration and Reforms.

In this connection, the Government approved a bill on amendments to the law “On organization of the Government of the Republic of Armenia” that will be submitted to the National Assembly in the prescribed manner.

The Prime Minister next touched upon a very disturbing issue: “For a number of indicators regarding the reproduction of the population, the Republic of Armenia is at the bottom of the global ranking. Today, I wish to reflect on the birth sex ratio, as a citizen, as Prime Minister, as the proud father of two girls. I am extremely anxious about the social environment, which makes us lose thousands of future mothers. I am hereby instructing the Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs and Healthcare to develop and submit by the month of March 2015 a comprehensive plan to improve the situation.”

The government approved draft laws on amendments to the law “On State benefits” and the law “On cash transactions.” The meeting also discussed 5 legislative initiatives.

In accordance with the 2014 State budget law, to ensure the statutory refund of value-added tax amounts to exporters, the Government provided the Ministry of Finance AMD7.145.000,0 thousand from its reserve fund.

Prioritizing the provision of VAT refund amounts, Prime Minister Abrahamyan said. “Nearly 10 billion drams have already been so allocated from the reserve fund, which is a great support for the business environment; these are additional funds to infiltrate into the business environment.”

To ensure that the development program of Yerevan, including the “Old Yerevan” project, is implemented in compliance with the modern urban planning standards and attract investment, the Government made a decision about activities in preparation for the prevailing public interest-based development of the area enclosed by the main avenue’s Abovyan, Pavstos Byuzand, Yeznik Koghbatsi and Arami streets, as well as Kond residential district. The decision will help handle the change in the status of landowners, with plans to reduce investment program-related risks.

“This is a crucial project for us, and we made this decision to try to overcome the existing obstacles so that by late 2015 we could have a project for the implementation of which there is an investment opportunity of up to 120-130 million dollars,” the head of government said.

The meeting discussed about four dozen agenda items and passed relevant decision.