On 15 – 16 January, Washington, D.C. hosted a conference on Armenia’s economy organized by Armenian International Policy Research Group (AIPRG).

The Conference, entitled Income Distribution and Social Safety Net, garnered participation of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, US State Department and other agencies, US and Armenian NGOs, research and expert groups.

The speakers of the Conference included the WB experts, economists, representatives of Armenian Diaspora involved in education, R&D, commercial and state institutions of the US, students. The Conference discussed prospects of Armenia’s economic growth and development, the country’s macroeconomic policies, poverty level and income distribution, reforms in the healthcare and social security sectors, services provided by public and private sectors, Armenia’s foreign trade and regional cooperation issues and Armenia-Diaspora economic cooperation.

Armenia’s Ambassador to the US H.E. Arman Kirakossyan, AIPRG Executive Director David Grigoryan, President of the American University of Armenia Harutyun Armenyan welcomed the Conference participants in their opening remarks. The keynote address was delivered by Chief Economic Advisor to the President of Armenia Vahram Nercissiantz who introduced Armenia’s current economic and political developments, reflected on causes of certain drawbacks in the country’s economic performance and solutions proposed to overcome these problems. He further explored the importance of increased volumes of domestic and foreign investments and continued economic reform.