Economic indices of Armenia’s 2016 state budget are modest, can be easily achieved: economist

Economic indices of the 2016 state budget of Armenia are modest so it will be quite easy to achieve them – economic growth of 2.2%  can be reached, economist Vilen Khachatryan told Panorama.am.

“The draft state budget of Armenia for 2016 is a budget of development. It will create ample opportunities to fulfill goals and solve various problems,” he noted.

According to him, revenues are considered a serious problem in the economy, but irrespective of that, under the draft state budget, the deficit is planned at 3.5% of GDP which amounts to 190 billion drams.   

  “The state budget deficit of 2015 has already exceeded the level set in the draft. It currently makes up 3.8%, while in early 2015 a  2.3%. deficit was planned. It means, instead of cutting spending, the deficit has been increased,” the economist noted.

Commenting on Armenia’s foreign debt, V. Khachatryan said: “According to the budget, the foreign debt is expected to grow. These are the main challenges facing the Armenian economy”.