YEREVAN. – Ex-president Robert Kocharyan sees neither internal, nor external reasons for optimistic assessment of the current state and prospects of Armenia's economy.

Moreover, new global threats are emerging, and the experts have to assess how mutual sanctions between West and Russia will influence global economy.

It's unclear what will happen with Armenia's trade turnover with Iran and Georgia amid country's upcoming accession to the Eurasian Union, Kocharyan said in an interview with Noyev Kovcheg newspaper.

He believes the government must focus on creation of jobs and economic growth rather than filling budget at any cost.

“The government must send a clear message that any business initiative is desirable and will be supported regardless of whose interests it affects,” Kocharyan said and urged authorities to forget about their personal interests.