Strategic priorities have not yet been determined in Armenia nor have advantages of competition been revealed. And no economic standards can be set without the two factors, the economic expert Tatul Manaseryan, Advisor to the RA Parliament Speaker, told journalists October 22. It is not until priorities have been specified that Armenian human and other resources can be properly used.

“A major decline in a couple of sectors may have a serious impact on the economic situation. On the other hand, the decline in the diamond-cutting industry caused a major GDP decline,” he said.

Responding to NEWS.am’s question about his GDP forecasts for this year, Manasaryan said: “I would like it to be two-digit growth. I cannot make any forecasts, as economy remains vulnerable and dependent on external factors. Slight fluctuations in the world market may affect consumers. Any forecasts are impossible under the circumstances. If, after the GDP has registered an 8.8% growth, anyone said it would go down to 2.8%, no one would believe. However, it is a fact now.”

As regards agriculture, he voiced the opinion that the weather-caused problems might have been avoided if a competent policy had been implemented.

“The agricultural sector is in a grave situation. As a state we must ask: do we need agriculture? A sector over 50% of the country’s population is employed in has a 20% share in GDP, which is evidence of inefficient policy. Available reserves should be properly used for farmers to feel protected regardless of the climate,” Manaseryan said.