YEREVAN. - With the support of foreign donors, nearly 2,000 jobs will open in Armenia by the end of 2018.

Minister of Territorial Administration and Development of Armenia, Davit Lokyan, stated the aforementioned in the parliament on Wednesday, speaking at the debate on the 2017 – 2022 Government Program.  

In his words, the elimination of inequality between the development of the capital and provinces has become a priority for the Armenian Government. In this respect, he noted that 240 billion AMD out of nearly 280 billion AMD income tax is collected in Yerevan. “This means that occupation is largely concentrated in the capital, it being low in provinces,” Lokyan added.

The ministry has drawn up development projects for all the provinces of the country. Pursuant to them, up to 60 jobs will be created in the provinces by 2025, the number of enterprises increasing up to 10 percent. The GDP of each province should not be lower than the average 70 percent of the country’s provinces.

In Lokyan’s words, the projects of foreign donors will help the development: within the framework of an EU program, new small enterprises will be established in Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Ararat, Tavush, Gegharkunik and Shirak provinces.

A project aimed at supporting 45 villages will be implemented in 45 villages of Tavush province with the support of the Russian Embassy. It is also expected to implement about 40 projects for supporting small and medium-sized business.