This year is going to be even harder than last year in Armenia. External factors greatly influence the country’s economic system, and negative tendencies are palpable even now, Vahagn Khachatryan, a member of the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC), told NEWS.am.

“Considering the economic indicators of 2010, we are going to face numerous problems this year. Economic monopolies will play their role. Many products will rise in price. Gas and energy prices will rise as well, whereas no increase in salaries and allowances is expected. The 2011 budget shows no improvement in living standards should be expected,” Khachatryan said. Transfers are the only trust for Armenians, he said.

This year is going to be “very, very hard” in the context of external debt. “Hard times are coming for Armenia, and the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 are going to be extremely hard. And no one else will be willing to lend money to us,” Khachatryan said.