Author: Elizabeth Jabejian

 10:48, 2 August 2022

YEREVAN, AUGUST 2, ARMENPRESS. The ferry communication will be launched in August. The schedule will be released in coming days. As for the Upper Lars border checkpoint, the clearance capacity for Armenian cargo has increased by around 10% in July compared to June. Support is envisaged for some sectors that were affected from the appreciation of the Armenian dram, Minister of Economy of Armenia Vahan Kerobyan said in an interview to ARMENPRESS.

Talking about the macro-economic indicators in the first half of 2022, as well as the 11.8% growth in economic activity index in six months, the minister noted: “11.8% is the best one in the past 15 years. However, we can’t, of course, say that everything ahead is very bright because both the whole world and particularly our region are full of challenges. And in this regard, we should strengthen, not weaken, our work in order to enhance the registered results also for the next quarters and years”.

As for the 5.5% decline in agriculture in the first half of the year, the minister mentioned the problem of collection of data and absence of digital data. “I think, it is not in accordance with the reality as we see that the export and release of agricultural goods have really been increased, this could not happen if agriculture declined”, Vahan Kerobyan said.

The minister informed that at this moment law on agriculture is being drafted which aims at better managing the sector.

Commenting on concerns that this growth in economy is short-term, there will be problems in economy if tourism flow stops, the minister stated: “We are confident that this growth, the output are not a short-term, but quite the opposite, they are a long-term. In addition, the potential, which will allow us to grow in next years, is also growing. The government aims at raising the productivity, thus, the potential of Armenian companies”. He highlighted the economic upgrading program by which companies can purchase devices, equipment, and the government will finance the interest rates of these loans, leasing.

As for the problem of queues in the Upper Lars border checkpoint, the Armenian Minister of Economy said that he and his Russian counterpart have tried to give solutions to the problem on the spot and have agreed that a second space should be provided for customs clearance, which has been done.

“And the clearance capacity of Armenian cargo has increased by around 10% in July compared to June. This is less than we expected because we believed that it should have increased by at least 30%. I am going to share this data with my counterpart. As for the queues, we have a progress, but not to the extent we expected. The discussions and works continue from this perspective”, the minister stated.

As for the launch of the ferry communication, Mr. Kerobyan said: “I think we will definitely launch it this month. It seems, all problems have been solved. And now, the only problem that should be agreed upon is that we should receive permits only for each product in order to be able to transfer this or that cargo. But generally, it seems, we are ready for the release of the schedule. It will happen in coming days”, he added.

Coming to the appreciation of the dram and some areas affected, the minister said that it affects the most important sectors, including investors, exporters, IT and constructors. We understand that there is a “red line”, below which the dram appreciation will be a painful blow to our economy. And in our view, that red line is 450 drams for 1 dollar. We also see the concern of the finance ministry and are trying to find the solutions that will mitigate the blow to our sectors in danger and that they could move forward in a profitable way”, he added.

He said that the first decisions on this direction already exist, adding that other decisions will be made also next week. These decisions and tools will help companies get the necessary “oxygen” thanks to which they will be able to develop effectively in this new environment.

Interview by Anna Grigoryan

Photos by Hayk Manukyan

 13:39, 3 August 2022

YEREVAN, AUGUST 3, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan had a meeting with Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Vahram Dumanyan, the Presidential Office said.

The Minister introduced the President on the ongoing activities, the strategic directions of education system reforms and the future plans.

The meeting also touched upon the general results of university entrance exams in Armenia in 2022.

Views were exchanged also on the current programs in sport and culture fields.

 18:21, 1 August 2022

YEREVAN, AUGUST 1, ARMENPRESS. Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister Arayik Harutyunyan had a meeting with Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili in Tbilisi, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service e of the Government.  

The interlocutors emphasized the consistent development and expansion of relations between the two neighboring and friendly countries, stressing the importance of high-level mutual visits. Reference was made to the processes taking place in the South Caucasus region, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

 12:49, 28 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. It is expected to create an academic city in Armenia according to the draft law on Approving Education Development State Program 2030.

During the Cabinet meeting today, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Artur Martirosyan introduced the draft and stated that the academic city is going to ensure the expansion of network cooperation between educational institutions, scientific and production organizations, with the presence of modern, virtual, social and physical infrastructure.

“The complex measures are expected to double the current number (around 7600) of foreign students in Armenia”, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said that the academic city with its nature and physical infrastructure should set a new criteria not only across Armenia, but also should be available for Diaspora-Armenians and foreign students.

Given the massive swell in interest throughout the region, it’s no wonder that Rosa Linn has climbed to #4 on the Spotify Global Viral chart. “SNAP” is also #55 on the Billboard Global 200, just ahead of songs like “Un Rattio” from Bad Bunny” and “Another Love” from Tom Odell.

Even as she picks up momentum in Latin America, Rosa Linn is maintaining her foothold in Europe. 

In her third week on the Official Charts in the United Kingdom, she shows no signs of slowing down.

“SNAP” has jumped to #26 this week — up from #43 last week. The only other Eurovision 2022 song still in the Top 100 is the U.K.’s own entry “SPACE MAN” from Sam Ryder, which is down at #71 this week (having dropped from #64 last week).

Rosa Linn’s viral TikTok song continues to rack of views on the platform, where it’s been used on more than 360,000 clips, garnering millions of likes.

Different versions of the song — including a hugely popular sped-up clip — have helped propel the song into TikTok and Instagram feeds around the world. 

Rosa Linn’s success carries a David versus Goliath feel. Whereas many Eurovision 2022 artists have big corporate labels, she’s part of the smaller and more independent Nvak Collective. Founded by Eurovision 2015 alum Tamar Kaprelian, Nvak discovers, nurtures and champions young singers, songwriters and producers. They obviously have good ears. 

Speaking to the BBC, Rosa said: “I’m from Vanadzor, in Armenia, which you probably don’t know where it is in the world, and I’m so, so happy. As a child I’d dream about this.”

Are you over-the-moon excited for Rosa Linn? Which language should she release the song in next? Let us know down below!