At a meeting with the representatives of a number of domestic companies involved in the production and processing of agricultural products, Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan discussed current problems and ways of developing the agricultural sector.
“The government’s main function is to support instead of impeding business activities. Is agricultural policy correct or not; is the subsidy we provide right or not; are we to stand by everyone? What is the best way to provide assistance? We must stand by the successful, by those shouldering a burden so that we can form our joint strategy in this area,” the Premier was quoted as saying by the government press office.
It said the meeting discussed issues related to the activities of agricultural producers and greenhouse farms, including exports, imports, distribution and sales, logistics, access to energy, tax and customs administration, as well as public-private sector partnership mechanisms. After listening to the problems, Karen Karapetyan said.
“Processing entities will enjoy preferential gas tariffs as long as it will take them to get afloat: no matter what abilities we have, because it will be embarrassing for the gas supplier. As to subsidy, we need to understand how we can help our producers so that they are more competitive on the international market. Shall we always help them? Not, because we will thereby shut the doors for further competition: manufacturers will rest and stop making progress,” ARKA quoted him as saying.
