POVERTY REDUCTION OBSERVED IN ARMENIA, USAID REPRESENTATIVE STATED

Gradual reduction of poverty can be observed in Armenia during the recent two years, representative of the Yerevan Office of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Kate Simons stated at the presentation of “Social Conditions and Poverty” report prepared by the RA National Statistics Service together with the Programs of Social Reforms in Armenia. “We are satisfied with the fact and intend to activate the cooperation with the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and other international financial organizations with the purpose of further reduction of poverty level in Armenia”, K. Simons said. In her opinion, such factors as the economic growth, attraction of investments and purposeful social programs positively reflected the poverty reduction in Armenia. According to the report for 2003, the level of poverty in Armenia comprised 49,7%.