USAID provides Armenia $50 million for economic development and social reform

At an official ceremony held in the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Economy on August 6, 2010, Minister of Economy Nerses Yeritsyan, US Ambassador to Armenia Marie L. Yovanovitch and USAID/Armenia Mission Director Jatinder Cheema signed two Assistance Agreements under which the US Government will provide up to $50 million to the Government of Armenia for the period of 2010-2013 in support of the country’s economic development and health and social services reform, according to a release issued by US Embassy in Armenia .

Under the Economic Growth Agreement with planned funding of up to $30 million, USAID will help Armenia to accelerate the emergence of a more competitive and diversified private sector. The program will increase the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in selected high value sectors by targeting areas that support innovative technologies, improve policy and the regulatory environment, strengthen workforce development, and enhance public-private sector partnerships. In addition, policy and management practices for key infrastructure such as energy, water and telecom will be improved.

Under the Health and Social Reform Agreement with a planned funding of up to $20 million, USAID will continue to support activities to improve the effectiveness of health and social services in Armenia. Activities will be targeted at improving the health of Armenian citizens, increasing public expenditure in the two sectors, and improving the quality of health and social protection services. In addition, the program will increase citizen participation and streamline service delivery practices.

“We are pleased to take our partnership to a new level by increasing dialogue and strengthening our collaboration in planning and implementing assistance programs that benefit and improve the lives of the Armenian people,” Ambassador Yovanovitch said at the signing ceremony.

Dr. Cheema in turn added, “The two agreements that we sign today signal our mutual interest and commitment to fostering Armenia’s economic development and providing adequate health and social services to all of the country’s citizens. These are indeed important steps toward greater transparency between our governments, greater inclusion, and citizen involvement.”