Expectations and optimism are often the primary drivers of investment activity. It’s easy to be negative in the current times that Armenia is living, however, hope and optimism are key to inspiring drive, effort and motivation, especially when Armenia needs it most.

The lack of information and awareness about the benefits of savings and investments, both personally and collectively, and the inadequate provision of policy incentives have not spurred savings. Improving personal financial security, freedom and wellness can positively impact Armenia’s future economic outcomes.

Banks make up the largest portion of Armenia's domestic financial system, accounting for approximately 79% of its total assets. While the banking system is well-regulated and devoid of bankruptcies for more than two decades, Armenia needs to diversify its financial system to ensure growth and prosperity.

Defying expectations, Armenia has been enjoying some very strong economic growth. However, local consumption-savings habits and other factors continue to hinder local production and competitiveness. Samson Avetian explains what needs to change.

What will change after the global COVID-19 pandemic and how can Armenia position itself to come out of the crisis in a stronger position? Samson Avetian breaks down the economic landscape.

Armenia’s advancement in the tech and innovation space is only in its infancy. In order to take the next step, domestic financial markets need to be well-aligned and sophisticated enough to provide the best possible support and take Armenian entrepreneurship and innovation to the next level.

Economist Samson Avetian takes a brief look at the history of complicated relations between the U.S. and Iran. He argues that economic relations between Armenia and Iran are unlikely to see significant changes even in light of Iran’s escalating tensions with the West.

Samson Avetian looks at a number of variables that can impact Armenia’s economic growth outlook and writes that despite the challenges, the Velvet Revolution has catalyzed and facilitated meaningful improvement and thus raised longer run GDP growth projections.

There is potential for an increase in investment activity in Armenia. Expectations of entrepreneurs need to be carefully managed in order to see this acceleration happen already as early as 2019, writes Samson Avetian.

There has been much discussion about the new tax reform being proposed by Armenia’s new government. Samson Avetian teases out some of the key issues of the reform.