Economy

Growth and Trade Slow, Inflation Eases

Growth and Trade Slow, Inflation Eases

Armenia’s statistics agency recently released its annual report on a number of socio-economic metrics covering sectors from trade to tourism to employment and inflation. Hovhannes Nazaretyan presents some of the more interesting findings reflecting the state of the country.

The Need to Diversify Armenia’s Financial System

The Need to Diversify Armenia’s Financial System

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.

Utility Prices Heating Up

Utility Prices Heating Up

Electricity prices for middle-class families increased for the first time since the 2015 Electric Yerevan protests. Water prices increased for the first time since 2017. As in other countries, life is getting more expensive in Armenia.

Armenia’s Sugar Crash

Armenia’s Sugar Crash

The high level of centralization in Armenia’s sugar market has been maintained, allowing the main sugar importer, producer, wholesaler and retailer to leverage its market power into an arbitrary pricing policy.

Between Belt and Road

Between Belt and Road

Armenia and China share a rich history in which mercantilist Armenians played a noteworthy role in the exchange of goods along the Silk Road. Although the Armenian state today is vastly different from a millennium ago, that industrious character remains in the Armenian spirit.

Closing the Gender Gap

Closing the Gender Gap

Although the principle of equal pay for equal work for men and women is fully implemented in Armenia’s Labor Code, a gender pay gap persists. Lara Techekirian looks at the challenges, the government’s response and presents a set of recommendations.

Income Tax: Flat or Progressive?

Income Tax: Flat or Progressive?

Economist Ani Avetisyan looks at the recent decision by Armenia’s government to switch to a flat income tax system and argues that cutting tax rates is not an efficient tool for decreasing shadow economy if a country is institutionally underdeveloped.

Revitalizing Armenia’s Transport System

Revitalizing Armenia’s Transport System

In the second of a multi-part series, Dr. Lucyann Kerry writes that as other countries set examples and move forward to solve transport problems, Armenia may have an opportunity to use its energized political will and seek innovative solutions to its transport system.

How Armenia Lost its Track Towards Sustainable Development

How Armenia Lost its Track Towards Sustainable Development

Ineffective governance and institutional corruption are among the factors preventing Armenia from getting on a track to sustainable development. Yeghia Tashjian writes that since politics is the determinant force of economic institutions, any positive change in political institutions will reflect positively on Armenia’s economic development.

The Future of Money (part 2 of 4)

The Future of Money (part 2 of 4)

This is a multi-part series on cryptocurrency and its ecosystem. The first part, “Feathers to Fiat” explored what money actually is and its development throughout history. This second installment of the series dives into the next step in the evolution of money--the invention of Bitcoin.

Feathers to Fiat (part 1 of 4)

Feathers to Fiat (part 1 of 4)

In this first piece of a four-part series on cryptocurrency and its ecosystem, Tigran Asriyan explores what money actually is, its development through history, and the evolution of money -- the invention of Bitcoin. Upcoming articles will cover the next generation of cryptocurrencies, address use cases, and its many applications for Armenia.

Global Pressures or Lack of Vision? Armenia in GMO Limbo

Global Pressures or Lack of Vision? Armenia in GMO Limbo

Today, the demand for increased agricultural productivity to ensure food security, the use of genetically engineered crops and powerful conglomerates that control most of the world’s seed industry like Monsanto are threatening the lives and livelihoods of small farmers all over the world. This contentious global debate has now found its way to Armenia. EVN Report investigates.

The Women of PicsArt

The Women of PicsArt

Women are entering the technology sector in Armenia in growing numbers. Most argue that entry barriers are almost non-existent and today there are equal opportunities for men and women to make their mark in the fast-paced and fast-growing industry. EVN Report profiles the women of PicsArt, who are helping the company expand its reach in leadership positions.

30,000 Software Engineers in Armenia by 2025

The favorable IT climate in Armenia is the reason for the recent software boom.There are more than 450 IT companies, which are employing more than 10 thousand software developers and engineers. Around two thirds of Armenian IT output is exported to over 20 countries. So what is standing between Armenia and its dream of building a "Silicon Mountain"?

Tech in Armenia: Dawn of a New Era?

Tech in Armenia: Dawn of a New Era?

Many observers believe that current trends in the global IT market are creating new opportunities for growth and relevance for Armenian tech companies. If the industry at large – as well as government and educational institutions – react quickly and earnestly to these trends, Armenia has an opportunity to capture an inordinate share of the new value being created as a result of these trends.

The Armenian Diaspora

The Diaspora has been an inherent component of Armenian reality since antiquity. Its enduring roots, affluent heritage and indispensability to the Armenian nation is difficult to challenge. This article examines the global entrepreneurial endowment of the Diaspora, how it developed and what its role can be today for the Republic of Armenia.