Armenia Economics and Business

Armenia is a small landlocked country located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. It has a population of around 3 million and is bordered by Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. The economy of Armenia is based on agriculture, industry, and services. Agriculture contributes to around 15% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while industry makes up approximately 25% and services make up the remaining 60%.

According to cheeroutdoor, agriculture has traditionally been an important part of Armenia’s economy. The country produces a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products. Some of the most important agricultural exports include wheat, barley, potatoes, tobacco, grapes and fruit juices. Livestock farming also plays an important role in the sector with sheep being the main animal raised for meat production.

Industry is another key component of Armenia’s economy with manufacturing contributing significantly to GDP growth. Major industries include food processing (including wine production), chemical production (fertilizers and plastics), textiles, machine building (including electronics), jewelry making as well as energy production (hydropower). In recent years, foreign direct investment has increased significantly in this sector allowing for more modern equipment to be used in factories generating higher quality output for both domestic consumption as well as export markets abroad.

Services make up the majority of Armenia’s economy with tourism being particularly important due to its rich cultural history and many beautiful natural sites such as Lake Sevan or Mount Ararat which have become popular destinations for visitors from all over the world. Other service sectors that are growing rapidly include telecommunications (internet & mobile phones) banking & finance as well as IT & software development which are attracting increased foreign investment into the country from abroad allowing for more employment opportunities within these areas.

Overall Armenia’s economy has grown steadily over recent years due to increased foreign investment into various sectors resulting in improved economic performance across all areas including agriculture industry and services. Although there are still challenges that need to be addressed such as maintaining fiscal discipline addressing poverty levels or increasing infrastructure investments these can only be overcome through sustained economic growth which will help create a better future for all Armenians regardless of their current situation or background.

Business

During the first decades of the post-war, business developed strongly, mainly due to the fact that the Armenian Soviet Republic was not affected by World War II’s mass destruction and therefore, unlike most other Soviet republics, left the war with an undisturbed production apparatus. The stagnation of economic life began during Brezhnev’s long reign.

Armenia GDP (Nominal, $USD) 2003-2017

Business in independent Armenia was initially characterized by the long-standing Soviet plan and central government and by the military conflict with the neighboring Republic of Azerbaijan. One result was that large parts of the Armenian business were paralyzed by a lack of raw materials and energy as well as by a tough political direction against military production. After the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh in 1994, the privatization of business began to take off, and the country’s economy began to recover. Parts of the country’s heavy industry were privatized or closed down. The industry switched its production from military to civilian production.

Since the mid-1990s, economic growth has been favorable, but growth has benefited mainly some groups in the cities while the countryside has lagged behind. During the 1990s, corruption has become an increasingly serious problem.

Agriculture

The dry climate and the height of the sea mean that the country’s conditions for agriculture are limited. About 15 percent of the country’s land is arable land. Agriculture is carried out partly in the fertile valley of the Ara River and in the low-lying area around Yerevan, and partly on plateaus and terraces up in the mountains. Just over a third of the land used is irrigated. The most important agricultural products are cereals, cotton, rice, grapes, tobacco, olives and fruits. Livestock management is common in the mountainous regions.

Minerals and energy

The Armenian mountains, which were historically rich in minerals and metals, were plundered more or less systematically during the Russian and Soviet eras. The mineral resources include copper, zinc and molybdenum. These form the basis of the metallurgical industry, which also produces aluminum. During the 00s, production in the mining industry again increased, mainly financed by foreign capital.

Armenia lacks its own oil resources. Previously, oil was imported from the oil and natural gas-rich neighboring Republic of Azerbaijan, but the conflicts between countries caused Armenia to now import oil and natural gas from the Russian Federation. The country produces electric energy at the Sevan-Razdan hydroelectric plant and at the Metsamor nuclear power plant. The latter is located in a seismically troubled mountain area and was stopped in connection with independence but has been put back into use due to the severe lack of domestic energy.

Industry

In addition to the metallurgical industry, the industry also includes mechanical engineering, mining and stone industry, consumer goods production (shoes, textiles, food) and the electrical and chemical industry. The latter, concentrated on the manufacture of plastics and synthetic rubber, has created serious environmental problems especially in the metropolitan area. Abbreviated as ARM by abbreviationfinder.org, the country of Armenia also has old traditions in diamond grinding and in recent years this industry has again grown in importance. The capital Yerevan has long been the dominant industrial center, but in recent times the cities of Gjumri and Vanadzor have also emerged as a significant center for the country’s industry, mainly chemical industry.

  • COUNTRYAAH: Find major trading partners of Armenia, including major exports and major imports with latest trade value and market share as well as growth rate.

Foreign trade

Historically, Armenia’s foreign trade has been concentrated in the Caucasian neighboring republics, especially the oil-rich Azerbaijan, as well as in other parts of the former Soviet Union. Foreign trade has thus greatly declined through the conflicts within the Caucasian region and after the collapse of the Soviet state. Among the countries with which Armenia is now engaged in foreign trade should be mentioned mainly the Russian Federation, Bulgaria, China and Germany. Mineral and chemical products dominate the export goods. Armenia mainly imports energy and fuel as well as food.

Note: the capital city of Armenia is Yerevan with a population of 1,125,000 (estimate 2012). Other major cities include Gjumri with a population of 146 200, Vanadzor with a population of 105 400 (estimate 2012).

Armenia Economics and Business

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