Organized by the Sparapet Center for Civic Initiatives, the workshop brought together a diverse group of distinguished experts, academics, policymakers, and civil society members. The event aimed to facilitate a high-level, fact-based discussion on Armenia\u2019s strategic economic choices. It served not only as a policy forum but also as a platform to raise public awareness about the critical decisions facing Armenia. Approximately 50 experts participated in the workshop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speech Topic: The Armenian Economy: A 2025 Macroeconomic Outlook<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n To address these challenges, it is essential to focus on internal economic structural development and apply effective industrial policies to ensure long-term macroeconomic stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speech Topic: A Historical Perspective on Armenia\u2019s Participation in the Eurasian Economic Union: Pros and Cons of Continued Membership<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Speech Topic: Armenia\u2019s Tax Policy and Economic Development: Prospects for Cooperation with the EU and\/or EAEU<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Speech Topic: Risks and Opportunities in Armenia\u2019s Banking System<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Recent economic trends in Armenia have often been reactive rather than driven by a strategic vision alligned with national priorities. The workshop aimed to provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of Armenia’s economic options to empower citizens and leaders. Discussions moved beyond past narratives to identify realistic pathways for Armenia’s development, considering global, regional, and domestic trends. Garegin Manukyan<\/strong>, President of the Sparapet Center, welcomed participants and emphasized that in today\u2019s world, disinformation and distortion of facts have become commonplace. Sadly, this culture of manipulation is often used by those in power to distract from urgent national issues, conceal governance failures, and mislead the public. Professor, St. John\u2019s University, New York<\/em> Former Minister and EEC Board Member for Internal Markets and Digitalization<\/em> Former Chairman, State Revenue Committee of Armenia<\/em> President, Institute of Internal Auditors of Armenia; Former Board Member, Central The open-floor discussion following the presentations was robust, thoughtful, and at times passionate. Participants emphasized the following key messages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Sparapet Center reaffirms its commitment to promoting fact-based policymaking, supporting Armenia\u2019s future in line with national interests and priorities, rather than external pressures and outdated allegiances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Karine Minasyan, Former Member (Minister) of the EAEU Board for Internal Markets, IT, and Informatization<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n
David Ananyan, Former Head of the State Revenue Committee of Armenia<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n
Ara Chalabyan, President of the Institute of Internal Auditors of Armenia<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Moderator: Stepan Danielyan, Co-founder of the Sparapet Center<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Purpose of the Workshop<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Instead of blindly following decisions made behind closed doors, participants advocated for a national dialogue based on critical analysis of viable economic options Armenia can consider. Armenia must not be constrained by rigid alignments or external pressures. The country must explore available partnerships, weigh advantages and disadvantages, and choose paths that best serve its people and future.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSummary of the Presentations:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
He also emphasized that while new technologies offer limitless opportunities, they also accelerate the spread of disinformation, making it harder to distinguish truth from falsehood.
The central theme of the workshop has often been manipulated in populist discourse, misleading Armenian society and laying the groundwork for decisions that may not align with national interests. Mr. Manukyan also asserted that the primary goal of the workshop was to objectively assess the advantages and disadvantages of both economic alliances, while also exploring viable alternative pathways beyond these two options. <\/p>\n\n\n\nExpert Contributions and Deliberations:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Aleksandr V. Gevorkyan<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Topic: Armenia\u2019s Economy: A Macroeconomic Outlook for 2025
Dr. Gevorgyan delivered a data-rich overview of Armenia\u2019s economic landscape. He gave an important presentation outlining Armenia\u2019s structural economic challenges and how to ensure balanced and inclusive growth while reducing the socio-economic inequality that exists between different regions of Armenia.
Using detailed, evidence-based research and economic indicators, Dr. Gevorgyan also presented the external challenges, particularly the unprecedented geo-economic uncertainties, and offered recommendations to overcome them, mentioning factors that directly affect foreign investment and diaspora engagement.
To overcome these challenges, the focus must be placed on internal structural economic development through the implementation of effective industrial policy, and ensuring long-term macroeconomic stability.
The need for a long-term, endogenous development strategy, driven by industrial policy and domestic innovation rather than dependency on external shocks or remittances, was underscored.
He concluded that while external partnerships are important, Armenia\u2019s internal capacity-building and structural transformation are the keys to sustainable prosperity.
Dr. Gevorgyan\u2019s presentation is available at:
https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=A4kfdnq4New<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Karine Minasyan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Topic:<\/strong> Armenia and the EAEU: History of Participation, Present Realities, and Future
Scenarios.
Ms. Minasyan<\/strong> offered a balanced review of Armenia\u2019s motivations for joining the Eurasian Economic Union and assessed the outcomes to date. She presented a historical perspective on Armenia\u2019s participation in the EAEU, outlining both the pros and cons of continued membership, the original motivations for joining, and the current situation. The original drivers of EAEU accession included, among other things, market access, labor mobility, and energy pricing. However, especially in the context of global transformations and Armenia\u2019s evolving priorities, the benefits and limitations of Armenia\u2019s membership in the EAEU under current conditions must be reevaluated and reassessed.
She also introduced alternative integration scenarios, encouraging greater flexibility and strategic negotiation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. David Ananyan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Topic: Tax Policy and Economic Development: Cooperation with the EU and\/or EAEU
Mr. Ananyan<\/strong> stressed the role of a balanced, transparent, and efficient tax policy in advancing Armenia\u2019s economic resilience. He noted that an efficient and balanced tax policy contributes to stable economic development by ensuring public revenue, encouraging investment, promoting social justice, and maintaining economic stability. He presented data and analysis on the economic prospects of cooperation with both the EU and EAEU, and acknowledged that while both the EU and EAEU frameworks offer economic opportunities, Armenia must actively assess and compare what each partnership delivers in tangible benefits. A well-designed tax system supports public services, attracts investment, increases respect for public service and trust of citizens in government, and promotes fairness in society.
His presentation included fiscal data and international comparisons to illustrate potential cooperation tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Ara Chalabyan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Bank of Armenia<\/em>.
Topic:<\/strong> Risks and Opportunities in Armenia\u2019s Banking Sector.
Mr. Chalabyan <\/strong>provided a critical assessment of Armenia\u2019s financial system in light of regional events\u2014particularly the war in Ukraine, which has led to temporary gains in the banking sector. He warned that due to the war in Ukraine, Armenia\u2019s banking system has experienced unprecedented profits. However, to what extent this has positively impacted the broader economic development remains in question, particularly in the context of what may happen once that conflict is resolved and banks lose that source of income. His observations and recommendations included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Deliberations and Final Conclusions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Final Statement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Workshop recording:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n