At the Wednesday meeting of Armenia’s parliament, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan presented the government program for 2012-2017.

“Each Armenian citizen must be enabled to be the architect of his or her own happiness in the Homeland. The government’s duty is to create ample opportunities for citizens’ self-realization. The creation of jobs, favorable living conditions and production facilities is the best means of preventing emigration,” the Armenian premier said.

With respect to economic development, he noted that the government plans to introduce simplified taxes for small and medium businesses and put an end to monopolies.

“The radical reforms in the economic policy we are proposing are in that the government is from now on responsible not only for favorable business environment, but is also immediately involved in implementing the production policy,” the Armenian premier said. A dialogue with the private sector will enable the government to make up a set of instruments for each promising industry and reach agreements on mutual commitments, he added.

The government also plans to abolish the entrance examination system in the course of time. “It will be easy to enter higher schools, but difficult to graduate,” Tigran Sargsyan said.

The May 6 parliamentary elections showed public demand for the program. “We would like to assure you that the government will ensure consistency by implementing the measures envisaged under the previous program and delayed by the global crisis,” the Armenian premier said.

A new building of the Gyumri industrial park is under construction. The operation of the newly constructed branch of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) in Dilijan will facilitate the development of financial services there.

Twenty MPs got registered for questions. Prosperous Armenian Party (PAP) group members are now asking questions.