Armenia's Economic Pulse

[Haykakan]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

didnt know where to post this

Futuristic Eco-Skyscraper is a Self-Sufficient Solar Spire


While it looks a bit like something that Queen Amidala might wear on her head, this incredible tower is actually a concept for a multi-use skyscraper for the city of Yerevan in Armenia. Designed by Vahan Misakyan, the insect-like building consists of “structural geodesics” that link up via habitable bridges. Another interesting feature is that the tower will be clad in an “intelligent” skin equipped with rain water collection systems, photovoltaic cells, and wind turbines.



The tower is based on geodesics — soft transitions between the vertical and horizontal planes that peel off from the ground and transform into habitable areas. One of these peels will house a transportation hub and another a park. The towers will have areas for offices, residences, and a hotel, and the bridges between them will be accessible to the public as places to gather and play.

The building will also be equipped with an “intelligent” skin capable of controlling the amount of daylight and ventilation that permeates the structure. The skin will also feature rain water collection systems, photovoltaic cladding and wind turbines.

+ Vahan Misakyan

http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/15/futuristic-eco-skyscraper-is-a-self-sufficient-solar-spire/

this the gallery with more pics
http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/15/futu...ral-geodesics/

Looks like a clever way to use the twin tower design. I would be happy to see any of the grandious building plans for Yerevan come to life.

[Haykakan]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

Here is a potentialy dangerous news.

WHO WILL BUY GAS PIPELINE TO ARMENIA

http://www.lragir.am/engsrc/economy-lrahos18551.html

14/07/2010

Deputy from the Georgian ruling party Lasha Tordia stated that Russia
is possible not to be allowed to buy the gas pipeline coming from
Georgia to Armenia. According to him, the commission will invite
tenders for selling the 10-15 % of pipeline shares and can insist
that the pipe is not sold to Russia proceeding from security reasons.

Pretenders for the pipeline are the Russian Gazprom, the Kazakh
Kazmunaygas and the Azerbaijan's state-owned oil company GNKAR.


It would not surprize me if the Georgians did sell the pipeline to the azeris thus dooming the flow of gas to Armenia from Russia. The Azeris will make a far larger bid then the Kazakhs will and Russia will be excluded and not allowed to bid. This could lead to war between Armenia and Georgia with heavy involvment from the Russian, Azeri,Turckish and perhaps even the Iranian sides. Our country is in the middle of a international hotzone which could break out into a huge war very easily.

[gegev]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

Bad news:

This year is unprecedented in terms of climate cataclysms worldwide. It is clear that this year wheat and other food items harvest will be the lowest for the recent decades.

Therefore I guess our government right now needs to buy wheat and other essential food items, because this autumn most of the food item prices will soar high in skies worldwide, unfortunately.

Buying essential food items right now, increasing strategic reserves, is a must for our government and household.

[Haykakan]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

My professor posted this in my marketing class and it reminded me of how business is done in Hayastan and in many other places.

Three contractors were touring the White House on the same day. One was from New York, another from Michigan, and the third from Florida. At the end of the tour, the guard asked them what they did for a living. When they each replied that they were contractors the guard said "Hey, we need one of the rear fences redone. Why don't you guys look at it and give me a bid."

So to the back fence they went. First up was the Florida contractor. He took out his tape measure and pencil, did some measuring and said, "Well, I figure the job will run about $900. $400 for materials, $400 for my crew, and $100 profit for me."

Next was the Michigan contractor. He also took out his tape measure and pencil, did some quick figuring and said, "Looks like I can do this job for $700. $300 for materials, $300 for my crew, and $100 profit for me." Then the guard asks the New York contractor how much. Without so much as moving the contractor says, $2700."

The guard, incredulous, looks at him and says "You didn't even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?"

"Easy" says the contractor from New York, "$1,000 for me, $1,000 for you ... and we hire the guy from Michigan."

[Haykakan]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

IRAN-ARMENIA OIL PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN IN FALL 2010 - MINISTER

Mediamax
July 14 2010
Armenia

Yerevan, 14 July: Construction of the pipeline for importing oil
products from Iran to Armenia will be initiated in fall, 2010.

Mediamax reports that the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
of Armenia Armen Movsisyan said this today.

The cost of the project will make 160m-180m dollars, and each of
the sides will provide 50 per cent of the necessary means. At the
same time, according to the reached agreements, all investments in
construction works will be realized by the Iranian side, and the
Armenian side will contribute its share from future dividends from
operating the pipeline.

Armen Movsisyan noted that the new pipeline will allow importing
petrol and diesel fuel to Armenia at prices, which are in effect in
countries of the Persian Gulf.

He informed that operation of the pipeline will be realized by private
companies, selected on the basis of a tender.

This year, construction of the high voltage line from Armenia to
Iran will also be initiated, just like construction of a joint HPP
in Meghri town. The cost of the projects will make 100m euro and 50m
dollars respectively.

[Haykakan]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

TendersInfo
July 16, 2010 Friday



Fresh Armenian-Iranian Energy Projects Set For Launch


Armenia announced on Wednesday the impending launch of three more
joint energy projects with neighboring Iran that are estimated to cost
more than $700 million.
Energy Minister Armen Movsisian said the two nations will start
building this year a third high-voltage transmission line connecting
their power grids, a hydro-electric station on the Arax river marking
their border, and a pipeline that will pump Iranian oil products to
Armenia.


The Armenian and Iranian governments have spent years negotiating on
these projects and preparing for their implementation, which would
give a massive boost to their economic ties.
With a projected capacity of 140 megawatts and an estimated cost of
$350 million, the hydro-electric station is to be constructed by
Iranian firms. According to Movsisian, the Armenian side will pay half
of the bill with supplies of electricity to the Islamic Republic.

Movsisian told journalists that the two governments will also equally
co-finance the $180 million construction of the pipeline which he said
will get underway this fall. It will enable Armenian fuel companies to
import petrol and diesel fuel at prices well below the international
level, he said.

Movsisian added that the two sides will also start within
approximately one month work on the third power transmission line. He
said earlier that it will take 18 months.

The facility will allow for large-scale exports of Armenian
electricity to Iran to be mainly generated by Iranian natural gas.
Armenia began importing it, in modest amounts, through a newly
constructed gas pipeline in May last year. The volume of these
deliveries is due to increase drastically to at least 2 billion cubic
meters per annum in the next few years.

Armenia is pressing ahead with these projects despite tougher
sanctions which the U.N. Security Council imposed on the Islamic
regime in Tehran last month over its controversial nuclear program.
The sanctions do not directly target the energy sector, the main area
of Armenian-Iranian economic cooperation.

Official Yerevan said on June 10 that it is closely monitoring the
intensifying standoff between Iran and the West and hopes for its
peaceful resolution. Visiting Germany two weeks later, President Serzh
Sarkisian urged Western powers to address Tehran s sense of being in
danger and reckon with its geopolitical interests in the region.

[Haykakan]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

THE GEORGIAN-AZERI CONFEDERATION
by Yury Roks

Nezavisimaya Gazeta
RusData Dialine - Russian Press Digest
July 20, 2010 Tuesday

Saakashvili wants an alliance with Azerbaijan

On Sunday, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, together with his
wife, visited Georgia. The meeting with Georgia's presidential couple,
which took place in Batumi, had an unmistakably friendly character.

While Sandra Roelofs (Saakashvili's wife) acquainted Mehriban Aliyeva
with the attractions of Adjara, the heads of state discussed a number
of issues concerning the economy. Saakashvili proposed formally
establishing a confederacy between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

"It is impossible to imagine there being any relations better
than those between Georgia and Azerbaijan," said Saakashvili, while
recalling the difficult winter of 2005. At that time, Baku, in peril of
its own consumers, had supplied gas to its neighbors, who lost the blue
fuel due to the sabotaged Russian-Georgian pipeline and electricity.

"I've said before that we must form confederate relations - such
that are stronger than the relations between any other states. We
are the beginning and the ending of one another...At one time, these
relations were initiated by Heydar Aliyev; and Ilham had solidified
them," noted Saakashvili.

Ilham Aliyev had, in turn, complemented the investment climate in
Georgia, which made it possible for Batumi to become one of the
most beautiful cities on the Black Sea coast. According to Aliyev,
a number of Azerbaijani companies are considering investing in the
infrastructure of Adjara; meanwhile, the presidents discussed issues
concerning the construction of a modern, four-lane highway, which
would link Baku and Batumi. The expressway would be about 1,000
km long, and be evenly split across the territories of Azerbaijan
and Georgia. According to the presidents, it would be able to
play a major role on the transport corridor, which would connect
China with Europe through Central Asia. "By 2012, the highway will
stretch from Baku to the Azerbaijani-Georgian border, and by the
end of the same year construction on the territory of Georgia will
be completed...For Azerbaijan, this will be a direct path through
Batumi to Istanbul," added Saakashvili, and stated that "one of the
main topics of discussion was creation of a permanent Georgian-Azeri
working group on the questions concerning the implementation of the
transport corridor project for cargo from China and Central Asia into
Europe through the territories of Azerbaijan and Georgia".

"This is a very important project for Tbilisi and Baku because,
as a result of its implementation, Chinese and Central Asian cargo
turnover to Europe through our countries will increase sharply,
which implies additional profits to our countries' economies," he
stressed. Aliyev agreed.

Issues, concerning investment in Georgia's Black Sea coast or the
planned highway construction, most likely, were not the only issues
that brought the leader of Azerbaijan to Batumi. During the joint
press-conference, the leaders did not mention a single word about
the Georgian cross-country pipeline. However, various lobbies believe
that it was the pipeline, or to be more exact, its potential sale by
Georgia, that encouraged the president of Azerbaijan to come to Adjara.

The Georgian press reports that, in an attempt to stabilize relations
between Tbilisi and Moscow, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
had, during her recent visit to Georgia, recommended the Georgian
government "appease" the Kremlin by selling the cross-country pipeline
to Gazprom or a structure that is linked to the company. Incidentally,
at one time this deal was opposed by the George W. Bush administration,
which allocated several million dollars to Georgia to repair the
pipeline, under the strict condition that the country does not allow
Russian energy companies access to the pipeline. Tbilisi complied with
Washington's demands. Clearly, the new White House administration
has reconsidered its attitude and does not see a threat in Russia's
ownership of Georgia's cross-country pipeline. This opinion was
at one time shared by the former Economic Development Minister
of Georgia, Kakha Bendukidze. "I don't see what will change if the
pipeline becomes the property of Gazprom, which supplies Georgia with
gas. In any case, with the emergence of certain plans, the Russian
side is able to dictate its conditions regardless of whether it has
ownership of the pipeline or not," Bendukidze told Nezavisimaya Gazeta
(NG) several years ago, when Gazprom's interests in the local "gas
supply facility" became known. According to informed sources, this
interest remains active - the Russian company holds first place on
the list of potential buyers. Another serious bidder has appeared -
Azerbaijan's SOCAR. Its positions are strong - the company supplies
Georgia with gas on concessionary terms and can always point to this
fact in a difficult situation.

Observers say that it is possible that Aliyev alluded to Azerbaijan's
interest in Georgia's pipeline during his meeting with Saakashvili. If
so, then Saakashvili found himself in a very delicate situation.

Refusing a friend, who is responsible for resolving an energy crisis
in the country and to whom Saakashvili had just proposed establishing
confederate relations, is difficult, and perhaps even risky. On the
other hand, however, by selling the gas pipeline to Azerbaijan, he
could be yet again faced with Moscow's frustration, which could have
some unexpected consequences. And the third important factor is that
Russia's gas travels through Georgia to Armenia. Will this transit
remain stable if the Georgian pipelines are transferred to Azerbaijan,
and will the potential deal cause new tensions in the region?

Considering the political realities, there could not be one simple
answer to this question.

[Haykakan]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

CHINA INTERESTED IN IMPORTING ARMENIAN PRODUCTS

ARMENPRESS
JULY 22, 2010
YEREVAN

Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan received today delegation
headed by the deputy commerce minister of the People's Republic of
China Chjun Shan.

Governmental press office told Armenpress that welcoming the guests
the prime minister highly assessed the level of the development of
the Armenian-Chinese relations and pointed out the importance of
the opening of "Shanxi-Nairit" Armenian-Chinese joint venture of
chloroprene rubber production.

Tigran Sargsyan expressed gratitude for the technical assistance
provided by the Chinese government and informed that this year in
September he is going to visit China to participate in the events
dedicated to the Armenian National Day within the framework of the
"Shanghai Expo 2010" exhibition.

In the consolidation of the humanitarian ties the head of the
government highlighted the development of the relations between the
culture ministries of the two countries and activity of Confucius
Institute branch in V. Brusov State Linguistic University.

Chjun Shan expressed gratitude for the reception and conveyed to
the prime ministers the greetings of the Chinese prime minister. He
noted that China highlights deepening of relations with Armenia in
different spheres.

The interlocutors also discussed the prospects of the activation
of trade-economic partnership and implementation of joint programs
pointing out the usage of the full existing potential.

They also referred to the increase of the status of the
inter-governmental commission on economic cooperation. In that
pre-context the increase of the export of Armenian products to China
and promotion of tourism were highlighted.

The Chinese deputy commerce minister told the prime minister that
as a result of meetings with the foreign affairs, economy and energy
and natural resources ministers a number of arrangements on boosting
cooperation have been achieved.

Armenian prime minister said he is pleased with the specification
of the strategic directions of the Armenian-Chinese partnership and
asked to convey his greetings to his Chinese counterpart.

YEREVAN, JULY 22, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
received today delegation headed by the deputy commerce minister of
the People's Republic of China Chjun Shan.

Governmental press office told Armenpress that welcoming the guests
the prime minister highly assessed the level of the development of
the Armenian-Chinese relations and pointed out the importance of
the opening of "Shanxi-Nairit" Armenian-Chinese joint venture of
chloroprene rubber production.

Tigran Sargsyan expressed gratitude for the technical assistance
provided by the Chinese government and informed that this year in
September he is going to visit China to participate in the events
dedicated to the Armenian National Day within the framework of the
"Shanghai Expo 2010" exhibition.

In the consolidation of the humanitarian ties the head of the
government highlighted the development of the relations between the
culture ministries of the two countries and activity of Confucius
Institute branch in V. Brusov State Linguistic University.

Chjun Shan expressed gratitude for the reception and conveyed to
the prime ministers the greetings of the Chinese prime minister. He
noted that China highlights deepening of relations with Armenia in
different spheres.

The interlocutors also discussed the prospects of the activation
of trade-economic partnership and implementation of joint programs
pointing out the usage of the full existing potential.

They also referred to the increase of the status of the
inter-governmental commission on economic cooperation. In that
pre-context the increase of the export of Armenian products to China
and promotion of tourism were highlighted.

The Chinese deputy commerce minister told the prime minister that
as a result of meetings with the foreign affairs, economy and energy
and natural resources ministers a number of arrangements on boosting
cooperation have been achieved.

Armenian prime minister said he is pleased with the specification
of the strategic directions of the Armenian-Chinese partnership and
asked to convey his greetings to his Chinese counterpart.

[londontsi]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

http://www.armtown.com/news/en/rfe/20100805/2119817/

JAILED EX-OFFICIALS DENY BRIBERY

Two former high-ranking officials from the Armenian Ministry of Environment Protection arrested on bribery charges last December denied any wrongdoing as they faced lengthy prison sentences during their trial in Yerevan on Thursday.

Tigran Grigorian, the former head of the ministry’s State Ecological Inspectorate (SEI), and his deputy Arsen Petrosian were taken into custody after law-enforcement officers found large sums of cash in their offices.


Prosecutors say they received a total of 5 million drams ($13,700) from a mining company in the northern town of Akhtala that was inspected by them late last year. Grigorian and Petrosian were charged with receiving the kickback to drastically reduce 202 million drams in fines slapped on the company for violations of environmental safety rules.


Both men pleaded not guilty to accusations of “large-scale bribery” as they went on trial early this year. They insisted on their innocence on Thursday after prosecutors demanded eight years’ imprisonment for Grigorian and a ten-year prison sentence for his ex-deputy.

The latter also stands accused of accepting a 440,000 dram kickback from another mining firm.


“I can’t think of an effective method of defending myself,” a frustrated Grigorian told a Yerevan district court. “I can’t fully prove that I didn’t take that bribe. Should I jump on my head to make you believe in that?”


The former SEI chief claimed that the 3.7 million drams which he is accused of receiving from the Akhatala company was a loan, rather than a bribe. “I did not demand and receive a bribe from anyone,” he said. “I only regret and consider myself guilty of borrowing that sum without ascertaining its origin.”


The two defendants insisted that they were not in a position to lower the fine. They said Environment Minister Aram Harutiunian personally ordered his deputy Simon Papian to slash it to just 10 million drams after a meeting with company executives.


Papian was questioned by police immediately after the arrest of the two officials. He never faced any criminal charges.


Petrosian also claimed on Thursday the 440,000 drams ($1,200) paid to him by the other business entity was not a bribe but rather a compensation for transport and food expenses incurred by him during its inspections. “I deeply regret and accept my mistake, which was not to reject that ill-fated offer,” he said.

[Davo88]

Re: Armenia's Economic Pulse

Caucasus Business Forecast Report Q4 2010 - New Report Published
Newly released report, Caucasus Business Forecast Report Q4 2010, provides detailed company analysis

Published on August 06, 2010

We continue to forecast divergent growth trajectories for the three Caucasian economies this year as a result of their differing growth models. While Georgia's recovery will lag the regional average due to its pre-crisis reliance on foreign investment, which is unlikely to return strongly, the other two economies will fare better. Azerbaijan should post robust growth thanks to a strong showing for gas and manufacturing, while the Russian recovery will benefit Armenia, which we forecast to grow 4.0%. Political risk will remain prevalent, with an easing of tensions between Georgia and Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Armenia and Turkey, looking highly unlikely until 2011 at the earliest. Azerbaijan and Armenia's banking sectors are in good shape which should support consumption, although we caution that a high rate of non-performing loans will take time to work out of the system in Georgia.

We hold to our core view that the Armenian economy is on track to grow 4.0% this year, driven mainly by private consumption on the back of increased remittance inflows and the ability of the banking sector to extend credit to firms and households. Over the medium term, although we do not expect the economy to return to its precrisis growth levels, we forecast still robust trend growth of 5.5%.

Our core view for weak consumer demand to prevent a sharp rebound in real GDP growth in Georgia this year remains firmly on course. A 125 basis points (bps) hike in interest rates reinforces our core view that commercial bank lending to firms and households will not bounce back strongly, while unemployment will remain stubbornly high and remittances appear unlikely to return to pre-crisis levels in the near term.

We have revised down our Azerbaijani real GDP forecast for 2010 to 5.0%, on the back of a much lower than expected bounce in growth through the first five months of the year. While net exports look set to make a positive contribution to growth, this will be primarily driven by the non-oil sector, while final consumption and capital investments should boost the headline number. Over the medium term, we forecast private consumption and gas and manufacturing exports to become increasingly important to the economy.

http://www.officialwire.com/main.php?action=posted_news&rid=196472