Armenia is the 33rd country that has signed agreement with the Netherlands over the Programme for Co-operation with Emerging Markets (PSOM), Dutch Minister of Development Cooperation Agnes Van Ardenne stated at a press conference in Yerevan. In her words, it is the first visit to Armenia, however the very positive assessment of the Armenian economy by the WB is sufficient for making conclusions. According to the document the main goal of the PSOM that will be implemented in Armenia is to promote the private sector via encouraging economic cooperation of business circles of Armenia and the Netherlands. In Ardenne’s words, just the viable private sector forms the basis of sustainable economic growth in the country. In her words, Dutch investors ready to come to Armenia are already known and the matter concerns gardening, food processing, infrastructures. In his turn Armenian Minister of Finance and Economy Vardan Khachatryan noted that 48 million euros are planned to be shared by 42 countries in compliance with the programme. In his words, the best programs, which include 1-2 programs a year, will receive financing of 500 thousand euros. As noted by the Minister, since 1998 diverse programs have been implemented in Armenia with the support of the Netherlands. In his words, programs in the Ararat region of Armenia totaling 1.5 million euros, in Lori – of 0.9 million euros and others were implemented in 2003. He also noted that the Dutch Government annually granted Armenia 4.7 million euros and the grant will make 5 million starting with the next year. The accord was signed by Armenian Minister of Finance and Economy Vardan Khachatryan and Dutch Minister of Development Cooperation Agnes Van Ardenne.
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