YEREVAN, MARCH 13, NOYAN TAPAN. The US dollar's appreciation in Armenia in recent days is conditioned by the upcoming parliamentary elections. Economist Eduard Aghajanov said at the March 13 press conference that the exchange rate of the dollar will continue rising in April and May. In his words, "some people, who bought dollars at a low exchange rate previously, must sell them at high prices so that "this campaign will be cheap or free of charge." According to E. Aghajanov, in 2006, the import growth rate was 7 times as much as the export growth rate of Armenia, with these rates making 3.1% and 21.8% respectively. Exports grew only by 30 million dollars. Besides, in 2006, foreign trade deficit grew by 44% under conditions of 13.4% GDP growth. In 2003, foreign trade deficit made 591 mln USD, while last year - 1 bln 190 mln USD. E. Aghajanov said that it shows that Armenia's economy is unpredicatble.

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