YEREVAN, MARCH 6, NOYAN TAPAN. A package of programs to be implemented in Armenia within the next 4 years with the financing of the World Bank was discussed at the March 6 meeting of Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and WB Regional Director for the South Caucasus Asad Alam. Expressing satisfaction at Armenia's cooperation with the World Bank, T. Sargsyan said that Armenia is interested in continuing its cooperation on the envisaged programs, including reforms in government system, agriculture, irrigation sector, etc. At the same time, according to him, in conditions of the global financial and economic crisis the Armenian government will have to give up some risky projects. The prime minister attached importance to the implementation of social programs and projects in the indicated package. Asad Alam in his turn underlined the importance of the efficient use of financial resources of 525m USD provided by the WB, the successful implementation of the envisaged programs and ensuring a clear strategy in each sector with the aim of attracting investments on its basis. He said that two years later, based on the results of a report on implementation of the package of programs, it will be possible to address the problem of additional financing by the WB. According to the RA Government Information and PR Department, Asad Alam said that recently Poverty Reduction Support Credits program of Armenia was announced the winner of the World Bank's Improving the Lives of People in Europe and Central Asia 2009 competition. He handed T. Sargsyan the award for achieving significant results in the implementation of this program.

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