YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, NOYAN TAPAN. In 2006, Armenian farms received credits of a total of 4 million USD with the assistance of the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The credits are provided for a period of up to 5 years and have an annual interest rate of 9.8-10%. The RA Minister of Agriculture Davit Lokian stated at the December 27 press conference that the credits were given for creation of 291 small and medium enterprises in mountainous areas and on foothills of Vayots Dzor, Syunika and Tavush marzes. Out of these enterprises, 96 are meat, milk and fruit processing ones , there are also small slaughter-houses which have already been put into operation. According to the minister, in 2007 the World Bank will again provide credit resources of 80 million USD for development of small and medium entrepreneurship in Armenia.

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