Yerevan /Mediamax/. Following the forecasts of European Bank, the average economic growth will make 2% in Armenia in 2010.

Mediamax reports that the Chief Economist of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for Armenia Helena Schweiger said this in Yerevan today.

According to her, EBRD does not expect a second stage of economic crisis in Armenia, however, in order to secure modest GDP growth at the volume of 2%, the government should realize a number of reforms, improve business atmosphere and pay increased attention to growth of the country’s competitiveness.

Speaking about the prospect of normalizing Armenian-Turkish relations, EBRD Advisor on political issues Franklin Steves noted that “it is difficult to image stable development of the region without normalizing Armenian-Turkish relations”. He expressed hope that the parliaments of the two countries will ratify the protocols on a tight timetable. According to Franklin Steves, this will have a positive influence on Armenia’s economy, since it will contribute to reduction of transport expenses and, as a result, to reduction of prices in the domestic market.