YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–California State University Professor Tatul Manaserian has devised a concept of Armenia’s economic security to be submitted to the government of Armenia after being discussed by the Interparty Council for Social and Economic Affairs.
The concept includes a number of provisions aimed at fostering local enterprise development. Some of the provisions call for the elimination of obstacles impeding normal development.
The protection of the local producer–according to Manaserian–can be ensured through the use of customs quotas and tariffs as well as by means of licenses and certification. Licensing and certification must be clearly systematized within the framework of "fair trade" and be presented to the World Trade Organization. The role of the Diaspora in devising and realizing the concept of foreign trade is especially emphasized.
A necessary condition for economic security is a favorable atmosphere for local businesses in mining–energy and other facilities of strategic importance. Local production has to be raised up to the level of competitiveness. The need for supporting food producers as well as producers of medical supplies and other goods is being emphasized. Economic security–in the professor’s opinion–should be ensured by economic departmen’s in cooperation with national security agencies.