USAID to implement development programs in 150 Armenian communities

YEREVAN, JANUARY 31, ARMENPRESS: Two new programs of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), directed to the economic development of the villages, will foster the employment in the Armenian regions. The programs “Partnership for Rural Prosperity” (PRP) and “Armenian Rural Development Initiatives” (ARDI) will be implemented in 150 communities. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of USA to Armenia John Heffern stated that each program costs $4 million. “The programs are mainly directed to the development and having efficient rural economy”, - said Heffern, adding that in Yerevan the situation is good and the development should be provided in the regions.

Armenpress reports that the Director of the program “Partnership for Rural Prosperity” Anush Aslanyan stated that the program will be implemented in the communities having economic potential. “Now we are studying 300 communities, 100 of which will be selected. There are border villages among them as well”, - she said.

The Director of the program “Armenian Rural Development Initiatives” Vahe Sardaryan noted that in the framework of the program, along with the fostering employment in the regions of Syunik, Vayots Dzor and Lori, three main fields of the agriculture – milk processing, fruit processing and rural tourism – will be assisted as well.