ARMENIAN DOUBLE-DIGIT ECONOMIC GROWTH

Armenia's GDP grew by 10.2 percent during the first six months of 2005, largely due to an upswing in the construction and service sectors, according to data released on 27 July. Growth in the construction sector during that period was 43 percent, in industry 5.3 percent, and in agriculture 10.2 percent, Arminfo quoted Trade and Economic Development Minister Karen Chshmaritian as telling journalists.

Armenia registered double-digit economic growth every year between 2001 and 2004. Chshmaritian also said external trade has more than doubled over the past four years, while exports have nearly tripled.