Today, the 2023 state budget implementation report is being discussed in the NA committees.
Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Narek Mkrtchyan, presented the work done.
Deputy of the CP faction, Arsen Torosyan, stated that according to various estimates, particularly according to a study conducted by the UN Population Fund, if the development of our demographics follows the average scenario, we will have barely 2.3 million people in 2050, although it was planned to be more. “It is obvious that we will not be able to improve demographics by simply promoting birth because our birth rate is 1.7, and we know that we need at least 2.1 to have a positive dynamic.”
What did Arsen Torosyan suggest? “I strongly believe that we can improve our demographics only through immigration. There is no other option. We need many people to come and live in Armenia. It is obvious that those many people will not be Armenians. There will, of course, also be Armenians from less prosperous countries. But what are we doing to start solving this issue? Without the labor force, our economy will not be able to thrive and grow.”
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He inquired about how people who come to Armenia should integrate into our society, learn Armenian, and enroll their children in school.
Arsen Torosyan also noted that we have seen a decline in the birth rate; fewer children were born in 2023 than in 2022. Moreover, if the people of Artsakh had not come in 2023 and give birth here, the index would be worse. Additionally, the gender gap has increased. “We had 111 boys for every 100 girls; now it’s 112/100. We need to reverse this trend.” Arsen Torosyan asked if there are new solutions because the old methods are not effective.
Minister Narek Mkrtchyan mentioned that there is a decline in the birth rate worldwide. The minister also mentioned that they are developing a strategy and holding discussions to address demographic issues.
Arsen Torosyan add that sometimes citizens of other countries are denied the right to work in Armenia. ” “I don’t understand how one citizen can be accepted for work and another can be rejected. There are warnings that employers do not accept some of the job applicants and do not provide an explanation.
Hripsime JEBEJYAN
