ArmInfo. Russia has conveyed to Armenia that simultaneous membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union is impossible. This was stated by Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Galuzin in an interview with Izvestia.

ArmInfo. February 3 to 7, 2025, in Armenia's interbank foreign exchange market, daily USD and two RUB transactions were effected, with no EUR transactions effected.  USD transactions showed an 87% decline against a 3-fold growth the previous week. RUB transactions showed a 23% growth as against an 58 % decline. The total amount of USD transactions exceeded that of RUB transactions 1.2-fold  up to 9 fold..  Duding the period under review against the previous period (Jan 27-31, 2025), in Armenia's intrabank foreign exchange market, USD, EUR and  RUB showed a downward trend, while EUR and RUB sales showed a growth. 

ArmInfo. This evening, traffic through the Upper Lars checkpoint, which links Russia and Georgia,  has resumed normal operations and is open to all vehicles, as reported by Russian media.

ArmInfo. The world is moving towards development, and countries like ours should emulate those who  create opportunities and streamline conditions for the growth of small businesses. This was stated by Mariam Manukyan, the head of the Council for International Business Relations Support, during a press  conference on February 7.

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ArmInfo. The management of the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Plant (ZCMC) has started the process of terminating employment contracts with employees who incited illegal actions and organized sabotage at the plant. This is noted in the official statement of the plant. It is emphasized that the termination of contracts is being carried out in strict compliance with Armenia's  labor legislation.

ArmInfo. The Ministry of Economy is not involved in tax policy, but is trying to assist businesses. Deputy Minister of Economy Edgar Zakaryan told this to  journalists in response to questions about potential revisions to the  bill proposing an increase in the turnover tax for SMEs from 5% to  10%.

ArmInfo. Jewelry retailers are propose reduction in the turnover tax rate from 10% to 1%. This will eliminate any "shadow" activity and increase the amount of taxes paid. This was stated by Hayk Sargsyan, a member of the ruling "Civil Contract" faction, on February 7 in a conversation with journalists  following parliamentary hearings on the topic of doubling the  turnover tax rate.

ArmInfo. According to her, Armenia needs to take several actions to open up  the Schengen countries. In particular, the head of the Committee  pointed to transitioning the population to digital passports, which  will contain all information about a person,  introducing a universal  health insurance system and adopting two legislative acts.   the head of the Committee said. At the same time, she expressed the  opinion that the most challenging thing for Armenia will be  implementing universal health insurance.  

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ArmInfo. Retail jewelers are rapidly losing their competitiveness due to the tax amendments that came into effect in January 2025, resulting in higher prices for gold jewelry compared to neighboring countries. This was stated by Karen Martirosyan, an individual entrepreneur representing the sector,  during a parliamentary hearing on February 7.

ArmInfo. During a press conference on February 7, Lusine Gevorgyan, the Chairperson of the Tourism Committee of Armenia, stated that tourists who independently organize their vacation in Armenia, including accommodation and food, will spend on average of $700 in our country, while the costs of all  tourist services for a vacation organized by tour operators can reach  $2000 and more. She also added that organized  tourism is chosen by  solvent tourists.   she said.

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ArmInfo. On behalf of Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan, representatives of the Human Rights  Defender left for the Syunik region to investigate the human rights issues raised by employees of the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC). They also aimed to assess the state citizens rights protection and address concerns about working conditions, the statement of the Ombudsman's Office says.

ArmInfo.In Armenia, 33,648 children were born in 2024, which is 8% less than the previous year  (compared to a decrease of 0.3% in 2023). The birth rate per 1000 inhabitants in 2024 was 1.1 per thousand, down from 12.3 per thousand in 2023. According to  data from the RA Statistical Committee, 52.3% of births were boys, and 47.7% were girls.

ArmInfo.The population of Armenia increased by 2.2% or 84.6 thousand people by 2025, reaching  3.076 million people. This is evidenced by  data from  the RA Statistical Committee.

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ArmInfo. Armenia's trade sector generated 6.4 trillion drams ($16.2 billion) in revenue in  2024, showing a decrease in annual growth from 25.7% to 17%. According to the RA Statistical Committee, trade turnover increased by 24.3% in December alone, reaching 774.3 billion drams ($1.9 billion).