armenia.usaid.gov
Mission Director: Jatinder Cheema
USAID/Yerevan
Department of State
Washington, DC 20521-7020
Tel: (3741) 464-700
Fax: (3741) 464-728 |
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Overview
Since 1992, USAID has worked to support Armenia’s transition into a stable partner, at peace with its neighbors, that respects principles of democracy and offers citizens equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits of sustained economic growth. Armenia’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, as well as the strong ties between the American and Armenian people, make the country’s stability and prosperity an important U.S. interest.
Armenia’s development progress since independence has been uneven. The country’s closed borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan due to unresolved regional conflict, weak governing institutions, and pervasive corruption have hindered its transition to a market economy. The shock of the Georgia/Russia conflict in August 2008 was a wake-up call to Armenia’s economic fragility and isolation. Adherence to democratic principles worsened in 2008 with the Government of Armenia’s retaliation against political opponents and restriction of fundamental freedoms. The global financial and economic crisis poses new challenges for Armenia, while simultaneously threatening to roll back economic gains of the past. In response, USAID will increase assistance to strengthen civil society, increase access to objective information, and promote political pluralism. USAID will advocate for more effective and transparent economic governance and support to build the competitiveness of key industries. USAID will also deepen efforts to advance sustainable health and social welfare reform and will foster energy and trade linkages through cross-border initiatives.
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