Foreign Operations Appropriated Assistance: Armenia

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Coordinator's Office Annual Reports» U.S. Embassy Website» www.foreignassistance.gov» Millennium Challenge Corporation»

ASSISTANCE GOALS: United States Government (USG) assistance addresses Armenia’s economic vulnerabilities, which have been exacerbated by the global economic crisis, while continuing to support economic competitiveness. USG funding supports democratic reforms and strengthened democratic institutions and processes, as well as improving health and social services. USG assistance also supports activities that to enhance the movement of goods/people throughout the region and to create a better trade and investment environment.

AREAS OF FOCUS:

Peace and Security (P&S)

• Increase Armenia’s ability to control its borders to prevent smuggling
• Upgrade safety of Armenia’s nuclear power plant and assist Armenia in identifying its future energy needs
• Improve the law-enforcement and legal-regulatory structure for border security and export control
• Support development of U.S./NATO-interoperable defense institutions and of medical, de-mining, and peacekeeping capabilities

Governing Justly and Democratically (GJD)

• Improve rule of law by increasing capacity of the defense bar and prosecutors and their adherence to judicial ethics and human rights
• Fight corruption and improve the transparency, accountability and interaction of government entities with citizens
• Increase civic participation by bolstering civil society, strengthening independent media and increasing their access to information
• Promote free and fair elections and greater citizen participation in political processes

Investing in People (IIP)

• Increase use of sustainable, high quality health and reproductive care services
• Increase access to education and health care in rural areas
• Support public and private sector’s development of social protection systems

Economic Growth (EG)

• Create a better functioning market by improving the tax system
• Address economic imbalances and unemployment
• Support economic growth in sustainable sectors and regional trade
• Develop legal and regulatory reforms in the business environment to make the private sector more competitive

Humanitarian Assistance (HA)

• Relieve suffering of vulnerable populations by providing donated food, clothing and medicine

RECENT SUCCESSES:

• Strengthened key industries that increased tourism by 49%; added 2,146 jobs in the information technology field
• Helped establish a network of 11 advocacy and assistance centers, which have already responded to nearly 2,000 requests for assistance
• Implemented an anti-corruption curriculum in schools to help change the culture of corruption
• Renovated 42 health facilities, provided 50 clinics with essential equipment and supplies, and trained 618 medical practitioners that improved quality of services

*This fact sheet does not reflect Peace Corps funding or centrally managed or regional Foreign Operations funding that is not specifically budgeted for Armenia.