The Caucasian Tiger : Sustaining Economic Growth in Armenia

This book is intended to explain the factors underlying the stellar growth record that has led to Armenia's emergence as the Caucasian Tiger and to provide policy advice to the Armenian authorities to ensure the continuation of this growth. The book is presented in two parts, with Part I containing the analysis and the policy advice and Part II containing detailed background papers. The attribution for the emergence of Armenia as the Caucasian Tiger lies in the creation of an environment of macroeconomic stability and the determined pursuit of reforms aimed at establishing a market economy that was integrated with the world. This book describes that story. But the central focus of the book remains the reform agenda for the future. It is argued that the continuation of high rates of growth would require building defenses against economic shocks the country may face, and this would entail addressing the key vulnerabilities in today's economy. Thus the book is intended not only as a case study of success in post-Soviet economic transition, but also as a candid piece of policy advice for the Armenian authorities