Vahan Kerobyan, who held Armenia’s Ministry of Economy until his resignation, is now associated with the Armenian Investigative Committee. The agency confirms this development, reporting that the former top official who recently stepped down is currently under investigation. This update comes amid ongoing questions about the timing and rationale behind his departure, with no official reasons disclosed at the time of the announcement. [Sputnik Armenia]
The public record shows that Kerobyan led the ministry for three years. During that period, he highlighted substantial growth in Armenia’s economic indicators, including a claim that Armenia’s GDP for 2023 doubled relative to 2020. Such statements underscore the broader narrative of economic resilience and reform pursued under his tenure, even as questions about the resignation remained unanswered. The situation illustrates how administrative changes at the ministry can coincide with heightened scrutiny from the investigative authorities. [Sputnik Armenia]
In a March 2023 briefing, Kerobyan commented on Armenia’s foreign trade dynamics, noting that Armenia and Russia had halted settlements in dollars and euros. He stated that by the end of 2022 Armenian exports to Russia had surged nearly fourfold, reaching about 2.5 billion dollars. He attributed this shift to Western companies withdrawing from the Russian market, which opened opportunities for Armenian suppliers to assume new roles and expand their activities. This analysis points to the complex, changing landscape of regional trade, where currency choices and market access can influence the flow of goods and capital. [Sputnik Armenia]
Observers have also reflected on the broader context of Armenian policy and regional economic ties, recognizing how shifts in investment and supplier networks can affect both domestic growth and international perceptions. The ongoing developments surrounding Kerobyan’s resignation and the related investigation are likely to influence discussions about economic strategy, governance, and the accountability mechanisms that guide Armenia’s public sector. [Sputnik Armenia]