Armenian budget deficit at 0.2% of GDP in 7 mths

YEREVAN. Aug 31 (Interfax) – The Armenian budget deficit stood at 1.426 billion dram, or 0.2% of GDP, in January-July 2005, the National Statistics Service told Interfax.

Revenue and official budget transfers were 191.32 billion dram, or 20.9% of GDP, in the seven months, up 24.5% year-on-year.

The Armenian budget deficit is expected to be 47.5 billion dram, or 2.3% of GDP, in 2005. Revenue is expected to be 327.92 billion dram, or 16.2% of GDP, and expenditures will be 375.4 billion dram, or 18.5% of GDP.

The official exchange rate on August 31 was 471.28 dram/$1. rm