The Head of the State Revenue Committee Reveals Which Sector Has the Largest Shadow Economy

During a conversation with journalists today, the Head of the State Revenue Committee, David Ananyan, commented on the Prime Minister's statement regarding the shadow economy in Armenia, which international expert organizations estimate at 50%, while the National Statistical Committee reports it at 25%, which has since been reduced to 22%.

According to him, the 50% figure mentioned by the Prime Minister is based on information from some international organization, and they are working towards more accurate assessments.

Ananyan noted that international organizations publish various estimates ranging from 35% to 50%. He stated that the Prime Minister referred to the opinion of one of these organizations, which does not necessarily reflect reality. However, these are evaluations that require further methodological clarification from their side. “We have the National Statistical Committee, whose data we are obligated to use as a basis for our internal administration,” he said.

He also mentioned that they are developing a methodology for assessing the shadow economy in various sectors, which should be automated, and a system for real-time assessment of the shadow economy's sectors will be established.

“We have our perceptions about the sectors, but these are internal working thoughts,” he said, adding that the largest shadow economy is present in the retail trade sector. Ananyan also noted that the shadow economy in large supermarkets is significantly smaller.