Everyone engaged in trade in Stepanavan
Every sixth person is unemployed in Stepanavan, the second largest city in Lori Marz, which was one of the most famous tourist spots and resorts in Armenia during the Soviet era. Today the local authorities are taking efforts to boost ecotourism but to no avail.
"Most of the citizens are engaged in a trade and business. Tourism is a profitable industry and may help vivify trade and increase employment," said Melanya Ghazaryan, Secretary of the Staff of the Urban Community.
"We go to the fields and pick greens to sell a pile at 10 drams and to feed our families," says engineer Marat Sargsyan.
"I see no future in the city. I am a disabled person and cannot live on 17 000-dram pension. I am ready to go to Siberia if I am offered work there," said constructor Rafik Ohanyan.
Forty-six-year-old Vano Mkrtchyan arrives in Stepanavan from Vanadzor to sell fruit and vegetables.
"The most important thing is that I have no debts and can feed my people at home," he said.
It is especially difficult for the youth to find a job.
"You cannot find a suitable job unless you have ties and acquaintances. As soon as I get my military ID, I shall go to Russia," said 21-year-old Petros Dolmazyan.
Twenty-year-old Sona Vahradyan works in an insurance company and gets monthly salary of 40 0000 drams.
"Most of my friends do not work as it is to difficult to find a job," she said.
