YEREVAN, Dec. 5 (ArmenPress) - Armenia's economy and finance minister told the Parliament that the government intends to set up a special body that will be charged with protecting the interests of all foreign investors, which, he said "will raise the weight of Armenia among international companies and will improve the investment climate in the country."

Speaking before the parliament deputies prior to debates on the 2001 state budget, Vartan Khachatrian said these measures will help create an investment environment attractive to potential investors.

Khachatrian also said that the fight against corruption remains a priority task for the government. He added that implementation of a short-term anti-corruption program, currently under parliament's consideration, will help to ensure equal rights and obligations for all.