Armenia is thinking about cutting the number of Christmas and New Year’s holidays and getting people back to work.

Currently, many private businesses and public agencies are closed during the winter holidays.

The Ministry of Economy says that December 31 and January 3, 4, 5 and 7 should no longer be public holidays, arguing that such a move would give a much-needed boost to the economy.

For example, the ministry claims that the country’s GDP would increase by 88.6 billion drams if the changeover is made.

The proposal must first be approved by the government and then sent to the parliament.