Belarus government eager to hit 5-5.5% GDP growth target in 2012

MINSK, 8 October (BelTA) – The Belarusian government intends to hit the 5-5.5% GDP growth target in 2012, Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich told media on 8 October. The Prime Minister underlined that the Belarus government will do their best to make the GDP forecast come true. “I think we will hit the forecast target,” said Mikhail Myasnikovich. In turn, the Finance Minister Andrei Kharkovets remarked that positive changes regarding the contribution of net taxes to the GDP growth in September were expected. “Not all the calculations have been made, but there will be a positive movement,” he said. Speaking about possible means to raise the GDP by 8.5% in 2013, the Prime Minister remarked: “First of all, we believe that the civil engineering industry that lags behind a bit will do better. Investment plans, home construction plans will make a certain contribution. Foreign direct investments, the availability of credit resources will also help the economy growth”. Mikhail Myasnikovich remarked that unfortunately not all the regions contribute equally today, for instance, Brest Oblast is below the last year’s level regarding the gross regional product. “I believe it should do better just like other oblasts. It should reach the average national level. It constitutes a certain reserve, too,” remarked the Prime Minister. “And, undoubtedly, what we say about modernization should influence the output growth, too. Manufacturing should be considered together with sales in this regard,” stressed Mikhail Myasnikovich. In view of the unstable global commodity markets there are certain difficulties selling products, agricultural and industrial ones alike, pointed out the Prime Minister. Surplus production is observed in the world, including the production of the merchandise that Belarus offers. “Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the prime cost. It is necessary to raise quality in order to sell Belarusian products rather actively. It is the key source of the GDP growth and the growth of other indicators. Undoubtedly, a large number of decisions have to be taken for that, including organizational and legal reformation ones,” said Mikhail Myasnikovich.

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