MINSK, 25 August (BelTA) – Belarus saw an economic growth during summer months, Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Sidorsky said as he met with Marek Belka, Director of the IMF's European Department, in Minsk on 25 August. “We say with satisfaction that spring and summer this year have been the period of growth for the Belarusian economy,” the Prime Minister said. According to Sergei Sidorsky, in early 2009 the stocks of products at warehouses of Belarusian companies increased as many markets closed down. Yet, during this period Belarus explored 13 new markets where it supplies its products to. “Since as early as May-June the country has been selling everything it produces, most of it abroad. The problem of warehouse overstocking is being gradually addressed. We are sure that by the end of the year we will meet the standards for warehouse stocks,” the Head of the Belarusian Government noted. In H1 2009 investments increased by more than 10% as against the same period a year earlier. Belarus attracted foreign investments into new technologies. “We have proposals from European and Russian banks which would like to invest in the Belarusian economy, modernize our production facilities,” Sergei Sidorsky noted. He also added that none of the investment programmes has been curtailed in Belarus. According to Sergei Sidorsky, as agreed with the IMF, Belarus has been pursuing tough monetary and budget policy. Experts of the National Bank and the Finance Ministry of Belarus closely cooperate with IMF specialists. Budget expenditures have been considerably cut down in Belarus, Sergei Sidorsky stressed “The situation with inflation is kept under tough control. In January the government took up a decision to increase tariffs what fueled the inflation growth. We have recently stabilized these processes. The inflation of 0.3-0.4% per month is the rate the government outlined in the anti-crisis programme. The inflation is being stabilized as the economy is starting to grow, investments are on the rise and budget expenditures are streamlined,” Sergei Sidorsky said. On the whole, the Belarusian side is fully satisfied with the cooperation with the IMF and with the support this Organisation provides especially during the current economic downturn. “The IMF support is very important for us, especially when the trade with Belarus’ traditional partners has been slowing down,” the Prime Minister added. Sergei Sidorsky thanked the IMF experts for their activity in Belarus. БЕЛТА
Written by belta.by
