19 December, Minsk /BELTA/. The Ministry of Economy of Belarus forecasts a GDP growth of 8-9% at the beginning of 2013. This was stated by the Minister of Economy Nikolai Snopkov during a live Q&A session in the newspaper "Respublika", according to a BELTA correspondent. Answering a question about possible forecasts for the first quarter of 2013, the Minister of Economy noted: "At the beginning of the year, we forecast a positive trend in GDP growth. We estimate it to be within 8-9%. Foreign trade will also develop dynamically, even considering the high base of the first quarter of 2012. We are confident that exports will grow, and both this year and next year the balance will be positive. It is difficult for me to say the exact percentage relative to GDP yet, but it will be positive, that's for sure. This is regarding the first quarter. I think the annual inflation target of 12% will also be met." 2013 has been declared the Year of Thrift in Belarus. Commenting on how this fact will affect the country's economy, Nikolai Snopkov noted: "Do not be alarmed, this is not about saving matches. Thrift is viewed by us in the context of the need to reduce material costs in the real sector of the economy, where there are indeed many reserves. And, accordingly, by using such released resources, gradually increase wages. This is the main message of the Year of Thrift from an economic point of view." -0-

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