8 October, Minsk /Anna Kot - BELTA/. The Government of Belarus intends to ensure the achievement of the GDP growth forecast of 5-5.5% in 2012. This was announced today to journalists in parliament by Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. The Prime Minister stressed that the Government of Belarus will do everything possible to meet the GDP growth targets of 105-105.5% in 2012. "I think we will ensure the forecast," said Mikhail Myasnikovich. Minister of Finance Andrei Kharkovets, in turn, noted that positive movement is expected in the contribution of net taxes to GDP growth for September. "The calculations are not yet complete, but there will be positive movement," he said. Speaking about possible sources of GDP growth of 8.5% in 2013, the Prime Minister noted: "Firstly, we believe that the sector that is currently lagging somewhat will be activated – this is construction. Investment plans, housing construction plans – this will be a certain contribution. Direct foreign investment, availability of credit resources, this will also provide growth for the economy." Mikhail Myasnikovich noted that, unfortunately, not all regions are currently growing evenly. For example, Brest Region is lagging in gross regional product, below last year's level. "I believe that it should also contribute, like other regions, to the national average level. This is also a certain reserve," the Prime Minister noted. "And, of course, what we are talking about regarding modernisation should affect the growth of production volumes. Here, production must be considered simultaneously with sales," emphasised Mikhail Myasnikovich. In the context of instability in global commodity markets, there are, of course, certain difficulties with the sale of products, both agricultural and industrial, the Prime Minister pointed out. There is overproduction in the world of goods that Belarus also produces. "Therefore, we need to work on reducing costs, we need to improve quality so that Belarusian products are sold actively enough. This is also a key source of growth for GDP and other indicators. Undoubtedly, a great many decisions must be made for this, including organisational and legal reforms," said Mikhail Myasnikovich.-0-

BELTA