On December 15, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Wage growth and labour productivity should form the basis for the socio-economic development indicators of the Vitebsk region for the next year. This was stated today during the discussion of the socio-economic development forecast for the region for 2013 at a joint meeting of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee and the Presidium of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Kosinets, BELTA correspondent reports. "Behind any indicators lies the main thing - wages and people's quality of life. The economy must work for the person, for their children," the governor emphasised. In 2013, the Vitebsk region undertakes increased commitments to ensure a gross regional product at the level of 112% compared to 2012, against the previously planned 107.5%, to ensure a net inflow of foreign direct investment at the level of $146 million, and intends to increase exports by one and a half times. However, the main indicator that shapes all others for the region will be wage growth. According to forecasts, in December 2013, it will amount to at least $750 in equivalent terms. At the same time, labour productivity in the region should exceed wage growth by 25-30%, emphasised Alexander Kosinets. Reserves for achieving high socio-economic development indicators lie in the agro-industrial complex, industry, construction sector, and reduction of material intensity, which is of particular relevance in the Year of Thrift. "The social sphere is decisive for the development of the economy and people's quality of life. We need to have a strong budget for the region to develop, so that people are proud of their region and their country," added Alexander Kosinets. The draft forecast for the socio-economic development of the Vitebsk region will be submitted to the session of the Regional Council of Deputies on December 18. -0-

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