This year’s expected results of Belarus’ social and economic development will be discussed at a session of the Council of Ministers on December 9. The session will be chaired by Prime Minister Sergei Sidorsky, BelTA learnt from the Council of Ministers Office. Taking into account the evaluated development of key branches of the Belarusian economy, in 2008 the GDP growth will make at least 10.2%. According to provisional data, the industrial output will grow by 11.7% in comparison with 2007, 0.7 percentage points above this year’s target. This year the production of consumer goods is expected to increase by 12%. The profitability of sold products (services) in the industry may reach 15.5% while the target is set at 13%. According to preliminary estimations, the reduction of the materials output ratio in the industry will make 1.7% (minus 1.5% according to the forecast). The agricultural output is supposed to increase by 8.2% in 2008 instead of the planned 8.5%. Fixed-capital investments will rise by 20% as against 2007. There are plans to commission 5.2 million square metres of homes in Belarus using all sources of financing. Taking into account the existing foreign trade tendencies, this year’s foreign trade is expected to make $80 billion (38% up while the forecast stands at 14.5-15.5%). The consumer price index may total 114-114.5% in 2008. Real cash incomes of individuals are expected to increase by 10% while the forecast stands at 9-10%. At the end of 2008 the registered unemployment may reach 1-1.1% of the economically active population (the forecast stands at 1.2-1.4%). In January-October 2008 17 out of 19 most important parameters of the 2008 social and economic development forecast were secured.

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