The GDP increase of at least 6% per year is needed for a more rapid increase in social standards, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said live on the First National TV Channel.

"Wages and pensions are increasing, but not as fast as we would like them to grow. It's necessary to develop the economy. According to our estimates, GDP growth should be at least 6% per year," Yanukovych said.

He said that Ukraine should develop and seek new markets for its products, because 60% of goods produced in the country are exported.

"If you look at trade turnover, this year we increased exports by 30%, at the time of crisis in the world," the president said.

"Next year, budget revenues will grow by almost UAH 100 billion. Gross domestic product in 2009 did not reach UAH 1 trillion, but for next year we have planned UAH 1.5 trillion. This GDP growth," he said.

Yanukovych also said that the price of Russian natural gas was unacceptable for Ukraine and that it must be reduced. "Tell me where does such a price exist in the world? There is no such a price. And why was Ukraine punished? No one can give me any answer," he said.

The president said that the authorities were doing everything to ensure that the gas price is not raised for the Ukrainian public under such conditions. "We included the price of USD 416 [per 1,000 cubic meters] in the budget for next year, because we cannot expect when we reach an agreement with Russia. We need to live and pay salaries to teachers, doctors and others," he said.
 

Ukrinform