Azarov: GDP growth in 2013 to reach almost 3%
2012-11-23 15:23:47
Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has predicted that GDP growth in 2013 will reach around 3%.
He announced this on Friday, while congratulating the staff of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on the 20th anniversary of its foundation.
"We expect that we will have GDP growth of about 3%. Under the optimistic scenario, it will be larger. If the situation on the world markets remains unchanged, then GDP growth will be slightly lower, perhaps 2.4-2.5%," Azarov said.
At the same time, the prime minister said that the government expects moderate inflation in 2013. He also said the government would prevent deflation, as it was last year.
"Next year we will actively credit the implementation of large-scale projects and credit the economy," Azarov said.
He said that the inflation rate could slightly grow.
"People should not be afraid of this, because there can be an insignificant increase in prices for industrial goods. As for food products, I don't think there will be any significant inflationary bursts, perhaps, 1-2%," the prime minister said.
He said that the government was currently agreeing on macroeconomic figures for 2013 with the IMF.
"We have our own vision of how the Ukrainian economy will develop next year, and the International Monetary Fund has its own vision," Azarov said.