Increase of retail trade turnover may slow down in Ukraine up to 9.2%. Gradual renewal of private persons' crediting will support this economic sector, as well as stable growth of the enterprise's credit portfolio.

Head of the information-analytical center Forex Club in Ukraine Mykola Ivchenko expressed this forecast in comments to UKRINFORM.

"In the current year, retail trade will remain one of the Ukrainian economy driving forces, however, production growth rates will drop in this sector. Main reason is the slowdown of the population's nominal wage. The average monthly wage growth in annual terms made up 14.9% against 17.6% in December 2012 against December 2011, which was related to slower economic growth in the country," he noted.

The expert reminded that the volume of organized retail trade in January 2013 made up UAH 29.66 billion - 23.27% less against December 2012. Reduction in the monthly trade volume, according to Ivchenko, is related to the greater number of days-off in January and considerable trade turnover in December on the backdrop of preparation to the holidays.

Organized trade growth rates also slowed down in annual terms to 14.2% against 15.9% in December.

Ukrinform