MINSK, March 12 (BelTA) – This year the GDP growth rate of Belarus will gradually recover, said First Vice Premier of Belarus Vladimir Semashko as he met with top executives of the American company Honeywell in Minsk on March 12. Vladimir Semashko stated, consequences of the world crisis had affected Belarus, too. In January-February 2009 the GDP growth reached only 2.3%. “But it is a plus not a minus,” emphasised Vladimir Semashko. In his words, there are reasons to believe that this year the figure will not be lower. “All estimates, marketing researches as well as actions we are taking indicate that the year may end with even better figures,” said the First Vice Premier. The official remarked, in the last seven years Belarus demonstrated high economic growth, with the GDP growth as high as 9.5% on the average. 2008 saw the GDP go up by 10%, while the industrial output swelled by 10.8%. Fixed-capital investments are outstripping. In 2008 the volume of investments soared by 23.1%. Despite the complicated economic situation the volume of investments rose by 23.8% in the first two months of 2009. Vladimir Semashko emphasised all the necessary conditions are being created in Belarus for the arrival of investors. “We welcome any investors who come to Belarus with the intent of implementing their projects here”, said the First Vice Premier. Over 40 regulatory documents have been passed in Belarus lately in order to increase the investment attractiveness and improve the business environment.

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