The Government anticipates that the economic growth this year will be 4%. The forecast was made public by Prime Minister Vlad Filat in a meeting with students and teachers of the Academy of Economic Studies. According to the Premier, the budget deficit will be 1.5% of the GDP, while the state debt will decrease to 23% of the GDP. Vlad Filat said that 2013 will be a year when the efforts made during the last three years will materialize, both as regards Moldova’s European integration and the economic reforms promoted in the country. “The negotiations on the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU will be completed. An absolute priority for the Government remains the development of a healthy economy that would allow creating new workplaces and improving the people’s lives,” said Vlad Filat. In this respect, the Government aims to improve the business climate and to eliminate the barriers to the development of entrepreneurship. Special attention will be paid to the liquidation of monopoles, development of competition, and combating of corruption. The Premier also said that a large investor is expected to come to Moldova on January 25, but details will be given when it is opportune. Vlad Filat answered a number of questions put by students and other persons attending.