The economic growth rate this year will vary between 2% and 5%. In the launch of the quarterly publication “Trends in Moldova’s economy”, the director f the Institute of Economy, Finance and Statistics (IEFS) Alexandru Stratan said this hypothesis is based on a number of factors, partly on the stabilization of the EU economy starting with the second half of the year and on the increase in demand for Moldovan goods on the EU market, IPN reports.

According to the expert, relatively favorable developments are expected as regards the international prices of gas and mineral products and the recovery of the agricultural sector.

According to the analysts of IEFS, private consumption will rise by 7% owing to the higher remittances and salaries. The decrease in interest rates on loans will facilitate the investment activity. Exports will rise by 9.5%, while higher consumption will boost imports.

The analysts consider that industry will grow by 5.7%, while the services by 4.2%. Improvements are expected on the labor market, following the economic recovery. The jobless rate will be 5.5%, down 0.5% on 2012. The salary in nominal terms will increase by 11%, while in real terms by 7%.

According to the last forecast made by the Ministry of Economy, the economic growth in 2013 will be 3.5%