The Economy Ministry revised the economic growth forecast for this year, down from 4% to 3.5%, after analyzing the final statistical data on GDP growth in 2012, which was by 0.8% lower, not 0.2% as anticipated, IPN reports.
Acting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar told a roundtable meeting that the agricultural sector is expected to recover after experiencing a 32.6% decline in production last year. The industrial production is projected to grow by approximately 3%.
Exports will rise by about 8%. Statistics for this January show exports increased by 9.9% on last January, though the trends on the European markets are unlikely to lead to an increased demand for Moldovan goods. The demand for Moldovan products on the CIS market will be more or less stable. According to the IMF forecasts, the CIS member states will see an economic growth of over 3%.
Valeriu Lazar said that Moldova can witness an economic growth trend in 2013 if the economic instability does not last long. “I fear this instability can affect the investment flow, which decreased significantly in 2012. I mean the investments in long-term tangible assets. We saw stagnation as regards the foreign direct investment. I’m concerned that such a situation can repeat this year,” he stated.
