Forecasts for first part of 2013 are favorable, Valeriu Lazar

The weather conditions and the forecasts for the first half of 2013 are favorable and this is a real precondition for economic growth, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar, Info-Prim Neo reports. Related statements were made in a meeting of the National Committee on Financial Stability, which centered on the macroeconomic situation and the situation in the financial-banking system at the end of 2012, and on the forecasts for 2013. According to a communiqué from the Government, the officials stated that despite this summer’s drought, there are enough stocks for the agrifood sector. The drought seriously affected agriculture, determining a modest economic growth under expectations. There are yet preconditions for increasing exports from the first half of 2013, owing to the stability expected in the Eurozone and the positive developments in the U.S. economy and the Russian economy. National Bank governor Dorin Dragutanu said the situation in the financial-banking sector at the end of 2012 is positive. “The banks are rather active. Their profits have increased by 951 million lei this year. The average interest rate on loans is decreasing and this should stimulate lending to economic entities and, respectively, the economic and investment activity,” he stated. Minister of Finance Veaceslav Negruta informed that the public budget was 98% fulfilled. “According to estimates, the parameters agreed with the foreign partners are being met,” he said. The officials decided to constitute a technical subcommittee of the National Committee on Financial Stability that will consist of the minister of finance, the minister of economy, the National Bank governor and the deputy chairman of the National Financial Market Commission. The regulations governing the activity of this subcommittee will be approved in the near future. Prime Minister Vlad Filat ordered accelerating the promotion of the relevant reforms agreed with the foreign partners, which aim to ensure the sustainable stability of the national economy and the national financial system.