GDP to increase at least 6% annually in 2009-2011, official forecasts

From 2009 to 2011, the Moldovan GDP will increase by, at least, 6% annually, and the inflation will drop to 6% in 2011, according to the Government's Framework of Middle-Term Expenditures. The document was published on Tuesday, November 11, in Monitorul Oficial (Official Gazette), Info-Prim Neo reports. The forecasts will set the bases for developing the budgets of the central and local public administration authorities. According to the assessments, the growth of the GDP will be determined by the annual growth of the industrial output by 7% and of the agricultural output – by about 3%. The imports will grow on average by about 16% annually, and the exports will grow on average by 15% annually. The trade deficit will increase from $4,450 million in 2009 to $ 5,550 million in 2011. During this time period, the natural persons will go on being taxed progressively, as the social and medical insurances will be corroborated to establish reasonable tax pressure both on employers and employees. The tax incomes will reach 89.7% of the total public incomes by 2011. In the reference period, they forecast a slow appreciation of the national currency in relation to the American dollar, and also a growth by, at least, 15% of the average salary in economy, planned to reach reach 4,100 lei in 2011. The main risk factors that could negatively influence the general Framework of the average-term resources are the following: growing energy prices, poorer food supply, growing trade deficit, and the continuous appreciation of the national currency.