Retail trade up 17% in Q1

The volume of retail trade performed in the organised trade network in January-March 2007 has increased. The population was provided consumer goods to the total sum of MDL 3251.1 mln or by 16.8% more against January-March 2006. According to the data provided by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in the structure of the retail sales, the share of the non-food goods constituted 65.8%. The official registered units provided to the population paid services totalling about MDL 2.2 bln, by 7.3% more (in comparable prices) against the same period last year. In the structure of paid services provided to the population, the most significant share belongs to the communal services, mail and communications, transport of passengers, public nourishment, education, health and social assistance. Such consumer goods as fresh vegetables, bread, drugs, and construction materials increased in price. At the same time, the price of eggs, sugar, and meat has dropped. According to the experts, the sales in the retail trade field and service provision are to a great extent due to the money transfers from abroad. The average monthly salary of a person employed in the national economy has increased by 9.4% against the similar period last year. The average amount of a monthly pension as April 1 constituted MDL 442.6, by 15.4% more compared with April 1, 2006, and the pension has increased by 3.8% in real terms. The inflation rate in March against February 2007 constituted 0.5%, and against December 2006 – 2.1%.