Prices of products and services in Transnistria continue to rise

The self-styled economy ministry of the breakaway republic of Transnistria forecasts a stable economic situation in the region for 2008. In reality, the prices of products and services continue to go up. The figures for the first quarter indicate rises of 30-40%, as compared to the official projections of 12 -18%, Info-Prim Neo’s correspondent in Transnistria informs. The Cabinet of the unrecognized republic examined the 2007 growth rates in Transnistria. Transnistria’s economy minister Elena Cernenko said that 35.6% of the cereal fields were affected by drought. At the same time, the industrial production volume rose by 53.4% compared with 2006. However, 24 companies did not work, while 45 decreased production levels. Owing to the economic problems, the population continues to leave. Some 7,000 people went away in 2007. Out of these, 1,500 are people of working age. According to statistics, the prices in March rose by 20-25%.