Kartun: the economy maintains stable positive dynamics

Andrey Kartun. Ministry of Economy April 17, MINSK . The economy maintains stable positive dynamics. This was stated by First Deputy Minister of Economy Andrei Kartun, commenting on the results of the country's socio-economic development in the first quarter of this year, BelTA learned from the press service of the Ministry of Economy.

As previously reported by the National Statistical Committee, the growth rate in January - March was 104.1%.

According to Andrey Kartun, the economy maintains stable positive dynamics: the growth in March 2024 compared to March last year is 4.3%. “Industry maintains high rates: in January - March 2024 - 106.5%. We have significantly increased the production of trucks and cars, buses, televisions, nitrogen fertilizers, cement, confectionery, paints, varnishes,” he noted. Agriculture

shows good results (106.8%). “We received a large increase in vegetables (more than 1.5 times), eggs and MILK,” said Andrey Kartun. According to the first deputy minister, trade is also growing steadily: retail - 113.1%, wholesale - 105.8%, which is largely due to the rapid growth of real incomes of the population, as well as the restrained growth of the consumer price index. The drivers of growth, along with industry and trade, included construction at a rate of 104.3%. Steady positive dynamics are noted in the transport sector (105.4%): the growth rate of passenger turnover was 108.3%, cargo turnover - 103.1%. As Andrey Kartun noted, the economy is supported by increased sales in foreign markets. "Exports of goods in January - February amounted to $6.2 billion. An increase of 1.5% was achieved due to an increase in physical volumes. In particular, it was possible to increase exports to the countries of Asia (by 14.2%) and Africa (by 3.4 times )," he emphasized. Enterprises continue to invest in development and modernization. The growth rate of investments in fixed capital for January - March is 104.8%. "Annual inflation in March remained at 5.6%, which, along with the efficient operation of the economy, allows us to ensure a high level of wages - more than Br2 thousand in February 2024. Labor pensions also increased in real terms - by 9.1%," - noted the first deputy minister.