In January-August Belarus’ GDP is 8.5% up

In the eight months 2007 Belarus’ GDP grew by 8.5% as against same time last year. According to the estimates, in 2007 GDP should be 8%-9% up and in the nine months it was expected to be 8.3% up, BelTA learnt in the Ministry of Statistics and Analysis. In January-August this year the industrial output grew by 7.7%, the consumer goods production went up by 6.9%. The decrease in foodstuffs production slowed down, the output of nonfoods jumped by 12.2%. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Analysis, in the period under review the GDP energy intensity was 12.2% down while the target was 6%-7%. The profitability of sold products in industry stood at 13.1%, the labour productivity reached 108.3%.