OREANDA-NEWS. August 6, 2010. Belarus’ gross domestic product will grow 7.5% in 2010 if current trends prevail, Economy Minister Nikolai Snopkov said during a session of the Council of Ministers.

“Based on the current trends, the 2010 GDP forecast is projected at 107.5% of the 2009 level, which is below the official target,” he said.

Snopkov mentioned the main parameters that were below the target: farm output, capital investments, export of commodities and services. “Another target that we do not expect attained if the current pace remains is individual incomes in real terms.”

“These are estimates we make twice a month, and I emphasize that if the current trends prevail, we will only have these results,” Snopkov said.

“To reach at least the bottom target for GDP growth in 2010 and meet the five-year targets, we need to achieve the following parameters in the second half of the year: the manufacturing sector must grow 11.2%, agriculture 15.7%, retail turnover 15%, capital investments 42%, construction and assembly operations 20%, and exports must grow 27%.”