OREANDA-NEWS. March 22, 2011. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has increased the GDP growth forecast for Belarus to 6.9% from 6.2%, the IMF said in staff report issued following Article IV consultations with Belarus. An IMF mission worked in Belarus.

In nominal terms, Belarus’ GDP will reach 197.4 trillion Belarusian rubles (Br) in 2011. Belarus’ GDP expanded 7.6% in 2010 and 0.2% in 2009.

Consumer prices are expected to increase 10.5% in 2011, whereas the previous forecast was at 10.8%.

In 2010, consumer price inflation reached 9.9%.

The current account deficit is projected at 14.1% of GDP in 2011, compared to 16% in 2010.

Gold and foreign exchange reserves are expected to reach USD 6.2 billion in 2011, 1.5 months’ worth of import of commodities and services, up from USD 5 billion in 2010, 1.4 months’ worth of import.

Financing gap is projected at USD 4.6 billion in 2011.