A. Lukashenko: the results of the Belarusian economy's performance are at least encouraging

March 23, Minsk /BELTA/. Head of State Alexander Lukashenko positively assesses the results of Belarus' economy performance this year. He stated this today while hearing reports from the chairmen of the Vitebsk and Gomel regional executive committees on the development of these regions, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader. "The first quarter of 2012 is coming to an end. The results of Belarus' socio-economic development for January-February are already known. We can assess what we will achieve by the beginning of the second quarter," the President said. As Alexander Lukashenko noted, "overall, the results of the country's economy performance are at least encouraging." Industry and agriculture are developing within the forecast values, not only in quantitative but also in qualitative terms. A positive balance of foreign trade in goods and services has been achieved. The monetary and credit system is functioning stably. Order is maintained in the foreign exchange market. "But this is if we look at the macro level. In the regional context, the situation is not yet so rosy everywhere. Therefore, a more detailed analysis of the situation on the ground is needed to catch up the lagging ones," the head of state emphasized. The President announced that he intends to hear reports from governors on regional development in turn by groups. "Today, it's Vitebsk and Gomel," Alexander Lukashenko said. -0-