Inflation in Belarus in 2013 is planned to be no more than 12%

July 25, Minsk / Anna Kot - BELTA /. Inflation in Belarus in 2013 is planned at no more than 12%. This was announced today to journalists by the Deputy Minister of Economy of Belarus Alexander Yaroshenko, according to a BELTA correspondent. The Deputy Minister noted that this is a rather difficult task. He also added: "Next year, we plan for the level of reimbursement by the population of the costs for housing and communal services provided to reach 35%." At the same time, the Deputy Minister noted that among the main factors that should curb inflationary processes are tight monetary policy and strict monetary policy. This includes a strict policy in the area of preferential lending. As an example, the Deputy Minister cited the investment policy that is currently being followed. "And next year, we foresee a further reduction in lending, including through emission funds. The limit should be no more than 1% of GDP. According to our calculations, this is about Br6 trillion," Alexander Yaroshenko said. "By fulfilling these strict requirements, we will be able to achieve the planned inflation rate," he stressed. Speaking about the inflation rate this year, the Deputy Minister noted: "According to our calculations, we currently see that we can stay within the forecast corridor of 19-22% this year for the consumer price index." "There is a certain moment associated with the same wage growth. But again, I want to draw attention to the fact that we must still adhere to the postulate that we constantly talk about: the excess of labor productivity over the growth of real wages," Alexander Yaroshenko stressed. "As for the budget sector, the increase in the first-category rate is within the framework of a deficit-free budget and is coordinated with the possibilities of budget policy," the Deputy Minister added. -0-