Zero Inflation Expected In Second Half Of 2005

ZERO INFLATION EXPECTED IN SECOND HALF OF 2005

YEREVAN, JULY 16. ARMINFO. Zero inflation is expected in the second
half of this year, says the board of Armenia’s Central Bank. This
makes quite attainable the planned 3% inflation for the year.

In the first half year inflation was 1.5% against planned 4% – due
to 2.2% deflation against planned 1.8% in the second quarter.

In Jan-May 2005 the economic growth was 8.5% with the planned level for
the year being 8%. In this light the 8% plan seems quite optimistic and
can even be exceeded due to an expected agricultural boost in the third
quarter. The foreign trade turnover has also grown. The exports (less
precious stones) grew by 29.5%, the imports by 26.1% with the deficit
growing to 23.6% with is share in GDP dropping by 3.6% totalling 27.2%.

In the tax-budgetary sector the expenditure plan was underfulfilled
by 22 bln AMD while the revenue one overfulfilled by 5.6%. This
shows that the tax-budgetary policy has a restrictive effect in the
gross demand.-0

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress