OREANDA-NEWS. August 23, 2007. This year Belarus’ foreign trade deficit may reach $2,1 billion, 4,8% of the GDP, Belarusian Economy Minister Nikolai Zaichenko told a session of the Council of Ministers Presidium today. The session tabled major figures of the national social and economic development forecast and the budget bill for 2008, reported the Official website http://www.government.by.

The Economy Minister reminded, starting this year Belarus is subject to new energy supply terms, which differ from the forecast ones from the very start. According to Nikolai Zaichenko, the fact largely accounted for the growing overseas trade deficit this year. Apart from that, import of investments largely influenced the figure as well.

The Economy Ministry expects they will be able to improve the foreign trade balance by $700 million in 2008. The foreign trade deficit is expected to total $1,4 billion in late 2008. The foreign trade deficit is expected to further shrink down to $600 million in late 2009. In 2010 Belarus is expected to secure a foreign trade surplus.