OREANDA-NEWS. May 14, 2009. All goals outlined by the Major Monetary Management Guidelines of Belarus for January-April 2009 have been reached, Chairman of the Board of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB) Piotr Prokopovich informed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on May 14.

The press service of the President of Belarus told BelTA, the head of state had been informed about the fulfilment of the Major Monetary Management Guidelines over the four months and tasks for the near future. Special attention was paid to the fulfilment of the plans, which influence the accomplishment of the national social and economic development forecast.

The Belarusian ruble exchange rate remains steady at plus/minus 5% against the basket of foreign currencies. In April the exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble grew stronger against the US dollar and weaker against the euro and the Russian ruble. The President urged to make sure that fluctuations of the exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble stay within 5%.

In January-April lending went ahead of schedule. The amount of credit resources granted to the real economy increased by more than 50% in comparison with the same period of last year, while lending to such priority areas as housing construction soared by over 60%.

The country’s payment system has been working flawlessly as well. Over the four months of 2009 the volume of payments increased by 55% in comparison with the same period of last year, testifying to the normal operation of the economy.

The head of state urged rigorous fulfilment of all the goals of the Major Monetary Management Guidelines.

Besides, during the report the fulfilment of several instructions of the President was discussed. In particular, the head of state was informed about the operation of 12 agricultural companies owned by the National Bank. Over the first three months of the year proceeds from selling their products increased by 53% in comparison with the same period of last year, while sales increased by 30% on the average. Alexander Lukashenko urged fulfilment of all his instructions concerning the development of agricultural companies and the implementation of all programmes.