OREANDA-NEWS. July 15, 2009. In January-June 2009, Gomel-based industrial companies produced products at the amount of Br2824.5 billion, or 12.6% up as against H1 2008 (1.9% below forecast), head of the economy department of Natalia Gevraseva told a session of the Gomel Town Executive Committee on 15 July.

There are 132 companies in Gomel which produce industrial products. Over the six months 2009, some 68 of them reduced the production as against the same period of last year.

In H1 2009, the growth of the consumer goods production made up 98.8% as against the same period of last year. The Gomel-based companies increased the production of foodstuffs by 10.9%, the production of non-foods downed by 12.1%. The finished goods inventory made up 89.4% as against monthly average production (Br414.3 billion).

The investments in the fixed assets upped by 55% (the projections stood at 20%).

As of 1 July, the unemployment level in Gomel made up 1%.