Government Makes Improved Forecasts On Rise In GDP In 2001

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov held a meting with the Finance and Economy Ministers and representatives of the Central Bank today. This meeting was devoted to the implementation of the 2001 federal budget. In addition, top officials discussed the macroeconomic situation in Russia. A source in the government reported to journalists that Russia maintains an economic growth and the rise in GDP is expected to reach about 5.5 or 6 per cent in 2001. Participants of the meeting stated that the inflation rate has stabilized at an appropriate level of 0.08 per cent from the beginning of October until now, which is 50 per cent less as compared to the corresponding period last year.