Uzbekistan, Tashkent, April 20 / Trend D. Azizov /
Gross domestic product (GDP) of Uzbekistan in January - March 2012 rose by 7.5 percent, compared with the same period in 2011, Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev said on Friday at a government meeting on the outcome of the country's socio-economic development in the first quarter.
Industrial production increased during the reporting period by six per cent, agricultural products - by 6.1 percent, the volume of construction works - by 6.6 percent.
State budget was executed with a surplus of 0.2 percent to GDP. The inflation rate has not exceeded the established predictive parameters, said the Prime Minister.
Production of consumer goods increased in January - March by 5.4 percent, retail trade - by 11 percent, services - 12.5 percent. The share of services in GDP rose to 52.1 percent against 48.5 percent a year earlier.
In the first quarter the volume of investments increased by 4.4 percent. New 127 production facilities were commissioned.
Further diversification of exports structure, development of new export markets and sustainable positive trade balance are being ensured. Active implementation of the State Program "Year of the Family" has begun.
During the meeting, the government analyzed the situation to deepen structural reforms and diversify the economy, accelerate the implementation of the investment program for 2012, program of modernization, technical and technological renewal of strategic sectors of economy.
Ministries and agencies were given specific tasks to accelerate the implementation of investment projects, renovate existing facilities and commission new high-tech industries. Particular attention was paid to the detailed consideration of the work to improve the competitiveness of production of domestic producers, to increase the volume and range of its exports, strengthen its positions in foreign markets and widen geography of products' export.
The meeting participants also discussed the implementation of programs of advanced development of transport and engineering infrastructure, construction of individual housing in rural areas according to standard designs.
Under the program to create jobs and provide employment for 2012, more than 234,000 new jobs were created in the republic from the beginning of the year, of which over 153,000, or about 65 percent - in the rural areas.
According to State Statistics Committee, Uzbekistan's GDP in 2011 grew by 8.3 percent, compared to 2010, inflation was 7.6 percent.
Industrial production increased last year by 6.3 percent, agricultural production - by 6.6 percent. The volume of construction works increased by 8.5 percent, consumer goods production - by 11 percent, paid services - by 16.1 percent.
In 2012, the government forecasts GDP growth of 8.2 percent, industrial production - 8.6 percent, agricultural products - 5.8 percent. Total capital investment is planned to increase by 9.3 percent, inflation is planned to be kept within seven - nine per cent.
The official exchange rate is 1853,01 soums to $1 on April 20.