Republic

In 2008 Belarus plans to increase the exports of services by 40% from the 2007 level. This target has been approved by resolution #204 of the Council of Ministers “On addenda and amendments to the comprehensive programme of developing the services industry in the Republic of Belarus for 2006-2010”. In line with the document, in 2009 the country is expected to augment the exports of services by 20% over 2008 and to raise them by 21% in 2010 as against 2009. The Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange is expected to boost services in current prices by 10% on an annual basis starting from 2008, BelTA was told in the Council of Ministers’ Office. This year insurance services for corporate and individual clients are set to see an upturn of 25.3-25.5% from 2007, tourist and excursion services – 28%, services of physical training and sports facilities – 22.5%. The proceeds from the cargo and passenger hauls of the transport organizations of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (without taking into account the Aviation Department and Belarusian Railways) will soar by 12% as against 2007, railway transport – by 13% and air transport – by 15%. Services are projected to account for 42-43% of the country’s GDP in 2008 (44-45% - in 2009 and 46-48% - in 2010). The service industry personnel is prognosticated to account for 56% of the total economy staff in 2008. The figure will reach 56.7% in 2009 and 57-58% - in 2010. In 2008 Minsk and the Vitebsk oblasts are expected to lead in the amount of the people engaged in the service industry, with 62.7% and 57% respectively. The regions will remain leaders in 2010, with 64% and 58% respectively.