Government expects better domestic consumption in 2010

The Ministry of Trade plans that the domestic consumption will grow 14 percent in 2010 against 2009, Arthur Karpovich, head of trade and services department at the Ministry of Trade, told reporters. "In 2009, Belarus reported Br55.9 trillion in retail sales or 3 percent up against 2008. As for 2010, we plan to increase consumption up to 14-15 percent compared to 2009”, he said.

The official could not explain why his ministry was so optimistic.