The Ukrainian government expects GDP to increase 1.0-1.5% yoy in 2013, Finance Minister Yuriy Kolobov said at an international conference “ABC: Ukraine and Partners” in Kyiv on June 13.
Alexander Paraschiy: We interpret this statement as the government’s recognition that the Ukrainian economy is in trouble. Recall, the state budget projects 3.4% yoy GDP growth in 2013 and Prime Minister Mykola Azarov in May repeated that 3% is a realistic target for 2013. Yet it’s Kolobov’s statement that’s in line with our reading of developments. We project 0.2% GDP growth in 2013.