Industrial production in Belarus 13% up in H1

In H1 2008 the industrial output in Belarus was up 13% over the same period last year to Br62.712 trillion, BelTA was told in the Ministry of Statistics and Analysis. In 2008 the industrial output is projected to increase by 8-9%. According to preliminary date of the ministry, over the six months 2008 the production of consumer goods was up 13.6% to Br11.614 trillion (the annual tart is 9-10% up). The manufacture of foodstuffs increased by 13.3% (the annual target - 8-9%) and reached Br5.734 trillion, that of nonfoods was up 13.3% to Br5.131 trillion (the annual target 10-11%). The production of alcohol beverages ramped up by 11.8% to Br748.8 billion. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Analysis, in January-May the GDP energy intensity was down 6.3% (the target is 7-8% down). Over the five months the profitability of industrial products made up 17.8% (the annual target is 12-13%).