MINSK, November 13. /Dunyo IA/. Belarusian publication “Ekonomicheskaya Gazeta” has published an analytical review of the results of Uzbekistan’s socio-economic development over the first nine months of this year, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the publication, country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 8.3%, with the services sector and industry serving as the main drivers of growth. Double-digit growth rates were recorded across several services: trade increased by 17.4%, transport services by 16.4%, information and communication services by 21.4% and financial services by 22%. Small businesses contributed to a 20.4% increase in retail trade turnover.

Industrial production increased by 8.1%, with manufacturing industry growing by 8.6% and the energy sector by 10.1%.

Fixed capital investment exceeded $48.5 billion, representing a 20.1% increase. According to the publication, foreign direct investment (FDI) was the main source of investment, accounting for 38.9% of the total. The leading sectors in attracting investment were manufacturing industry (27.4%) and housing construction (approximately 15%).

“Ekonomicheskaya Gazeta” forecasts that high growth rates will be sustained over the medium term and recommends that Belarusian entrepreneurs and investors step up cooperation with the Uzbek market.